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January 10, 2025 By David Moyer

10 Resolutions for Caring for Aging Parents in 2025

As we enter 2025, many of us reflect on our lives and consider New Year’s resolutions that can make a meaningful difference. For those who are caregivers to aging parents, this is also an opportunity to set intentions that enhance the well-being of our loved ones and protect our own physical, emotional, and mental health. Below are 10 actionable resolutions that can help guide caregivers through the year ahead with compassion, resilience, and balance.

1. Prioritize Open Communication

Good communication is at the heart of caregiving. Resolve to foster open, honest, and respectful conversations with your aging parents. Take the time to understand their wishes, fears, and preferences about their health, daily routines, and long-term plans. Active listening can go a long way in building trust and helping them feel involved and empowered in decision-making. It’s the two eyes, two ears, and one mouth rule. Look, listen, and then ask. Respect is key in these conversations.

December 13, 2024 By David Moyer

Holiday Survival Tips for Caregivers

Finding Joy and Sanity Amid the Chaos

Holidays with Aging Parents - You Can Do It!

The holidays are upon us. That magical time of year when twinkling lights adorn every street, kitchens buzz with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, and caregivers… feel like they’ve just been cast in a survival reality show. Between juggling caregiving duties, managing family dynamics, and trying to enjoy the festivities, the holidays can quickly go from merry to manic. But fear not—with some planning and a dash of humor, you can navigate this season without losing your cool.

1. Adjust Expectations: Your Christmas Dinner Doesn’t Need to Be Instagram-Worthy

Let’s start with a reality check: the holidays mustn’t be perfect to be meaningful. If you’re caring for an aging parent, chances are you already have enough on your plate (literally and figuratively). Focus on creating a cozy, low-key celebration rather than striving for a Norman Rockwell-esque masterpiece. Burnt cookies? Call them “aromatic”. Forget the table centerpiece? No one will remember—especially Uncle Joe after his second glass of spiked wassel.

Also, keep in mind that too much activity, noise, or a crowded room can be overwhelming for parents with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. They may struggle to process the commotion, leading to frustration, withdrawal, or arguments. Plan for quieter moments and smaller gatherings to help them feel more comfortable and connected.

February 13, 2024 By David Moyer

AI in Healthcare – Eldercare Part 5/5

AI in Healthcare - Eldercare

Introduction

This is Part 5 in the series on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Part 1 provided a broad overview of the industry and how AI is already being used. Part 2 focused on how doctors and clinicians use AI and how it will impact their daily practices. Part 3 described how hospitals are using AI to increase efficiency across several departments while at the same time providing better patient access to hospital systems. Part 4 illustrates how the pharmaceutical industry uses AI to reduce the R&D of new drugs but is also more focused on clinical trials and production. In Part 5, I will discuss how AI is helping in eldercare, probably not an area you think it would be in, but it is increasingly helping caregivers in many dimensions.

Why Eldercare?

The simple reason is that it’s complicated. My response is not complicated; healthcare for older adults is complicated. Think about it for a minute. First, this is my opinion, and I’m not a doctor, but I have experience providing care for our parents and stepparents for almost 15 years.

January 19, 2024 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals Part 4/5

AI in Healthcare - Pharma

This is Part 4 in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) series in healthcare. Previous articles provided a general introduction (Part 1), how clinicians are using AI (Part 2), and how health systems are using AI (part 3). In Part 4, I move into the area of drug development using AI; I’m using the word drug to refer to any medication developed and marketed by the industry. This area will see the most impact in healthcare over the next five years or earlier.

First, a short note. My experience in the pharmaceutical industry is more limited than in the provider side of healthcare. I have performed several small projects in back office operations, not discovery, development, regulations, or marketing. My knowledge comes from discussions with those in the industry and reading many books and journals over the past several years to help me better understand the industry. I’ve also used the very thing I’m writing about, AI, to expand my knowledge in this field. Please read this article with that in mind and feel free to offer corrections where appropriate. Be gentle. So, let’s dive in.

An Overview of the Industry

We have all taken drugs at some point in our lives, hopefully keeping on the right side of the law. Getting a medication to the point where it becomes safe to take involves a large amount of research and money. AI is transforming the pharmaceutical industry by improving drug discovery and delivery efficiency, accuracy, and speed. The following is a brief overview of bringing a medication to market and, more importantly, into your body.

January 19, 2024 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare – Hospitals Part 3/5

AI is changing how hospitals operate and will drastically change it moving forward. In Part 3, I’ll provide an overview of how AI is being used in the operations of hospitals to increase availability, reduce costs, and provide better care for the population in their community.

Running a hospital is a complex set of operations, no pun intended, processes, regulations, licensing, people management, and patients. Early in my career, a management consulting partner said there was not much difference between manufacturing and hospitals; the processes are just different. The word clueless came to mind almost instantly. The BIG difference is that humans are the focus of the processes, not pieces or parts. Add in licenses for just about everyone in the field, outside certification agencies, and a staggering number of regulations and you have an industry like no other.

Everything is focused on getting the patient better and as close to good health as possible. It’s a highly complex business that only some have a complete picture of how it all works together, and sometimes doesn’t, to heal people. I’ve come close but still only have a tiny understanding of everything.

January 19, 2024 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare Part 2/5

AI in Healthcare - Physicians

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is new to many, but it has existed for decades. It has hit the news recently, primarily due to the release from OPEN.AI and their ChatGPT platform. (GPT: Generative Pre-Trained Transformers, not the movie kind, and emphasis on the pre-trained part) For the first time, AI is accessible to the masses, and those masses are turning AI into exciting products and offerings, with healthcare being one of the primary recipients.

In the first part of this series, I attempted to set the stage for how pervasive AI has become in the past couple of years. It provided an overview of the impact on healthcare and the areas we’ll look at in this series.

In Part 2, I’ll focus on healthcare delivery by physicians, how they use it to increase their ability to deliver diagnoses and treatments to you, and how they can reduce the burden of all their paperwork. Yes, there’s a lot of paperwork and fax machines!

First a Warning

November 30, 2023 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare – An Overview

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) – the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence – is transforming nearly every industry. Healthcare is no exception. AI is being integrated throughout the healthcare field, from assisting doctors in making diagnoses to streamlining hospital operations to discovering new life-saving drugs. In the past three years, investments in digital health have been at $87.9B, according to CB Insights Q3 2023 State of Digital Health.

Before we get too far, let’s first look at some definitions:

Algorithms: Step-by-step instructions for computers to follow. These tell computers what to do, analyze, load, or do some other operation.

Machine learning: Computers learn patterns from data to make their own decisions. You can see this being used in recommending additional purchases, movies, apparel, books, etc.

Artificial intelligence: Computers mimic human intelligence to understand their surroundings and solve complex problems. You can see this in almost everything today, from writing to image recognition and creation.

Artificial general intelligence: Computers that can understand and solve problems similar or better than humans across many subjects. This is the next wave where systems will start adding intelligence to form new ways of doing work, art, processes, and more. It’s also the type of intelligence that creates a lot of concern from those who know how it works.

November 20, 2023 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

Running out of Time

Photo by ilgmyzin on Unsplash

Everyone feels the squeeze of time leading up to Thanksgiving; I can’t even think about Christmas yet, even though retailers are pushing hard! The rush intensifies as we navigate preparations – the perfect setting, the ideal menu, and the hustle to create a flawless celebration. Amidst all this flurry, it’s crucial to redirect our focus to what truly matters: the relationships that shape our lives.

We must remember that the heart of Thanksgiving lies not in the grandeur of the feast or the immaculate décor, although those are good things, but in the warmth of the connections we share. This season, let’s consciously shift our attention from the tangible to the intangible, from things to people.

Let’s remember the fact that the true richness of this day lies in the love we share with friends and family. Instead of stressing over the perfect table setting, focus on setting our hearts on gratitude. Expressing thanks to the people filling our lives with joy and meaning is a gift transcending the material.

This time comes around every year, so plan before and write down what you are thankful for to share your gratitude with others. Spend time to do this; it will reward you and those around you.

It’s also essential to take a moment to reflect on our elderly parents who have filled our lives with wisdom and love. Beyond the festivities, they yearn for a deeper, more meaningful connection. Make a conscious effort to let them know they are cherished. A heartfelt conversation, a warm embrace, or a simple expression of love can mean the world to them. Time is the best blessing you can give to them.

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, may our hearts overflow with gratitude for those who make our lives extraordinary. Let’s embrace the true essence of the holiday—a celebration of love, connection, and the precious gift of time.

November 17, 2023 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: Support & Advances in Treatment

“There are only four kinds of people in the world.
Those who have been caregivers.
Those who are currently caregivers.
Those who will be caregivers,
and those who will need a caregiver.”
― Rosalyn Carter
https://rosalynncarter.org

This is the last part in a series to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. In the previous parts, I reviewed who discovered the disease, Alois Alzheimer, in 1906. I then listed several celebrities who died from it and how to care for someone with the disease. In Part Two, I reviewed symptoms and risk factors that increase the probability of getting the disease, followed by some treatments. Part Three again listed some strategies on caring, the influence of nutrition, and a book to read on ways to put into practice talking to and caring for someone with the disease.

In this final part, I will list some resources you can access as a caregiver to help on this journey. I will also list some newer treatments and point you to other ongoing research to look into and keep up to date. So, let’s start.

November 15, 2023 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: Strategies, Nutrition, Book Recommendation

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. However, with the right approach and support, you can provide comfort, understanding, and maintain their dignity. In this part of raising awareness of the disease, I explore strategies and tips to help you navigate the complexities of caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Here are some suggestions about how to care for someone.

1. Enhance Communication

Effective communication is crucial when interacting with someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some tips to enhance communication:

– Maintain eye contact and use a calm and reassuring tone.
– Speak slowly and clearly, giving the person time to process your words.
– Use simple and concise sentences, avoiding complex or abstract concepts.
– Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language, as they may provide important clues about their feelings or needs.

November 10, 2023 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatments

This is the second post to raise awareness during National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In the first post, I reviewed the types of Alzheimer’s disease, listed some notable celebrities who have died from it, and gave a brief description of how to care for a loved one with the disease.

Some of you know this disease too well, either by directly caring for someone who has it or seeing its effects on others. Either way, it isn’t easy to experience. As mentioned in part one, my wife and I have had two of our parents with the disease, and my hope is to raise awareness of what actually happens to someone who has the condition and what you can do to prepare yourself to provide care for that person or support those that are caring for their loved one.

November 2, 2023 By David Moyer Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: History, Celebrities, Caregiving

My Mom had Alzheimer’s disease starting in her late 70’s and progressively worsened until she passed away at 95. As a family we didn’t recognize the disease until it was obvious that something was wrong. This is how many realize that a parent or loved one has the disease. Through the years we discovered what we could and couldn’t do to help Mom and ourselves to work through the disease.

Given that November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I wanted to provide you with an understanding of what it is and how to love someone through the journey. This is not an attempt to give you detailed information on all aspects of the disease, for that I would recommend the Alzheimer’s Association as the authority. I hope this provides a short introduction.

I’ve broken this up into several sections to be posted over the next several weeks.

April 14, 2021 By David Moyer

John Oliver takes on Long Term Care

Earlier this week, John Oliver released a video criticizing the Long-Term Care industry, pointing out some awful actors’ appalling practices. The video’s link is below but be warned; there is very explicit language that he uses throughout the video.

First, let me highlight that the industry does have serious flaws with particular companies that are more profit than care-oriented. Many others focus on care and are not putting money first. These facilities care deeply for their residents and go beyond the call to take care of them.

Mom was in a good facility.

That was the case with my Mom, who recently passed a month short of her 95th birthday. The staff in her facility loved her and were genuinely sorry to see her go. The facility followed all precautions for COVID, much to my annoyance as I could not be with her, but we understood why. Staff cared for her when we couldn’t be there then arranged in-person visits when the situation allowed. She will be greatly missed.

April 22, 2020 By David Moyer

April is Financial Literacy Month

A brief reminder to look out for your parent’s financial wellbeing during this unprecedented time.

April is Financial Literacy month in North America. During this time, we should take a close view at the financial strains we may be experiencing, but more importantly, our parents. If they are well into their retirement years, take this opportunity to help them assess or reassess their finances. One of the biggest fears most have of retiring is outlasting monies saved for this time of life. Don’t underestimate this point; it can be a stress point that may not be visible to you but is always on their minds.

Start simple

Photo by William Iven on Unsplash

You can start with a simple cash flow analysis. What is your parent’s income, and what are their expenses each month? Pensions and benefits are generally paid monthly, while annuities tend to be on a quarterly schedule. Ask about all types of income and expenses, so you have a full picture. Once done, you know if they have enough money each month and potentially what they need to cut back on or put into other assets.

March 26, 2020 By David Moyer

Is your parent on lockdown? Give them more attention.

Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash

More of the population around the world are in lockdown situations than ever before in history. Even more are asked to maintain social distancing from others. Given that people with chronic conditions and people over 65 are at high risk, many retirement communities and nursing homes have been in lockdown for the past several weeks. This compounds an already growing problem of isolation and loneliness experienced by many, as noted in a previous article.

Many families have several generations living in the same home. This has, unfortunately, led to a higher rate of infections in those homes, putting many more at risk. Others have taken the road of living separated from family in different dwellings, states/provinces, or even countries. This is a time of high conflict in wanting to be with family but also wanting to keep them safe by not being physically close. What can we do then during this time?

February 14, 2020 By David Moyer

Loneliness kills. So, don’t let it!

My Dad was in the Army and was one of the thousands that were caught in a bombing raid that ended up killing over 2,400 soldiers and civilians in less than two hours. Most of his fellow soldiers were in their early 20’s, he was 19 years old experiencing being strafed by planes and watching his friends die. 19!

That experience galvanized these men and women into what ended up being a lifelong friendship. My Dad was the State Chairman of a national survivors group and kept in touch with over 400 of them regularly. I can recall some epic parties with hundreds of families in our back yard under a tent, think Octoberfest. They started on Thursday and ended late Sunday afternoon. There was a lot of beer, food, and music, but also games for the children, did I mention there was beer? We had some great summers.

January 28, 2020 By David Moyer

Longevity – 77 years? Really, that’s it?

source: Gender life expectancy

Longevity is sometimes called lifespan and indicates the length of life in years a person can expect to live. Needless to say, many variables go into this calculation, but it is often used by governments, insurance companies, and healthcare providers, for projections, risk analysis, and benefits. Be aware that these are averages you see in reports and research, just take a look at this interactive chart based on 2011 data. That data hasn’t changed much either way since then. BTW, my wife and I are moving to Monaco!

So why is it something we need to think about? Retirement, money, and health. Depending on where you live, retirement may be as young as 55, from a company position. Many others officially retire at 65. Some work beyond that age, either part-time or volunteering for organizations until age catches up to them.

Once you retire, you are living off investments made before retirement, unless you had a rich relative that left a bunch of money to you. That length is longevity, and those funds determine what kind of lifestyle you will have.

January 11, 2020 By David Moyer

Beers list can potentially save your parent’s life!

You’ve done a great job monitoring your parents as they age, managing daily tasks, and getting help when needed. You have listed all their medications and keep track as they take them as prescribed. Good job!

But did you know there is a list of almost 100 medications that are potentially harmful to those over 65?

Photo by Haley Lawrence on Unsplash

Most people over 65 take at least one medication, with 66% of the population taking three or more, according to the CDC. The American Heart Association found that older adults in Cardiac ICUs are taking 12 medications on average. There are a lot of medications to manage in a critical situation!

As you age, changes occur in how medications are metabolized in your body. Our liver is responsible for metabolizing drugs, and it’s the ability to filter slows down as we age. Remember from school that your liver filters everything you put in your mouth, up your nose, or in your arm. So, Love your Liver!

January 4, 2020 By David Moyer

Question your Mom (or Dad) about everything.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

As we get back to work with fond memories of the holidays spent with family and friends, we recall the good times and conversations we enjoyed or endured. Hopefully, some of those were with our parents. It’s interesting that we can go about thinking we know a lot about our parents. After all, we’ve been around them our entire lives. We know foods they like, where they went to school, some of their friends, and maybe, even where they met and things about their life before they had children. But do we really know them?

If you have any experience with Dementia in whatever form, you know that memories can fade fast along with names and places. The further it progresses, the less your parents can remember. Except for the early years. It has something to do with storing significant and early events in your life and being able to recall them when needed.

December 5, 2019 By David Moyer

Guess who’s coming to Dinner…and Staying?!

Picture this. You and the family are sitting around the dinner table, having a lovely time enjoying food and conversation about school and work. Towards the end of the meal, your spouse says, “We have to talk about something.”

Photo by Travis Yewell on Unsplash

Everyone stops chewing and looks at each other, thinking, “What did I do now?” The children are breaking into a sweat racking their brains about what happened in school the last two weeks, trying to recall what they might have done that you didn’t hear about yet. Your spouse is doing the same, “Did I forget something, an anniversary, birthday, maybe offended someone?”

Your spouse finally breaks the silence and starts talking about Mom or Dad, they’re slowing down, that they’ve noticed some things around the house that aren’t getting done and that in the not so to distance future they may need to move to where someone can take better care of them. Your spouse then says those words you never thought they would say,

October 28, 2019 By David Moyer

Are You Ready to Have THAT Conversation With Your Parents?

You remember “The Conversation” don’t you? Everybody dreads it. You can almost see it coming. Your parents look as serious as you’ve ever seen them. They sit way too close to you. There’s a lot of deep breaths, sighs and them looking at each other as if to say, “you start.” Sometimes it’s just one, or it can be both if it’s going to be THAT conversation. Then it comes. Queue the eye roll.

Whether it’s about your grades, dating, smoking, drugs or sex, we’ve all been there at some point. We cringed because we thought they had no idea what they were talking about, they were soooo old after all, how could they possibly know more than you did about [fill-in-the-blank].