Mary loves her mother, Anne. Her mother has been a good, kind person all of her life. She has worked hard, raised a family, and never uttered a cruel or mean word about anyone or anything.

But recently the love Mary feels for her mother seems to be, well, misplaced. And, Mary recalls quite clearly the event that caused her love to dim, just a little.

(more…)

Share This

In this article, we’ll share suggestions on how you can give your care recipient a good death. After all, giving a good death is the culmination of the caregiving experience - a great way for you and your care recipient to start your new journeys.

The most satisfying moments for me when I work with the elderly and their families is the participation, even as an observer only, of a wonderful send-off, a beautiful death. I can’t imagine a greater gift you can give a family member or friend than a death that represents the care recipients themselves - prayful, loving or humorous.

(more…)

Share This

1. My mother refuses to use her walker. She recently had a small stroke which left her weak on one side. The doctor suggested she use a walker for stability. Rather than purchase a new one for her, we just took the walker my father used out of storage. My father passed away about ten years ago.

I’m concerned that my mother will fall if she won’t use the walker. But she adamantly refuses to use it. What should we do?

Most likely the walker you purchased 10 years ago for your father is rigid, made of heavy metal, looks very “medical” and is hard to maneuver.

(more…)

Share This

Last year, the Senate Committee on Aging released a report indicating many seniors over-spend on medications because they are unaware of programs that can help defray the costs. According to the report, seniors spend an average of $655 a year on prescription medications.

(more…)

Share This

Concerned about your care recipient trekking down a long, unsafe driveway to retrieve his mail each day?

The United States Postal Service will authorize mail delivery to a person’s door upon receipt of a letter describing the person’s disability. Just send the letter to your local postmaster. If the local postmaster denies your request, send your letter to the United States Postal Management Section Center for review.

(more…)

Share This

Scheduling weekend breaks from your caregiving responsibilities isn’t being selfish. Your loved one needs you to be at your best so you can consistently provide high-quality care along with generous amounts of TLC. That requires taking the time to re-charge your physical, emotional, and spiritual batteries - on a regular basis.

(more…)

Share This

“When I go in to see my doctor, I often feel like I get more attention from the nurse than I do from the doctor; and she is so caring. Can I go directly to the nurse with questions rather than to the doctor?” - Sandy

Dear Sandy,

You are not alone in feeling a bond with your office nurse, they are often very caring people; and yes, you can call the nurse with questions.

(more…)

Share This

“My dad is in great shape. He is 80 years old and is active, alert, and involved in life. I want to help keep him that way. What would you recommend?” - Ben

Dear Ben,

Sounds like you and he have been very fortunate. The strongest recommendation I can make is for him to remain active physically, mentally, and socially. In addition, preventive medical measures that can be taken to help prevent and slow down the progression of disease.

(more…)

Share This

“I’ve found nursing facilities in my area that will take my father who has Alzheimer’s. Now how do I tell which ones are ‘quality’ homes?” – Ira

Dear Ira,

First, it is important to remember that nothing can take the place of a personal visit to the facility. There are some tips in an article I wrote called Selecting a Nursing Home that will help you know what to look for and make your own determination of whether or not it is a “quality” facility you would trust with your parent. In the near future, this site will be offering extended listings of nursing homes that will give you a better sense of what the facilities offer before you even visit them. For example, you will be able to tell which homes have special Alzheimer’s units. In addition, we will also have reviews so you can learn what other caregivers think of different facilities.

(more…)

Share This

I am about ready to lose my mind about my mother! She is becoming increasingly forgetful, and I am concerned about her safety. She is forgetting to pay her bills and almost had her electricity turned off. She is also calling me constantly asking me the same questions over and over. Yesterday she called me at work wanting to know when I was coming over for dinner. I explained that I was coming over on Friday, not today. She called me up again one hour later with the exact same question. I want to help her, and I feel she needs to see a doctor and get someone to live with her. However, every time I bring up the subject she yells at me and tells me to mind my own business! I don’t know what to do. Please help. - Sue

(more…)

Share This