Honey, Sweetie, Dearie: There Are Perils in ‘Elderspeak’

[ad_1] A prime example of elderspeak: Cindy Smith was visiting with her father in his assisted living apartment in Roseville, Calif. An aide who was trying to induce him to do something — Ms. Smith no longer remembers exactly what — said, “Let me help you, sweetheart.” “He just gave her The Look — under … Read more

Why Cameras Are Popping Up in Eldercare Facilities

[ad_1] The assisted-living facility in Edina, Minn., where Jean H. Peters and her siblings moved their mother in 2011, looked lovely. “But then you start uncovering things,” Ms. Peters said. Her mother, Jackie Hourigan, widowed and developing memory problems at 82, too often was still in bed when her children came to see her in … Read more

Why Older People May Not Need to Watch Blood Sugar So Closely

[ad_1] By now, Ora Larson recognizes what’s happening. “It feels like you’re shaking inside,” she said. “I’m speeded up. I’m anxious.” If someone asks whether she would like a salad for lunch, she doesn’t know how to respond. She has had several such episodes this year, and they seem to be coming more frequently. “She … Read more

She’s Trying to Stay Ahead of Alzheimer’s, in a Race to the Death

[ad_1] Soon, Irene Mekel will need to pick the day she dies. She’s not in any hurry: She quite likes her life, in a trim, airy house in Castricum, a Dutch village by the sea. She has flowers growing in her back garden, and there is a street market nearby where vendors greet villagers by … Read more

These Settings Aren’t Real. But for Dementia Patients, What Is?

[ad_1] The nursery at RiverSpring Residences in the Bronx is a sunny, inviting space outfitted with a bassinet, a crib with a musical mobile, a few toys, bottles, picture books for bedtime reading and a rack of clothing in tiny sizes. The other morning, Wilma Rosa was there trying to soothe one of its cranky, … Read more