Many West Virginia adults find themselves in the difficult position of caring for their children and looking after their parents at the same time. Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s are problems, but so are mobility and safety issues at home. It can be stress-inducing and makes many people wonder if there is any help available — and where to get it.

News Director Eric Douglas is in the same position and wonders the same things. Through this ongoing, occasional interview series, we bring experts into the studio to talk about things people need to know as they get older, or when helping aging parents.

Stories

Eric Douglas,Dec. 04, 2023

What’s Normal, What’s Not: 10 Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s, Dementia

Coming into the holidays, when families come together, it might be a good time to pay attention to the signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Eric Douglas,Nov. 13, 2023

Adjusting Holiday Expectations For Loved Ones With Dementia

The holidays can be a stressful time, but dementia can make that even more difficult. For his series, “Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents,” News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Teresa Morris, program director for the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, to get some ideas for families who are working to include someone with dementia into their celebrations.

Eric Douglas,Nov. 07, 2023

Bill In Congress Could ‘Alleviate Burdens On Caregivers’

Millions of families nationwide find themselves caring for loved ones in their own family. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito experienced those issues as she provided care for her own parents. She recently introduced legislation into the U.S. Senate to help alleviate burdens on caregivers.

Eric Douglas,Jul. 17, 2023

Research Project Examines Extended Family Dementia Caregiving

A group at the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech is researching extended family members who become dementia caregivers throughout central Appalachia. They want to understand how these caregivers moved into that role. 

Eric Douglas,Jun. 28, 2023

When It’s Time To Find A Nursing Home For A Loved One

Many families have to move a loved one into a nursing home because of dementia. The experience often comes with grief and loss and a sense of failure.

Eric Douglas,Jun. 07, 2023

Medicare Fraud Costs Taxpayers, Creates Problems For Seniors

June 5-9 is Medicare Fraud Awareness Week, and the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services is out to draw attention to the problem. 

Eric Douglas,May. 12, 2023

When Mom Has Dementia, How To Celebrate Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is not always a happy day for everyone — like when mom has dementia and is forgetting the family she raised.

Eric Douglas,Apr. 12, 2023

Organization Connects Seniors With Retirement Savings Services

A real problem facing many older adults is having enough money for their retirement. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Josh Hodges, the chief customer officer for the National Council on Aging, to learn about the help that is available for retirees and caregivers.

Eric Douglas,Mar. 08, 2023

Hospice Care Not Just About A Place To Die

For his series, “Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents,” News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Katherine Calloway, director of Clinical Development for HospiceCare of West Virginia, to find out more.

Eric Douglas,Mar. 02, 2023

When Is It Time To Find ‘A Place For Mom?’

Many families face the question of what is the best place for an aging family member to get the best care in their later years? In-home care? Nursing home? And, how do you pay for it? 

Eric Douglas,Feb. 22, 2023

W.Va. Town Makes Itself Dementia Friendly

St. Albans is the first location in the state that has been recognized as being dementia friendly — which means many people in the town are trained in techniques to make people with dementia feel welcome.

Eric Douglas,Feb. 15, 2023

What You Should Know About Planning For Your Death While You’re Living

While most of us don’t want to talk about it, it is vitally important to make plans for final arrangements: for our aging parents and ourselves.

Eric Douglas,Feb. 08, 2023

Planning Funeral Arrangements Makes Situation Easier

Discussing funeral arrangements is never easy, but as News Director Eric Douglas found out through personal experience with his mom, it is much easier to do it in advance than it is after a loved one has passed away.  As part of his series “Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents.” Douglas spoke with Tom Nichols, the owner of Bartlett Nichols Funeral Home in St. Albans, to understand the process.

Eric Douglas,Feb. 01, 2023

When Is It Time To Ask Dad To Give Up His Car Keys?

There comes a time when everyone has to decide to give up driving. It’s not an easy decision for most people, and it is even harder when a child has to convince their parent it is time to hang up the keys.

Eric Douglas,Jan. 26, 2023

Senior Services Programs Support Vulnerable Populations

This is the fourth story in News Director Eric Douglas’ series of interviews called “Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents.” Douglas spoke with Vicky Foster, the CEO of Kanawha Valley Senior Services.

Eric Douglas,Jan. 18, 2023

Protecting Aging Parents: Legal Steps

At some point, many West Virginians are faced with taking over their parent’s finances and care.

Eric Douglas,Jan. 11, 2023

Listen: What Alzheimer’s Means For Caregivers

For the second interview in our series “Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents,” News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Teresa Morris, the program director for the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. They discussed what Alzheimer’s disease is and what it means for the caregiver.

Eric Douglas,Jan. 04, 2023

What’s Happening When Someone Has Dementia?

Many West Virginia adults find themselves in the difficult position of caring for their children and looking after their parents at the same time. Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s are problems, but so are mobility and safety issues at home.