4/15/2022 by Hyunjin Noh, PhD, MSW Watching a loved one struggling with difficult pain can be a traumatic experience for caregivers and can have a negative impact on their mental health. Many caregivers are unaware about palliative care and how it can help them and their loved one. However, palliative care may be a health…
4/17/2022 by Bryan Ford, PhD, MSW Caring for another human being can be one of the most rewarding accomplishments of your life. It can also be very challenging and at times, overwhelming. It disrupts our lives, forces us to change our schedules and habits; just when we feel our lives are already busy enough. Yet,…
6/10/2022 by Lisa M. O’Neill, DBH, MPH A person living with dementia can experience pain, just like anyone else. Dementia does not cause pain, but a person living with dementia can be at risk for other things that cause pain such as falls or other injuries. Further, as with most older adults, people with dementia…
7/7/2022 by By, Nancy Kusmaul, PhD, MSW Caring for another person can be rewarding, challenging, and overwhelming . Many caregivers choose to care for family members and friends out of a sense of love, or paying someone back for care they have received earlier in life. But what happens when you can no longer provide that care?There…
8/16/2022 by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW Caregiving can be a time intensive activity, and caregiving needs can sometimes be unpredictable. That can pose a lot of challenges for caregivers, who are often also full-time workers and have other family responsibilities. Even though most caregivers are happy that they are able to care for their…
11/27/2022 by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW Some time ago, I met a caregiver in Jefferson County named Mary who asked: How do I get my husband to stop giving out our banking information? Sometimes I catch him on the phone talking about our finances and I have no idea who he is talking to…
1/21/2023 by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW It is never easy for someone to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia. In fact, research has shown that older adults are more afraid about dementia than they are afraid of cancer. It is normal for those who are diagnosed with dementia to experience a…
5/4/2023 by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW May is mental health awareness month! One common mental health challenge that people living with dementia face is depression. Depression is a common condition for adults and can range in severity and duration. While depression is common among all adults, older adults with dementia are at greater risk of developing…
8/31/2023 by Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW Driving is often seen as a symbol of freedom and independence, which is why many families struggle when they aren’t sure if their older relative should still be behind the wheel. Many care partners find it stressful to even discuss issues of driving safety with their loved one. In…
Throughout March, the School of Social Work celebrates the profound impact of social workers and the invaluable contributions they make to our communities. As champions of social justice, advocates for marginalized populations, and catalysts for positive change, social workers embody the essence of compassion, empathy, and resilience. Join us in honoring their dedication and commitment…
