Many of us have lost loved ones this year, or many over the past few years. Though the holiday season is supposed to be a time of happiness, joy and celebration, it just may not feel that way for many. In fact, for many of our seniors, it's truly a struggle to stay positive or happy during this time. Many face depression during the holidays, and express thoughts of feeling isolated or left out. If they recently lost a spouse or family member, the holidays may be a harsh remin

If you are a family caregiver for a loved one suffering with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you probably know the days are far too long and the trials you face are incredibly difficult and tiring. Often times, before our Kind Companions step in to provide the much needed relief, we see many signs of caregiver burnout. This burnout can result in a weakened immune system, mental health struggles, and out of control anxiety or depression. Here are some helpful ways to prevent

Whether your loved one has Alzheimers disease, a heart condition, Parkinson's Disease or another condition, there may come a time when your family has the conversation about placing them into a care facility instead of continuing care at home. Although we encourage keeping your loved one at home as long as possible, and therefore provide extensive services to help make that possible, we know what a tough decision this can be for all families. Here are a few points to consider

Many of us are preparing for Thanksgiving and the upcoming whirlwind of holidays with family and friends. But for many, this time of year can be overwhelming and challenging. Some of us have lost someone we loved dearly, and are coping daily with waves of grief and sadness. For some, our loved ones are still with us, but struggling with terminal illnesses or those that take away their cognitive functions, ability to communicate freely and effortlessly and more. If you find yo

Summer is in full swing all around us. The temperatures are heating up, the kids are all out of school, and travel agents are busy planning getaways and family vacations. But if you're a family caregiver or someone with a loved one suffering from a chronic illness or other health challenges, planning a week-long trip across the country or overseas may not be possible at this time. Although it can feel like you're the only one unable to travel, studies show you certainly aren'

You may have noticed the weather has started to change in many parts of the country. In Denton, Texas (where Kind Companions is based) the birds are chirping, the trees are blooming, and temperatures are starting to rise into the 70's! We have been eagerly awaiting the pretty weather, after what seemed like weeks and weeks of darkness, rain and frigid temperatures. Some of us go through dark times. In fact, for most of us, it's inevitable that we will struggle at times. It's

The month of February is upon us already, which means everyone is going to be talking about LOVE! This month, we want to encourage our caregivers, family and friends to choose love for themselves. We tend to go overboard around Valentine's Day. We buy the overpriced roses and heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and somehow walk out of the drugstore with a $5.00 greeting card. But often times, the person who needs the most love is ourselves. If you are a family caregiver, you know t

A new year is upon us, which is a great time to reflect upon your goals and wishes for this upcoming year. Where do you see yourself a year, or five years from now? What big goal or dream have you wanted to make happen? Nothing is impossible, and the resources and tools may be right in front of you. As the year begins to unfold, always know that you are not alone. Whether you are in need of a Kind Companion to assist with care for your loved one, or just someone to fill in on

It’s no secret that our aging parents and grandparents want to stay in their current home as long as possible. But before making that decision to keep your loved one at home, consider these 5 issues: 1. Is The Home Safe? Falls are one of the major causes for rapid decline in our seniors. It is often the precipitating event that may force a transition into a long-term care facility. Falls can be prevented, though. For instance, taking steps such as removing unneeded throw rugs

Let's be real here. One of the toughest things you will ever have to do in this world is care for another human being. Factor in that human being may very well be your aging parent, and it's even more complicated. We grow up with our parents as our heroes, our rock in time of need, and when the tables turn we face unexpected obstacles and challenges. Here are some of the top tips our caregivers and clients have shared with us to help them cope with an elderly parent. 1. Accep

This month we have a special guest post from our partners at the Pleural Mesothelioma Center. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer most often caused by a prolonged, occupational exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma typically targets senior citizens long after their workplace exposure ended, turning the well-planned retirement years into a nightmare. Although there is a long latency period (20-50 years) between first exposure and diagnosis, mesothelioma is aggr

Although many of our aging loved ones are less than enthusiastic about their medical information being shared or discussed with their adult children or caregivers, there are times when our involvement can be critical or beneficial. Despite the many regulations in place in our healthcare system, staying involved in such matters continues to be the responsibility of every caregiver, to ensure safety for our loved ones and quality care is being provided. Even if your loved one a

The month of February often brings up feelings of love and nostalgia, especially around Valentine's Day. But for caregivers and family members who care for someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia, showing love can sometimes be challenging or stressful. But loving someone with Dementia can also be fulfilling and bring happiness to your life, as well as those around you, if you remember a few things. 1. Practice Self-Care You know how when you're on an airplane and the flight atte

The holidays can be a fun-filled time full of great memories, delicious food and exciting happenings. But for many, the days and weeks that follow can be tough. The constant questions on social media of "did you lose the weight" or "did you get out of debt" can get people down and send them into a funk for the new year. Those with chronic illnesses or physical limitations can feel these effects even greater, and that's why it's important to watch out for those early warning s