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Answers, Solutions and Help - There are many difficult and stressful issues in life for family caregivers to deal with. In this section you will find on-demand advice from professional and industry experts in more than 260 relevant categories, like legal, financial, Medicare, end-of-life, medical aid, caring, personal advice, assisted living, family issues, parental help, burn-out, etc..

(Note: The number at the start of each topic is the number of articles posted for each topic.)

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AARP Special Offerings - Select from 30 COVID-19 categories exclusively for family caregivers         

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Abusive Relationship (12) - A relationship involving intimidation and control through physical violence.

 

Activities of Daily Living (50) - ADL: Basic tasks of everyday life addressed in dressing, bathing, eating.  etc.

 

Addiction (7) - The condition of being addicted to a substance, thing or activity.

 

Adult Day Care (20) - Care or companionship programs for older adults who need assistance or supervision daily.

 

Adult Diapers ( 8) - Disposable product for men and women dealing with urinary or bowel incontinence.

 

Advance Directive (21) - Living Will: A document stating a person's wishes regarding end-of-life medical acts.

 

Age Related Decline {64) - A decline in physical and cognitive ability noted with age not clinical disorder. 

 

Aging in Place (41) - The ability to continue to live in one's home safely and independently regardless of age.

 

Aid and Attendance (5) - Veteran's pension eligible veterans and their single surviving spouses can qualify for.

 

Alcohol Abuse (6) - Alcoholism: A problematic pattern of the use of alcoholic beverages leading to dependence.

 

Allergens (5) - Foreign substances that activate a reaction in a person's immune system causing skin inflammation.

 

Alzheimer's and Dementia (429) - Cognitive and psychological symptoms affecting memory, thinking abilities.

 

Anemia (5) - The condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells.      

 

Anger (16) - A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.

 

Anosognosia (21) - Lack of awareness of a deficit or impairment. 

 

Antibiotics (5) - antimicrobial drugs that are used in the treatment of bacterial infections.

 

Anxiety (49) - Intense, persistent and generalized worry or fear that is out of proportion with any actual danger.

 

Area Agency on Agency (13) - A state agency that provides information, resources, and coordinates for elderly. 

 

Arthritis (25)- Inflammation in one or more joints, often painful and sometimes causing stiffness and mobility laxness.

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Asset Limits (30) - People who qualify for Medicaid under the income rule are subject to an asset limit - can vary. 

 

Asset Protection (14) - A financial plan to protect assets from creditors. A trust is tool created to qualify for Medicaid.

 

Assisted Living (57) - ALF: A residential setting with varied levels of service providing assistance to daily living.

 

Assisted Suicide (9) - A person or physician knowingly and intentionally providing knowledge or means to die.

   

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Bathing (14) - Washing of the body to maintain personal hygiene. 

 

Bed Sores (8) - Pressure ulcers; injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from pressure on the skin.

 

Behavior Change (35) - Transformation or modification of a person's activities

 

Bladder Cancer (1) - Cancer that forms in the cells of the bladder.

 

Bladder Control (15) - Urinary incontinence; loss of bladder control ranging from occasional leaking to sudden urges.

 

Blood Clots (5) - A clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a semi-solid state.

 

Blood Sugar (10) - The blood sugar level is a measure of the amount of glucose in your blood regulated by pancreas. 

 

Breast Cancer (6) - Cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. 

 

Broken Hip (10) - Fracture in the upper portion of femur at the point in which the head of femur joins the pelvic bone.

 

Bronchitis (4) - Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

 

Burnout (64) - Physical or mental collapse due to overwork and/or stress.

 

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Clostridium Difficle (3) - A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever and inflammation of the colon.

 

Cancer (54) - Abnormal cell growth that inhibits the bod's ability to produce normal cells. Can spread to other parts.

 

Care Decisions (195) - Decisions regarding a patient's care plan based on living environment, prognosis and needs.

 

Care Plan (54) - A plan of care professional caregivers use to ensure a patient's needs are met in a timely manner.

 

Care Team (59) - The family members and professionals involved in facilitating the provisions of care.  

 

Caregiver Support (148) - Emotional support and guidance provided for families, partners and other caregivers.

 

Caregiving (213) - Providing companionship, support and/or assistance with activities of daily living to one w/needs.

 

Cataracts (6) - A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's natural lens resulting in vision loss.

 

Celiac Disease (2) - An auto immune response to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

 

Chemotherapy (13) - The use of medication or drugs to treat disease. Most often referred to destroy cancer cells.

 

Claiming Elderly Dependent (4) - An IRS exemption for qualified individuals not eligible to another taxpayer. 

 

Cognitive Decline (82) - A measurable decline in cognitive abilities including memory and thinking skills.

 

Colon Cancer (2) - Cancer that forms in the cells of the large intestine.

 

Communication and Language (51) - The process of using words, sounds, or behaviors to express thoughts.

 

Congestive Heart Failure (9) - A chronic heart condition that decreases the heart muscles ability to pump blo

 

Constipation (5) - Infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool persisting for several weeks.

 

Continuing Care Community (6) - CCRC; A residential community offering a variety of living options.

 

Coronary Artery Disease (5) - The most common type of heart disease, by which major blood vessels are damaged.

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Coronavirus (24) - Special section dedicated to caring for a senior amid corona virus.

 

Cremation (6) - The process of burning human remains to ash.         

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Dad (20) - Content of this category is related to the subject of a person's father.

 

Debt (10) - A sum of money that is owed or due and what to do about it.

 

Delusions (20) - A false belief maintained despite contradiction by reality.  

 

Dementia Behaviors (94) -As dementia progresses, behaviors change in response to increased confusion, anger,  

 

Dementia Wandering (25) - Wandering behavior among people with dementia often leading to getting lost.

 

Dental Care (16) - Maintenance of healthy teeth and mouth and the steps to correct those problems. 

 

Depression (74) - A mood disorder causing persistent sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities.  

 

Diabetes (41) - A disease that occurs when the blood glucose level is too high or low. Grouped by Type I and II.

 

Diagnostic Criteria (71) - Standardized criteria to help evaluate and diagnose diseases and mental disorders.  

 

Diet and Nutrition (107) - The sum of food and nutrients consumed by a person. 

 

Difficulty Walking (12) - Abnormal gait causing problems with mobility.  

 

Disabled (12) - A mental or physical condition limiting movement, senses, cognition, or activities.

 

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) (7) - An order written be a physician expressing a patient's expressed medical wishes.

 

Driving (30) - The controlled operation of a motorized vehicle.

 

Drug Abuse (8) - Substance abuse. The chronic misuse of prescription or non-prescription substances. 

 

Durable POA (12) - A legal document that assigns authority to an agent to act on your behalf in specific matters. 

   

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Early Onset Alzheimer's (16) - A form of dementia that develops symptoms before the age of 65. 

 

Edema (5) - Swelling caused by excess fluids trapped in body tissue.

     

Elder Abuse (20) - Mistreatment of an adult later in life that results in harm or loss.

     

Elder Law (71) - Advocates for the elderly who specialize in legal matters affecting older individuals.

     

Emergency Care (16) - Care required for an acute condition or injury.

     

End of Life (115) - The term assigned to the condition of care given during the time surrounding death.

   

End of Life Signs (7) - Physical symptoms indicating the body's transition to death.

   

Estate Planning (26) - The process of arranging for the distribution of assets at the time of a person's death.

     

Exercise (46) - Physical activity that maintains or improves health and fitness.

     

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Fall Prevention (28) - A reduction in risk factors leading to trips and falls.

   

Falls (27) - Collapse often caused by a trip or loss of balance.    

 

Family Caregiver (428) - An individual who provides assistance with activities of daily living to a family member.

     

Fear of Death (7) - Anxiety or apprehension regarding the process of dying.

   

Feeding Tube (5) A medical device inserted into the stomach through the abdomen used to supply nutrition.

     

Fibromyalgia (1) - A chronic condition causing widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep issues and other body points.

     

Financial Planning (121) - A comprehensive plan of investments using current assets to create a plan of income.

   

Financial POA (15) - A legal document that assigns authority to an agent to act on your behalf in financial matters.

     

Flu (16) - An infectious disease caused by the influenza virus.

     

Forms and Documents (43) - Forms that may be required related to your specific legal, health or end-of-life issues.

     

Frauds and Scams (50) - Wrongful or criminal action intended to result in financial or personal gain.

   

Frontotemporal (14) - FTD Dimentia is a disease that results in progressive damage to the temporal & frontal lobes.

     

Funeral Planning (23) - The process of indicating and arranging preferences for end of life instructions.

     

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Geriatric Doctors (35) - A physician who specializes in the field of medicine that focuses on prevention of disease.

     

Glaucoma (8) - A group of eye conditions that progressively damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss.

     

Government Benefits (24) - Federal programs providing benefits to eligible adults, including Social Security, etc.

     

Grandparent (12) - The parent of a person's father or mother, often the recipient of care giving.

   

Grief (42) - The response to the loss of someone or something that has died. Grief can have emotional, etc. affects.

     

Guardianship (15) - A person appointed by the court system to handle an individuals affairs when incompetent.

     

Guilt (42) - Shame; A feeling of responsibility or remorse for a real or imagined act.     

     

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Hallucinations (21) - Sensations that appear to be real but are created in the mind. Can be visual, auditory, etc,

     

Health Care Directives (11) - Advance Directive; Living Will; A legal document that communicates person's wishes.

   

Health Insurance (23) - Insurance coverage obtained to pay for medical and surgical expenses of the insured.

     

Healthy Aging (53) - The natural process of aging in which healthy lifestyle choices lead to better lifestyle choices.

   

Hearing (21) - The act or power of taking in sound through the ear.

 

Heart Disease (58) - Plaque buildup in artery walls that narrows and/or blocks blood vessels leading to heart attack. 

   

Hematuria (5) - The presence of blood in the urine.

     

Hepatitis Article (1) - Hep C, HCV; Blood borne viral infection that causes liver inflammation and may result in liver 

   

High Blood Pressure (18) - Hypertension; A measure of the amount of blood your heart pumps to your heart.

   

High Cholesterol (12) - A measure of the fats in your blood (lipids). Consistently high cholesterol levels are dangerous

     

Hip Replacement (11) - A reparative surgical procedure in which either the upper quarter of the thigh bone.

     

HIPAA (7) - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; a federal law limiting who can receive certain info.

   

Hoarding (5) - A compulsive urge to acquire large amounts of possessions and a difficulty to dispose of them.

   

Home Care (61) - Care that allows a person with a need for support or assistance to stay in the home.

     

Home Health Care (26) - Skilled medical services provided in the home by nurses, or other professional therapists.

   

Home Modification (28) - Home improvements, repairs, and/or remodeling that allow older adults to stay at home.

     

Home Safety (53) - Awareness of the risks in and around a home that could potentially cause an accident or injury.

     

Hormone Replacement (6) - HT, HRT; Medications containing hormones to replace ones the body stopped producing

   

Hospice (29) - A form of palliative care for terminally ill patients. A team oriented approach to end-of-life care. 

 

Hospital (30) - A health facility providing inpatient, out-patient, and emergency care. 

 

Hospital Discharge (18) - The transition from a hospital to another treatment facility or back to the home

   

Humor (16) - Content on this site indicated to be amusing or comic

     

Hydration (16) - Sufficient absorption of water in the body to lubricate muscles and skin and keep body from heating.

 

Hygiene (26) - Practices to maintain health, cleanliness, and prevent infection.

   

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Incontinence (29) - The involuntary excretion of urine or feces.

 

Independent Living Community (12) - Housing communities designed for seniors to live independently out of home.

 

Inflammation (4) - The body's response to harmful stimuli such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, and/or irritants.

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Instrumental ADLs (27) - Complex tasks that are necessary for truly independent living. Tasks vary considerably.

   

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2) - A chronic intestinal disorder affecting the large intestine causing gas, cramping, etc.

   

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Joint Pain (20) - Pain within the joints commonly caused by inflammation.

     

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Kidney Disease (10) - The gradual loss of the kidney's ability to filter wastes from the blood and toxins from the body.

   

Knee Replacement (5) - A surgical procedure in which the damaged part of the knee is removed and replaced. 

   

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Lewy Body Dementia (8) - Abnormal clumps of proteins in the brain that cause a progressive form of dementia. 

 

Life Insurance (10) - A contract between a private insurance company and an individual to pay money at end-of-life.

     

Liver Disease (7) - Damage to the liver caused by genetics, virus, or substance abuse leading to liver failure.    

 

Living Independently (38) - The financial and functional ability to support living alone.

     

Living Trusts (9) - A legal document that identifies assets that are placed into a trust and remain under your control.

     

Living Will (12) - A legal document that communicates a person's wishes regarding lifesaving medical treatments.

   

Loneliness (30) - A feeling of sadness brought on by isolation or lack of companionship.

     

Long Term Care (52) - A range of services and support which help meet both the medical and non-medical needs.

   

Long Term Care Insurance (18) - A policy sold by a private insurance company to cover costs associated w/care.

 

Long-distance Caregiving (21) - Coordinating the care of another individual who needs support w/daily activities.

   

Loss of Appetite (11) - A decrease in appetite and lack of feelings of hunger, often leading to unintentional weight loss

   

Loss of Coordination (11) - Muscle weakness, loss of balance causing uncoordinated body movements.

   

Loss of Taste (8) - The absence or loss of the sense of taste often concurrently experienced with loss of smell.

     

Low Vision (9) - Loss of eyesight causing difficulty completing everyday tasks.

   

Lung Cancer (5) - Cancer that forms in the cells of one or both of the lungs. Thee are three types affecting prognosis 

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Lung Disease (16) - A group of disorders affecting the lungs that vary in severity and cause difficulty breathing.

   

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Macular Degeneration (8) - Deterioration of the central area of the retina (macula) that may result in blurred vision.

   

Marriage (30) - Legally recognized union of two people in a personal relationship.

     

Medicaid (70) - A jointly funded federal and state program that provides health insurance for qualified individuals.

     

Medicaid Lookback (10) - A set time frame over which the federal government will "look back" at spending patterns.

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Medicaid Spend Down (19) - The process of spending assets down to allowable levels to allow Medicaid eligibility.

   

Medical Care (115) - Comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a person's physical health.

     

Medical Equipment and Supplies (23) - Devices used for patient care being managed in the home.

   

Medical POA (19) - A legal document that assigns authority to an agent to act on your behalf in specific matters.

     

Medicare (73) - The federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and disabled young people.

   

Medicare Advantage Plans (16) - Medicare Part C plan offered by a private company to provide parts A and B.

     

Medicare Open Enrollment (19) - Oct. 15-Dec. 7 is the annual period allowing individuals to make Medicare changes.

   

Medicare Part A (11) - Medicare Hospital insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing facilities and hospice. 

 

Medicare Part B (12) - Medical insurance that covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, and medical supplies.

 

Medicare Part D (22) - Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. Part D adds prescription drug coverage.

     

Medicare Supplemental Insurance (11) - Medigap; an additional standardized program offered by private companies.

   

Medication Management (28) - Coordination of the selection, administration, and monitoring of drug therapy.

     

Medications (151) Prescription and over the counter drugs used to treat illness or maintain health.

   

Memory Care (22) - Residential care for patients who have been diagnosed with cognitive impairment and care.

   

Memory Loss (46) - Confusion or inability to recall short or long term memories. Often a symptom of serious issue. 

 

Menopause ( 8) - The time that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle, diagnosed after 12 months study.

   

Mental Health (141) - The psychological and emotional well being of an individual.

     

Migraine (2) - A primary headache disorder that causes moderate to severe pain, sensitivity to light, smell, etc.

   

Mild Dementia (11) - Mild cognitive impairment. A minor but measurable decline in memory and cognitive abilities.

     

Mobility (53) - The ability to physically move in desired manner or mode.

     

Moderate Dementia (7)- The progression of cognitive impairment to a more noticeable stage, including loss of words

   

Mom (65) - Content on this site indicated as related to the subject of a person's mother.

   

Moving (33) - The process of changing residence or any other critical relocation.

   

Multi Infarct Dementia (3) - Damage to tissue in the brain caused by a series of small strokes resulting in memory loss 

 

Multi-generational Living (24) - A household in which more than one generation shares living space.

     

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Narcissism (7) - An excessive interest in oneself, often accompanied be a grandiose view of one's abilities.

     

Neuropathy (8) - General disease or malfunction of the nerves.

 

New to Caregiving (46) - Content in this category may be helpful to those that are new to the role of caregiving.

    

Nurse (11) - A person formally educated and trained to provide medical attention or care for the sick.

   

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OCD (6) - A diagnosis based on recurrent and persistent thoughts and urges that are seen as intrusive and anxiety.

     

Olfactory Loss (6) - Loss of the sense of smell affecting the normal functions to those individuals.

   

Osteoporosis (13) - A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue.

   

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Pain (25) - Physical suffering or discomfort.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Palliative Care (17) - Care focused only on the provision of comfort and relief from the stress/symptoms of illness.

     

Paranoia (12) - Extreme and unreasonable feelings of suspicion.

   

Parents (112) - Content on this site indicated as related to the subject of a person's mother or father.

     

Parkinson's Disease (63) - A progressive disease of the nervous system that gradually decreases body dopamine.

 

Paying for Care (148) - Content in this category is helpful to those determining methods to pay for ongoing care.

     

Personal Alert Devices (7) - A medical alert system, often wearable, that alerts an off site resource of need for help.

     

Pets (8) - A domestic animal kept for companionship. Often known for adding new meaning to life.

     

Physical Therapy (24) - Treatment through physical methods such as massage, exercise to restore movement.

   

Pneumonia (13) - Lung inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection that results in fever, cough & breathing.

   

Poor Hygiene (12) - Self-neglect. The inability to attend to personal needs or provide basic self care.

   

Power of Attorney (44) - A legal document that assigns authority to an agent to act on your behalf in tough matters.

 

Product (57) - Content on this site indicated to be manufactured for the provision of comfort, safety, assistance, etc.

   

Prostate (8) - The gland located between the bladder and the penis that functions to produce fluid, protects sperm.

 

Prostate Cancer (7) - Cancer that forms in the cells of prostate gland.

   

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Recipes (10) - Content in this category provide assistance in providing instructions for preparing a food dish. 

 

Recreation & Fitness (27) - Physical activity participated in for employment and improved health.

   

Refusing Care (23) - Objection to or refusal to accept necessary medical, social, or other care services.

   

Rehabilitation Center (22) - An in-patient facility providing therapy and treatment to restore functioning after injury.

     

Relationships (172) - Content on this site indicated as related to the subject of interpersonal relationships.

   

Representative Payee (2) - The designation of an individual or organization appointed to receive SSI benefits.

   

Respite (50) - A short period of rest or relief.

   

Retirement Communities (4) - A residential community designated for occupancy by older adults - exclusively.

   

Reverse Mortgage (7) - A loan borrowed against the value of one's home. The agreement allows borrowing on equity

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Sacrifice (19) - The act of giving up something of value in order to help another person. 

   

Sandwich Generation (14) - The generation of people caring for both their children and then aging parents.

   

Senior Activities (98) - Something a person or group does to fulfill physical, social, and/or intellectual needs.

   

Senior Apartments (4) - Apartment style housing specifically designated for older adults.

    

Senior Health (211) - Common medical conditions associated with older adults.

 

Senior Housing (82) - Various types of housing available to older adults that provide a range of assistive services. 

 

Sepsis (4) - A serious response to infection in which the body over acts and injuries its own tissue, organs, etc.

 

Severe Dementia (7) - A later, more serious stage of dementia marked by the inability to respond to surroundings. 

 

Sex (5) - Sexual activity of individuals that may or may not be questionable.

     

Shingles (5) - Skin eruptions and pain along the spinal and cranial nerves caused by the reactivation of the virus.

 

Siblings (22) - Content in this category is related to the subject of person's sisters and/or brothers.

     

Signs of Dementia (24) - Changes in thinking and memory that indicate the onset of dementia.

     

Skilled Nursing Facility (84) - Nursing home, or licensed healthcare residence for individuals who require care.

     

Skin Care (21) - The practice of cleansing, maintaining, and moisturizing the skin.

   

Sleep Apnea (8) - A sleep disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths sleeping.

   

Sleep Issues (36) - Changes in patterns of sleep, of which there are many. 

 

Spouse (102) - Content in this category is related to the subject of a person's martial relationship.

     

Stress (80) - The body's physical and emotional response to pressure or threat.

     

Stroke (35) - A condition in which blood flow to the brain is cut off depriving the brain of oxygen and glucose.

     

Substance Abuse (11) - The chronic misuse of prescription an/or non-prescription substance leading to real problems

     

Sundowner's Syndrome (12) - The occurrence of sadness, agitation, fear, and other mood and behavior changes.

   

Support Group (21) - A group of people with common experiences and concerns who provide support for each other.

   

Swallowing (21) - The process of making something pass from the mouth through the throat and esophagus.
    

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Taxes (20) - An involuntary fee levied on individuals and corporations enforced by and payable to government.

   

Terminal Illness (22) - An irreversible disease that cannot be cured and will likely lead to death. 

 

Therapy (49) - Treatment of a medical or psychological condition with intent of rehabilitation or social adjustment.

     

Thyroid (4) - The butterfly shaped endocrine gland in the front of the neck that creates hormones for metabolism.

   

Toiletring (16) - To assist or supervise someone in using the toilet.

     

Travel (17) - To make a journey that may affect the safety or health of an individual.

   

Treatment (97) - Medical care provided to a patient for an illness or injury.

   

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Urinary Incontinence (15) - Loss of bladder control ranging from occasional leaking when a person coughs, etc.

   

Urinary Tract Infection (15) - An infection caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra.

     

   

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VA fiduciary (3) - The designation of an individual appointed to receive veteran's benefits for one ruled incompetent

   

Vaccines (13) - Biological preparation that stimulates the body's production of antibodies and helps against disease.

 

Vascular Dementia (7) - Damage to the vessels supplying blood to the brain that results unruly form of dementia.

     

Vericose Veins (1) - Veins that are close to the surface of the skin enlarge and create a prominent appearance.

   

Veterans Benefits (29) - Financial and other forms of assistance provided to veterans and their spouses.

     

Veterans Pension (11) -  A tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans.

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Violent Behavior (17) - Aggressive behavior that is intended to cause physical or emotional harm to another person.

     

Vision & Eye Disease (26) - Disorders of the eye that affect vision and eye health.

     

Vision Loss (19) - Impairment of the ability to see.

   

Vitamin D Deficiency (2) Lower level of Vitamin D caused by inadequate intake or lack of exposure to sunshine. 

   

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Weight Loss (14) - A reduction in body mass after burning more calories than the body takes in.

     

Will (17) - A legal document in which a person expresses his wishes for management and distribution of assets.

     

Working Caregiver (37) - A caregiver who balances caring for the needs of another person while being employed.

 

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