Posts by Sprout Media Lab Testing

Ask the Expert (Amy Natt) My dad has been to the emergency department multiple times in the past year. It’s typically something minor, and they send him home. We have tried to get him to come up with a plan for his increasing needs, but he says he is managing, and we don’t hear from…

Amy Natt My sister was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and I feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. I want to be supportive and learn as much as I can, but I am also scared for the changes this might bring in my life. I feel guilty that I’m not thinking more about…

Being a professional caregiver for seniors is one of the most meaningful jobs out there and one of the most emotionally and physically demanding. Caregivers often have deep compassion and a desire to help. Without clear and sustainable boundaries, however, that same empathy can lead to burnout. Understanding Burnout in Caregiving Burnout doesn’t happen overnight.…

Not every senior has family nearby — or involved — in their care. Whether due to distance, estrangement, or the simple passing of time, many older adults find themselves facing the challenges of aging without the consistent presence of loved ones. In these cases, professional caregivers become more than helpers. They become confidants, companions, and,…

Q: My dad’s dementia has led to moments of anger and aggression—how can I de-escalate these situations without upsetting him more? A: There are many tough aspects about dementia progression and difficult/angry/aggressive behaviors are some of the toughest. They are heartbreaking, especially when it’s very different from the person’s “normal” or pre dementia personality. Here…

Amy Phariss, LCMHCA Clarity Counseling As a therapist, I see clients in all age ranges. I have worked with clients as young as five years old, and I have also worked with clients in their 80s and 90s. It’s one of the best parts of my job: I get to hear stories from every generation!…

Caregivers are the unsung heroes of families and communities. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure loved ones are taken care of in so many ways. From doctor’s visits to grocery shopping to bill paying, caregivers take on the daily tasks necessary for all of us to survive and thrive. This month, we…

Jennifer Tyner Ask the Expert:   I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in my life. I am about to turn 78, and I don’t want to go through chemotherapy and radiation. I don’t have the energy, and this isn’t how I want to spend my last years with my family.…