Rebecca Keller, MSW, LCSW, is an Outpatient Therapist with Welcare Counseling Services. A new client, Barbara, called me recently to share the fact that she had been feeling “down.” “I just don’t know if I’m depressed,” she said in a worried voice. I reassured her that she was taking the right step in calling me, and we made an appointment [...]
By: Heather M. Garrison, PA-C (Pain Solutions of High Point) Fibromyalgia is a multifaceted syndrome that, while more accurately diagnosed and more adequately treated in recent years, is still poorly understood. There is no clear-cut explanation as to its cause; however, there are growing theories stemming from ongoing research into the disease and its treatment. From what we do know, [...]
At first you get phone calls that seem kind of strange. Mom is quitting her quilting club because “They are talking about me.” Later she mentions that an old boyfriend from college is coming to take her to dinner. Then the police call from her house. “Your mom thinks there is someone hiding in her closet.” The forgetfulness, the fantasies, [...]
“David, we need to talk.” Sue sat down at the kitchen table, coffee cup in hand. He lowered the Winston-Salem Journal. She had that “She whom one must obey” tone in her voice. “Lisa says her uncle… he’s 75… has turned in his driver’s license.” “And…?” David looked at her quizzically. “Well, Elizabeth is 80 and she’s still driving.” [...]
By: Michael Christian One of the founding fathers of our country, Benjamin Franklin, said “Never leave that ’til tomorrow which you can do today.” Great advice. We often follow it at work. We often follow it at home. We even try to follow it when it comes to our financial planning. But when it comes to planning for the final [...]
By: Karen Love Research has validated high success rates of applying Montessori-based techniques therapeutically to enhance physical and cognitive functions, reduce excess disability, and support well-being among elders. Besides Montessori’s efficacy, it is also easy, fun and inexpensive to implement. Because of its ease and positive values, staff are able to experience short-term success. This success is personally rewarding to [...]
When the daily lives of older adults are interrupted by illness and hospitalization the result can be mental confusion and disorientation. Known as delirium, this can be a distressing situation for an individual’s loved ones. However, programs such as HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) at Inova Fairfax Hospital have been established to prevent delirium. The HELP program seeks to maintain [...]
By: Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, R.N., Attorney Depression is the most common of mental conditions which can be treated, but among the elderly, it is one of the most overlooked. Sometimes, it’s because physicians don’t recognize the signs and symptoms. Sometimes it’s because of an overall attitude of society that perhaps feeling low is just part of getting old. The danger [...]
