Aging Well Rochester

04/21/2026

Preventing caregiver burnout - As common as it is to be stressed while caring for an aging loved one, the potential for "vital exhaustion"—burnout—should be taken seriously. Doing your best to avoid it is important for yourself and for those who rely on you.

As common as it is to be stressed while caring for an aging loved one, the potential for "vital exhaustion"—burnout—should be taken seriously. Doing your best to avoid it is important for yourself and for those who rely on you.

04/14/2026

Do you know their wishes? - It might be uncomfortable to talk to your loved one about their preferences for life-sustaining treatment. No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. But it's very important that their desires be understood and documented should they ever be unable to speak for themselves.

It might be uncomfortable to talk to your loved one about their preferences for life-sustaining treatment. No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. But it's very important that their desires be understood and documented should they ever be unable to speak for themselves

04/09/2026

Is it time to do some spring cleaning in the medicine cabinet? April 25 is National Drug Take Back Day. Learn more about safe disposal methods for drugs that are no longer needed.

04/08/2026

More and more of our lives are online now, including those of older adults. That can be helpful … until a relative becomes incapacitated and no one knows their passwords. Taking time for digital planning now can save family caregivers from big headaches later.

03/24/2026

When you’re a male caregiver, it’s different - Are you a man caring for an aging loved one? According to studies, you probably face some unique challenges, ranging from unfamiliar household tasks and workplace pressures to emotional isolation. Though it may be tough to reach out, finding connection and community support is critical.

Are you a man caring for an aging loved one? According to studies, you probably face some unique challenges, ranging from unfamiliar household tasks and workplace pressures to emotional isolation. Though it may be tough to reach out, finding connection and community support is critical.

03/17/2026

Help with choosing a hospital - Think all hospitals deliver the same level of care? It's a good idea to check their track records. Easy-to-use online tools can give you an idea of how facilities score on safety, quality, and patient experience.

Think all hospitals deliver the same level of care? It's a good idea to check their track records. Easy-to-use online tools can give you an idea of how facilities score on safety, quality, and patient experience.

03/12/2026

Making medical decisions in a crisis - Many decisions that family caregivers need to make, happen with a long lead time. Sometimes, however, things change abruptly and you may need to make a big decision quickly. Learn how to make the wisest decisions possible when the need is urgent.

Many decisions that family caregivers need to make, happen with a long lead time. Sometimes, however, things change abruptly and you may need to make a big decision quickly. Learn how to make the wisest decisions possible when the need is urgent.

03/11/2026

As we near the end of the year, it's a natural time to reflect on the big picture. Older adults have a lot to teach us about life. If you're searching for some perspective, check out The Legacy Project, which spent many years compiling practical tips from wise elders.

03/03/2026

Dementia and long-distance caregiving: Staying connected - Even from miles away, you can stay meaningfully connected to a loved one with dementia. Thoughtful visits, simple tech, and steady communication make a big difference.

Even from miles away, you can stay meaningfully connected to a loved one with dementia. Thoughtful visits, simple tech, and steady communication make a big difference.

02/24/2026

What is bradycardia? - A slower-than-normal heart rate can be common in older adults, but it's important to know when it may signal something more serious. If your loved one is feeling dizzy, weak, or lightheaded, it may be time to talk with a medical professional.

A slower-than-normal heart rate can be common in older adults, but it's important to know when it may signal something more serious. If your loved one is feeling dizzy, weak, or lightheaded, it may be time to talk with a medical professional.

02/17/2026

Protecting your relationship while caregiving - Caring for a family member is demanding, and that stress can spill over into your marriage or close relationships. But with balance, communication, and shared support, it can bring you even closer.

Caring for a family member is demanding, and that stress can spill over into your marriage or close relationships. But with balance, communication, and shared support, it can bring you even closer.

02/10/2026

The importance of sleep - When life gets busy, as it often does for family caregivers, sleep is often the first thing that is sacrificed. But that can be a mistake as serious as skipping food or water. Quality sleep fuels brain function, emotional balance, immunity, and so much more.

When life gets busy, as it often does for family caregivers, sleep is often the first thing that is sacrificed. But that can be a mistake as serious as skipping food or water. Quality sleep fuels brain function, emotional balance, immunity, and so much more.