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Health & Medical

Health & Medical Care Guide for Aging Parents

From dementia care to medication management, get the practical guidance you need to support your parent's health and navigate the medical system.

Managing an aging parent's health is one of the most challenging aspects of caregiving. You're suddenly thrust into a world of specialists, medications, insurance claims, and difficult decisions—often without any medical training. Our Health & Medical guides are written specifically for family caregivers like you, breaking down complex medical topics into actionable steps you can take today.

Whether you're learning to recognize early signs of dementia, trying to coordinate care between multiple doctors, or navigating end-of-life decisions, these guides provide the practical knowledge you need. We cover everything from organizing medication schedules and preparing for doctor appointments to understanding chronic conditions common in seniors like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke recovery.

Remember: you don't need to become a medical expert, but understanding your parent's conditions and treatment options helps you advocate effectively and make informed decisions together. Start with our most popular guides below, or browse by topic to find exactly what you need.

Dementia & Cognitive Health

Understanding and caring for parents with cognitive decline.

Dementia Basics

Types of dementia, stages, and what to expect as the disease progresses.

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Communication Strategies

How to communicate effectively with someone who has dementia.

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Managing Behaviors

Handling agitation, sundowning, wandering, and other challenging behaviors.

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Safety at Home

Home modifications and safety measures for dementia patients.

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Activities & Engagement

Meaningful activities to maintain connection and quality of life.

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When Memory Care is Needed

Signs it's time to consider professional memory care facilities.

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Medication Management

Keep track of medications and prevent dangerous errors.

Organization Systems

Pill organizers, apps, and systems to keep medications on track.

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Drug Interactions

How to check for dangerous interactions between medications.

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Medication Reviews

Working with doctors to reduce unnecessary medications.

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Doctor Appointments & Advocacy

Be an effective healthcare advocate for your parent.

Appointment Preparation

How to prepare for appointments and get the most from limited time.

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Being an Advocate

Speaking up for your parent's needs in medical settings.

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Second Opinions

When and how to seek another doctor's perspective.

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Managing Chronic Conditions

Guides for common health conditions affecting seniors.

Diabetes Management

Blood sugar monitoring, diet, and complications to watch for.

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Heart Disease

Managing heart conditions and recognizing warning signs.

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Fall Prevention

Reducing fall risk and what to do when falls happen.

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Stroke Recovery

Recovery stages, rehabilitation, and supporting your parent after stroke.

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Cancer Care Decisions

Navigating treatment options and supporting your parent through cancer.

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Depression & Mental Health

Recognizing and addressing depression and anxiety in seniors.

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ER Preparedness

What to bring, what to expect, and how to advocate in emergency rooms.

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General Health & Senses

Common health concerns affecting daily life and independence.

Sleep Problems

Why sleep changes with age and what actually helps.

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Hearing Loss

Recognizing hearing loss and navigating hearing aids.

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Vision Care

Eye conditions, warning signs, and protecting vision.

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Dental Care

Oral health, dentures, and paying for dental care.

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Senior Nutrition

Nutritional needs and eating challenges in aging.

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Managing Chronic Conditions

Overview of common chronic disease management.

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End-of-Life Planning

Preparing for and navigating end-of-life care with compassion.

Advance Directives

Documenting your parent's wishes for end-of-life care.

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Hospice Care

When to consider hospice and what it provides.

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Palliative Care

Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage.

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Caring for a Parent with Dementia?

Our comprehensive dementia care guide will help you understand what to expect and how to provide the best care.

Read the Dementia Guide

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