Diana Nyad’s goal was to swim about 110 miles in the Gulf Stream waters between Cuba and the U.S. Unlike caregiving, which is often hoisted upon us in a time of crisis, this was Nyad’s lifetime goal. She failed in her first attempt at age 29. After age 60, she tried three times before su[...]
It’s been more than a year since The Caregiver’s Voice began the VOICES with Dementia column. When we wrote The Caregiver’s Voice will be launching a new column called VOICES with Dementia, we hoped to learn more about caring for people with dementia from those living with dementia. Afte[...]
If it weren’t for select dates on the calendar, caregivers would take no breaks. Like medical personnel, law enforcement, soldiers, utility workers, and more, there are no breaks during the holidays for caregivers. While some employees may benefit from the upside of working on these days; most[...]
How Can I Prevent Agitation in One with Dementia? Guest article by David P. Gill When a person first learns that either s/he or a family member has dementia, a slew of initial questions comes to mind — from “how fast does dementia progress” and “is it curable” to “can I drive with dementia” or “does[...]
Review of Book – Lessons learned from Mother Teresa A Gift of Love, the name of a hospice in New York City where Tony Cointreau devoted a dozen years of his life inspires key lessons for caregivers. In 1990, 49-year old Cointreau of the French orange-flavored liqueur family wanted more from hi[...]
Many of us take to the road or the air this time of year to visit friends and relatives. What happens when you are a caregiver traveling with a loved one? Guest article by Dr. Lisa Price While travel may be stressful, planning will ensure caregivers and loved ones manage successfully. On the Road, A[...]
When a loved one has difficulty swallowing due to dysphagia or other cause, caregivers need to create soft-flavorful foods that are easy to swallow. Diane Wolff, author of The Essential Puree, offers tips for caregivers to quickly puree meals. Begin by creating a puree station with the following fou[...]
Thank You Caregiver Nation Guest Post by Seniorlink Seniorlink Inc., a caregiver solutions company, recently announced the “Thank You Caregiver Nation” contest, which celebrates the vital role of family caregivers who provide comfort to those in need of care. The contest will reward 12 caregivers, o[...]
Pennsylvania-born, Texas-raised, world-traveled, Virginia-resident Mary Radnofsky, PhD, is an intelligent woman, professor, librarian, ghostwriter, editor, scuba diver, human rights advocate, and has much to live for. But the infrastructure of her life has had a few potholes. Starting a job as Curri[...]
I can hardly remember my life before Mom came to live with us on December 3, 1996 at the invitation of my husband, Lyle. She was 87, but to her, age was just a number. It did not define her. She was in good health and very active. Living with us fulfilled a need in her life and she enriched our live[...]
Despite my father’s diagnosis of dementia at age 86 and Alzheimer’s shortly thereafter, he was physically healthy. While he lived with us, I’d take him shopping. The outing gave him a change of pace and he kept me company. One day in late November, after the holiday shoppers had ma[...]
Time for a little FUN! It’s time we caregivers lighten things up a bit and start calling each other names. It’s okay. Really. When the going gets tough, forget calling yourself a caregiver, carer, or care partner. Nahhh, how about trying out a new name? PWoD! C’mon, say it aloud. P[...]
