Aging Well Care Management
Helpful tips for family caregivers
January/February 2026
Happy 2026! January is a fitting time to reflect on what will make the year ahead smoother for you and your family. If you care for an older adult who makes frequent trips to the Emergency Room, it will make everyone’s experience a little easier if they have a “go bag” ready to bring with. This month, we talk about what to include. It’s also a time of year when people are reconsidering what they put on their plate, so we’re sharing information about what kinds of eating habits are best for brain health. Maybe it will inspire changes for both you and your aging loved ones! And last but certainly not least, we highlight the importance of spiritual life as a source of inner support to carry you through the more challenging aspects of caregiving.
Creating an Emergency Room "go bag"
Reduce the stress of your family member’s next medical emergency: prepack a “go bag.” It’s hard to think clearly when everything’s urgent. Getting prepared now means you can stay focused then. You can keep many important documents and helpful items stored in the bag. You will need to keep some documents updated, such as your relative’s medication list.
Important documents. Compile a list of current doctors, a list of important contact numbers (family members, friends, legal decision makers), and a list of current medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Add a summary of their medical history, diagnoses, and allergies (drugs, latex, foods, etc.). If the information is in digital form, include printouts in the go bag. That way, no matter who accompanies your relative to the ER, the information is there. Include a copy of your loved one’s advance healthcare directive. Ideally, it names a decision maker if your relative is unable to speak for themselves, and specifies the care they would want. If your loved one is seriously ill or very frail, they may also have “portable medical orders,” a document prepared with and cosigned by their doctor that specifies their life support preferences. (In many states, this is called a POLST.) A copy of this document should be hung on their refrigerator, for emergency responders’ use, but keep a copy in the bag as well.
Helpful items. A bottle or two of water is useful for staying hydrated and for cleaning up any messes. Nonperishable snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or trail mix help during long waits. Include a change of clothes, such as sweatshirt and comfy pants. Extra continence products, if needed. A pen and paper for taking notes. A puzzle book or other light entertainment for you or your loved one. And a bit of cash for vending machine purchases as needed.
Essentials to add just before you go. Wallet with photo ID, health insurance cards, and a credit card. Phone and charger. Any assistive aids, such as hearing aids, glasses, dentures (and containers for each). A comfort item such as family photo, rosary, or other talisman. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal, especially for a person with dementia.
Things not to bring. Jewelry, watches, cash, high-end electronic devices. These items might be stolen, especially if the ER visit results in an overnight stay.
Return to topThe brain-healthy plate
Who doesn’t want to avoid dementia? Evidence is accumulating that many aspects of lifestyle affect brain health and cognition. One important factor is diet, and research suggests that the “MIND diet” may significantly influence brain health.
The MIND diet combines the best of the Mediterranean diet—plenty of vegetables, olive oil, fish, and whole grains—with the heart-healthy DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure by cutting back on salt and processed foods. Together, these eating styles have been linked to lower risk of dementia, less memory loss, and better heart health. In one ten-year study, those who more often used the MIND diet had a 53% lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease.
What can you MINDfully serve your loved one? Whole grains are the biggest component; work toward three servings a day. Use beans, lentils, tofu, and such for protein, and add in chicken and/or fish several times a week. All vegetables are good, but leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and mustard greens are the best, so try to add them in almost daily. Include berries a couple of times a week. Offer nuts for snacking, and cook with olive oil. Aim to save red meat, fried foods, cheese, pastries, and butter for special occasions.
Don’t overhaul your relative’s meals overnight! Try making one small change each week—use brown rice instead of white, olive oil instead of butter, a handful of almonds rather than chips. (And of course, prioritize any specific limitations associated with diagnoses or medications.) Here are a few menu ideas to spark your imagination:
- Breakfast: oatmeal with blueberries, or whole-grain toast and eggs
- Lunch: lentil–veggie soup, or salad with hummus and whole-wheat pita
- Dinner: salmon or chicken, wild rice, and greens, or tofu–veggie stir-fry with brown rice
Over time, what’s new will become familiar. Encouraging your loved one to eat the MIND way supports their thinking and overall health for the years ahead.
Return to topGetting support from spiritual beliefs
Do you want to feel more emotionally centered and resilient as you care for your relative?
Studies show that religion and spirituality, however they are personally defined, help family caregivers maintain a sense of well-being. In fact, individuals who draw upon their religious or spiritual beliefs report feeling less burdened and depressed. Those who stay involved with their spiritual community also report more optimism and less stress related to caregiving.
But in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and fall out of touch—with yourself or with your spiritual practices.
Reflecting on these questions may help you recall simple ways to nurture yourself spiritually.
- What are your beliefs about life? What gives your life meaning? When you’re struggling with your loved one’s needs, recalling those deeper beliefs can help you regain emotional balance.
- What connects you to your spirituality? Perhaps spending time in nature. Daily prayer or meditation. Saying grace at meals. Listening to a spiritual podcast. Or regularly visiting a place of special significance.
- What activities awaken you spiritually? A weekly reading and discussion group? Singing with others? Perhaps an annual retreat or periodic talks with a faith leader? Or even aligning schedules with a friend to sit in contemplation at the same time, even if far apart.
- Do you feel drawn to a faith community? Give yourself the flexibility to participate when you can. You will have more to give your loved one if you take the time to fill your spiritual cup.
- Can you access spiritual activities more easily? Can someone from the community help with a ride? If it’s still too hard to attend in person, check if you can join a service remotely from a device, or listen to a recording later.
- Are there other family caregivers in your congregation? You might meet up to support each other spiritually.