Articles by Pamela Dombrowski-Wilson

1) Over Fifty? Fall Is Time For Routine Vaccines
Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. Most of us think about getting our annual flu shots. For those over age fifty, a case of the flu can have serious consequences. If you have not yet been vaccinated against pneumonia, this too is a good idea. Those over age fifty may also want to speak to their physician and consider being vaccinated for shingles. The Centers for Disease Control... » read more

2) Osteoporosis: It's Never Too Late to Start Taking Care of Your Bones
Osteoporosis in itself causes more than just broken bones. It causes discomfort, pain, mobility issues and the possible loss of independence. Many older adults with fractures cannot continue to live independently. Many are forced to relocate to assisted living facilties or nursing homes because they cannot take care of their own daily needs. Osteoporosis is a silent disease because many are unaware... » read more

3) Elder Abuse & Neglect: Surprising Findings
Elder abuse is defined as mistreatment or improper treatment that includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse or confinement. Neglect is broader and includes self neglect, which is more common than one would think. Neglect includes not giving proper attention to a person who needs assistance, such as leaving a person unattended who needs care. Self neglect occurs when an individual does not care for... » read more

4) Palliative Care: Comfort at End of Life
Palliative care is somewhat a new term to many when it comes to end of life care. It is an approach to healthcare that specializes in the relief of suffering and achieving the best quality of life for persons with advanced illness. When we near the end of life we seek relief from pain, a sense of control, to relieve family burdens and to strengthen relationships with loved ones. Palliative care... » read more

5) Diabetes: Four Hidden Complications
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), more than 14 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and another 6 million have the disease and have not been diagnosed. High blood sugar causes many underlying health issues if not managed. There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Persons with Type I diabetes must receive insulin delivered by a syringe or a pump. ... » read more

6) Top 10 Reasons Older Adults Leave Home for Institutionalized Care - Don't Be One of Them
As we move through life at ages 50, 60, 70 and beyond, we notice subtle changes in our abilities. The changes may seem small at first glance. However, subtle changes quickly become difficult to reverse if ignored. We become less active; what used to be an easy trip up a flight of steps now leaves us breathless with aching knees. Trimming our toenails and putting on shoes and socks is a struggle. ... » read more

7) On-Line Support Groups for Caregivers and Older Adults
Ever wanted to find similar minded individuals or some support related to the care and aging of your parents or even yourself but don't have the time to seek them out? Or have you taken the time to go to a group and have everyone else speak, feeling like you were left out? On line support groups are an easy way to gain support without leaving home; and you can't be left out if you can type. Support... » read more

8) You Can Return Home -- The Ruby Slippers
I recently received calls from a daughter caring for her mother and a man with no family in his nineties. Both older persons were in nursing homes and wanted to go home, but did not know how. Did you ever imagine getting to a place in your life where you did not know how to go home? This brings back memories of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz wanting to go home, but not realizing she had the power to do... » read more

9) Planning For Aging Parents
Most parents do not want to burden their children when it comes to care in their later years, other parents expect their children to care for them. The best way to balance these expectations is to discuss options for long term care long before the care is needed and to make financial plans now to cover needed expenses. For example, parents can live in the home of the children or vice versa. What... » read more

10) Parenting: Thought You Were Finished
Most of us were raised by our parents. Some of us go on to be parents ourselves. But what happens when the parents who raised us need parenting? This phenomenon which I will call re-parenting is occurring more and more today. Since none of us plan to get old and need help what happens whether we like it or not is that we get old and we need help. Many of us have not made wills, powers of attorney,... » read more

11) Caregiving - Families Don't Always Play Fair
In our busy world, caregiving can become a complicated task especially when multiple family members are involved. Who will take responsibility for what tasks? Often the majority of the work is delegated to the family member who has the most available time. Caregivers placed in this position feel that this is not always fair and that their brothers, sisters, or other family members take advantage of them.... » read more