The alpha and omega of finding the joy in caregiving Caregivers begin with good intentions. Some of us even shine brightly like a fire cracker against the night sky. To ensure survival, we must take steps to keep us fueled; otherwise, we’ll fizzle into darkness. Two tips have helped caregivers[...]
Boom ER – A Life Saver Few books come along that truly offer a life-saving insider’s perspective. BoomER-Emergency Room Survival Guide for Baby Boomers and Older Folks by Robert W. Derlet, MD and Joel Cohen, MD, offers families and medical professionals, a 360-degree view of things to consider[...]
Is a Resident with a Remote IN Control? After visiting a nursing home resident who used to sit with my late father for their meals, I walked over to the nurses’ station. As the staff and I updated one another about our activities, a resident walked over and stood by my side. She didn’t say a w[...]
Guest article by Barbra Cohn Caregiving is one of the hardest things anyone will do in a lifetime. Caregivers typically feel stressed, tired, and worried. When you spend hours each day feeding, dressing, and toileting a loved one, you have little time to take care of your own needs. You might feel r[...]
Guest article by Lisa Price, MD We are a nation of caregivers. Whether for children or older adults, that’s what we do. Provide care. The number of caregivers is staggering. In the U.S. alone, there are nearly 40 million of us providing care for older adults. Caregiving in the U.S., 2020. [Original [...]
Caregiver Humor – Aunty Acid’s Opinion: It Depends Be nice to everyone; especially, every one of your family members. You never which one will be your caregiver! 😉 Used without permission.[...]
Sometimes, we get to know people who deserve more from life than they’re getting. Caregivers are one group of people whose role extends beyond what seems humanly possible. Your heart aches wishing you could ease their journey along some of the rougher roads. Be careful what you wish for. It ma[...]
Like walking in the shoes of a person with dementia Innovative immersive videos enabling People Without Dementia (PWoD) to experience how a Person With Dementia (PWD) perceives and navigates life—from trying to interpret what one sees and forgetting simple instructions to becoming disoriented with h[...]
What’s it like when Dad doesn’t remember? I think of all the dads who live with memory loss due to dementia. How do you feel when your father looks at you but doesn’t remember your name? How do you think he feels? I was raised in a family with two parents and three children. The ol[...]
The use of multiple medications, also known as polypharmacy, leads to nearly 30 percent of all hospitalizations in the U.S. It is the country’s fifth leading cause of death, according to HealthResearchFunding.org. Because seniors often face a wider range of medical issues, they are particularl[...]
“You don’t look like you have Alzheimer’s.” This is what Mary Howard Read hears often when speaking on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether she’s speaking or setting up and then (wo)manning a table at a conference, people treat her like any other profess[...]
Caregivers need to be reminded: Take a respite break. After all, we humans are a bit stubborn. “I can do this.” “If I just get through this, I’ll be able to manage.” We doggedly march on before the ground gives way and soon, we’re sinking in quicksand. Have you ev[...]
