310-601-9999

5 Tips on Navigating Caregiving

by
caregiving

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Caregivers Rosalind Carter, former First Lady of the United States once said that “there are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.” A caregiver is a paid or unpaid member of a person’s social network who looks after a sick, elderly, or disabled person. Oftentimes, caregivers are family members. Caregivers assist a person with tasks of daily living such as grocery shopping and cooking, housework, transportation, medical care, bathing, managing personal services (like talking to doctors or paying bills), and much more. Caregiving can be mentally, emotionally, and physically taking for caregivers which can then impact the quality of caregiving. The following are tips on how to better navigate caregiving in a way that is beneficial to both the caregiver and …

Read more

Does Anxiety Get Worse with Age?

by
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Does Anxiety Get Worse with Age

Does anxiety get worse with age? Anxiety doesn’t necessarily worsen with age, but older adults may experience increased anxiety due to factors like health issues, loss of loved ones, or changes in living situations. Treatment and coping strategies can help manage anxiety, but it’s essential to consider individual circumstances to understand how age may affect it. Anxiety is normal and can sometimes be a good thing. Anxiety can motivate you to seek safety in a dangerous situation. For some, anxiety occurs for no apparent reason. Or something that may cause others to feel only slightly anxious causes you to feel an overwhelming sense of dread and fear. You may start sweating, feel your muscles tense, and notice your heart racing. You may even begin to panic. Symptoms like these can happen at any age. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that nearly 32% of adolescents between 13 and …

Read more

5 Benefits of Geriatric Home Visits

by
caregiving

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Geriatric Healthcare Geriatric healthcare is the attentive medical care given to those over the age of 65 who are also referred to as seniors. Many individuals don’t seek geriatric healthcare until well into their 70s, 80s, or even 90s. A subspecialty in geriatric healthcare is geriatric psychiatry, as geriatric mental healthcare is a crucial aspect of geriatric healthcare in general. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes geriatric psychiatry as addressing the “biological and psychological aspects of normal aging, the psychiatric effect of acute and chronic physical illness, and the biological and psychosocial aspects of the pathology of primary psychiatric disturbances of older age” (APA, 2021).  Main focal points in geriatric psychiatry pertain to the “prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in the elderly and improvement of psychiatric care for healthy and ill elderly patients” (APA, 2021). Some of the most common psychiatric …

Read more

9 Early Signs of Dementia in Older Adults

by
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman evaluating signs of dementia in older adults

The signs of dementia in older adults can include memory loss, difficulty with planning or problem-solving, confusion with time or place, and changes in mood or personality. These symptoms may initially appear subtle but gradually worsen, significantly affecting daily life and demanding medical attention for proper diagnosis and care. The National Institute on Aging reports that millions have Dementia, but it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is a disease that affects cognitive abilities. In the mildest stage of Dementia, often in the beginning stages, specific symptoms may appear. In this article, you will learn what dementia is and discover the signs of dementia in older adults. If you or someone you know exhibits one or more symptoms, contact a professional to learn how Neurocognitive treatment can help slow the progression and maintain quality of life. What is Dementia? Dementia is a general term that describes a group …

Read more

BRN Psychological Evaluation

by
caregiving

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. BRN Evaluation As part of a California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) Investigation, a notice called an “Order to Compel a Psychological Evaluation” is sent to the nurse being investigated. These orders can be issued if there has been an alleged complaint of alcohol, drug, or substance abuse. Orders can also be issued if there has been perceived erratic behavior at work. Failure to comply with the order can result in disciplinary action, even a nurse’s license being revoked. Specific requirements for the examiner, which is often a psychiatrist, include: holding a valid, unrestricted license (which includes scope of practice to conduct a clinical diagnostic evaluation), have at least 3 years of experience in providing evaluations of health professionals with substance abuse disorders, and must be pre-approved by the Board. The Psychological Evaluation itself is extensive, often consisting of the chosen medical professional reviewing the Board …

Read more