Minding Our Elders
mindingourelders.bsky.social
Minding Our Elders
@mindingourelders.bsky.social
Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF has provided care for multiple family members. She’s a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator, author, newspaper columnist, consultant, and blog host at Minding Our Elders.
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Family Deaths Will Alter Holiday Traditions, but Life Still Offers Hope

Dear Carol: My husband and I used to go all out with a fresh tree, lots of decorations, and big family gatherings. Then, last May...

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@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
@inforumfm
@senecasense
Family Deaths Will Alter Holiday Traditions but Life Still Offers Hope - Minding Our Elders
Holiday gatherings emphasize the pain we've felt after a death because the person is missing from so much tradition.
tinyurl.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:07 PM
This is so important! It's a tool, not a diagnosis.
December 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Blood work and a Physical Might Explain Mother’s “Blah” Symptoms

Dear Carol: My 90-year-old mom seems to be declining significantly over the last few weeks. She recently told me she...

tinyurl.com/t35k799x

@Dcpottsmd
@Lead_coalition
@drbarryjjacobs
@inforumfm
@senecasense
Blood work and a Physical Might Explain Mother’s “Blah” Symptoms - Minding Our Elders
Older adults often resist seeing doctors even when changes in their health are evident. Blood work can help uncover the reason for their symptoms.
tinyurl.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Support Can Improve Post-Stroke Grief and Depression

Dear Carol: My dad had a stroke a few months ago. He’s recovered enough to come home, which would be great news, except that he’s struggling emotionally. Dad’s been grieving Mom’s death from...

tinyurl.com/rhzxdctz

@leadcoalition.bsky.social
Support Can Improve Post-Stroke Grief and Depression - Minding Our Elders
Experiencing a stroke can lead to life-changing set-backs and disability which understandably can lead to depression. Here's how to help:
tinyurl.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
A Different Type of Dementia Is Changing What’s Known About Cognitive Decline: On its own, LATE dementia is less severe than Alzheimer’s, but in combination, it makes Alzheimer’s symptoms worse. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/28/h... by @pambelluck.bsky.social @nytimes.com

#LATE #Alzheimers #dementia
A Different Type of Dementia Is Changing What’s Known About Cognitive Decline
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Keep An Open Mind When Choosing Assisted Living for Lifelong Farmer

Dear Carol: My dad, now 83, inherited a small farm from his parents. Though he’s sold most of the land, he’s lived his life and raised his family...

Continue: tinyurl.com/bdh4utze

@leadcoalition.bsky.social
Keep An Open Mind When Choosing Assisted Living for Lifelong Farmer - Minding Our Elders
Moving older adults from rural to metro settings is tricky. When considering assisted living, look at all options.
tinyurl.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Pharmacists Can Explain Benefits and Risks of Your Parents’ Medications

Dear Carol: I’ve recently taken over managing my parents’ prescriptions. They each have long lists of drugs and...

Continue: tinyurl.com/3dsptkvj

#pharmacists #caregiving
@Dcpottsmd
@leadcoalition
@drbarryjjacobs
Pharmacists Can Explain Benefits and Risks of Your Parents’ Medications - Minding Our Elders
Pharmacists are often an overlooked resource when it comes to managing our aging parents' health. Use them for better results!
tinyurl.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
How Family Caregivers Can Obtain Medical Equipment for In-Home Care

Dear Carol: My mom requires 24/7 care, but she doesn’t qualify for hospice. Somehow, I need to obtain a lifting device and other mobility aids, and the prices...

Continue: tinyurl.com/bdzkh7cp

@leadcoalition.bsky.social
How Family Caregivers Can Obtain Medical Equipment for In-Home Care - Minding Our Elders
Families provide medical-level care in the home, yet few resources are there to help. How can they get equipment with less expense?
tinyurl.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Fear Is Behind Adult Daughter’s Seemingly Selfish Behavior

Dear Carol: I’m a middle-aged, working mom. Life has been stressful, but manageable. My question is about my parents who are in their mid-seventies and love...

Continue reading: tinyurl.com/yh35fyu8
@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
Fear Is Behind Adult Daughter’s Seemingly Selfish Behavior - Minding Our Elders
We worry about aging parents and want them to cut back on what we see is risky. That can be unfair to them. They need to live.
tinyurl.com
October 26, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
A lot of people -- millions! -- are saying that attending a pro-democracy march is a great way to get some exercise, increase social connection, improve sleep quality, and improve your brain health.
"Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing even light daily physical activity – for example, standing up for a phone call or taking short walks – can support metabolic health and help prevent diseases."
www.sciencealert.com/just-a-few-m...
Just a Few Minutes of Daily Activity Can Boost Your Metabolism, Study Reveals
A boost to the metabolism can be a walk in the park.
www.sciencealert.com
October 18, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
Benzodiazepines, Antipsychotics Raise Mortality Risk for Some Dementia Patients medpagetoday.com/neurology/de... by @medpagetoday.com

#Alzheimers #dementia #hospice #caregiving
Benzodiazepines, Antipsychotics Raise Mortality Risk for Some Dementia Patients
Starting treatment early in hospice tied to shorter survival for patients not imminently dying
medpagetoday.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
Adjusting to New Caregivers is Difficult for Most Older Adults inforum.com/health/bursa... by @mindingourelders.bsky.social

#Alzheimers #dementia #caregiving
August 28, 2025 at 10:38 PM
When Older Adults Won’t Accept Outside Help Caring for Their Spouse

Dear Carol: I’m concerned about my parents, who are in their early 80s. My dad’s a large man, and my tiny mother ...

Continue: tinyurl.com/mx9vznum

#inhomecare #assistedliving #agingparents
#caregiving #family #caregiving
When Older Adults Won’t Accept Outside Help Caring for Their Spouse - Minding Our Elders
Older couples often want to care for each other without help but often that endangers both of them. Here are tips to help:
tinyurl.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
Enormous gratitude to everyone who has made it possible to reach 10,000 friends here on BlueSky!
October 11, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15: Plans Changing, Premiums Increasing

Dear Readers: Medicare annual open enrollment begins Oct 15, 2025, for 2026 coverage. My usual advice stands. Ignore the calls...

Continue on MindingOurEldersBlog: tinyurl.com/2vtsyk3x

@mariannesciucco
@Ian.kremer
Welcome to Medicare
The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.
Medicare.gov
October 12, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Family Caregiver Asks for Training to Support Increasing Responsibility

Dear Carol: I’m a business professional who will soon face caring for my aging father who has an ever-increasing number of physica...

tinyurl.com/yzaurcum

@alzauthors @mariannesciucco
@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
Family Caregiver Asks for Training to Support Increasing Responsibility - Minding Our Elders
Family caregivers are challenged to provide complicated care for their parents, often without training. Here's help:
tinyurl.com
October 5, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Daughter Hurt Because Mom Doesn't Want to Live with Her

Dear Carol: My mother is in her 80s and is doing well except for arthritic pain and some blood pressure issues...

Continue: tinyurl.com/wns5p994

@alzauthors @mariannesciucco
@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
@leadcoalition.bsky.social
Daughter Hurt Because Mom Doesn't Want to Live with Her - Minding Our Elders
Conventional wisdom says older adults want to move in with their kids as they age. but reality is often quite different.
tinyurl.com
September 28, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
Simple Lifestyle Shifts That Can Boost Brain Health. @SixtyandMe https://sixtyandme.com/boost-brain-health-lifestyle/
September 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Minding Our Elders
5 surprisingly hopeful things we learned about Alzheimer’s this year wapo.st/4neIxT3

#Alzheimers #dementia #health #wellness
5 surprisingly hopeful things we learned about Alzheimer’s this year
From a blood test to the unexpected role of lithium, these findings may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the memory-robbing condition.
wapo.st
September 28, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Falls Prevention Week Highlights Need for Education and Medical Guidance

Dear Carol: I’m a single, aging woman who has always lived alone. I’ve loved my life working, voluntrrrinh....

Continue: tinyurl.com/58wktrm4

@alzauthors @mariannesciucco
@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
Falls Prevention Week Highlights Need for Education and Medical Guidance - Minding Our Elders
Fear of falls is justified as people age but managing balance and medications can go a long way toward prevention. Read more:
tinyurl.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Wife Sleeps too Much and Has Lost Interest in Appearance and Bathing

Dear Carol: My wife has always been interested in style and appearance, so regular hair and nail appointments were...

Continue: tinyurl.com/mr2t2zz9

@alzauthors @mariannesciucco
@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
Wife Sleeps too Much and Has Lost Interest in Appearance and Bathing - Minding Our Elders
Sleeping too much and losing interest in hygiene can signal depression or some type of cognitive change. A medical exam is necessary.
tinyurl.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Encouraging Retired Parents to Stay Active and Involved

Dear Carol: My husband and I feel blessed that our aging parents are relatively healthy. Even so, retirement has made them physically...

Continue: tinyurl.com/32k5maan

@alzauthors @mariannesciucco
@Dcpottsmd
@Ian.kremer
@drbarryjjacobs
Encouraging Retired Parents to Stay Active and Involved - Minding Our Elders
Retirement can be great, but challenging oneself physically and mentally are important to staying well enough to enjoy life.
tinyurl.com
September 7, 2025 at 11:40 AM