A Bail-Out for You?

My friends at Caring.com and the National Alliance for Caregiving issued a press release today calling on President Obama and the 111th Congress to target up to 1% of the upcoming economic stimulus package toward supporting family caregivers. They recommend the following five priority initiatives (I’ve added my notes in parenthesis): 1. Provide Adequate Funding for the National Family Caregiver Support...

One Last Good-Bye

Last night, Linda Abbit, one of our 2008 Caregiver of the Year award winners, joined us for a conversation on Your Caregiving Journey (see our player, below, to listen). Linda shared her story, first as a long-distance family caregiver, then as a family caregiver to her mom, who now lives near-by in a board-and-care home. Because of all that she’s learned on her journey, she’s started a blog to help others:...

First iPhone Application for Family Caregivers?

The Caregiver Initiative, part of Johnnson & Johnson Consumer Products Co., announced yesterday the launch of its free iPhone application, CareConnector. The application, available free via the iTunes store, includes a CarePlanner to store insurance information, health care provider details and emergency contacts. Other features include a prescription icon, which links to a drug history and treatment plan, a...

Full

Do you end the day feeling empty? You deserve to feel full at the end of the day! And, not just full from a good dinner. You deserve to feel full with the knowledge that you did good today, that you made a difference, that you used your talents, that your hard work was recognized and appreciated. It would be nice to hear that at each day’s end, wouldn’t it? Sometimes, the people in your life end their...

This and That

Yesterday I substitute taught all day for a kindergarten class. I was tired at the end of the day, but I enjoyed that. It was a nice break. My mother-in-law had a dr. appointment again yesterday also. All her blood tests and fluid tests do indeed indicate cancer. She had about 5 1/2 liters of fluid taken off her stomach a few days ago! They have not decided yet, if she will have surgery or chemo...

Recovery Bill Includes Dollars for Seniors

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (aka the stimulus bill) included the following funding for senior services and programs: $100 million for formula grants to states for Older Americans Act senior nutrition services including home-delivered meals ($32 million), congregate  meals ($65 million) and $3 million for Title VI Native American meals programs; $120 million for the OAA Title V Community...

Coping During a Tough Economy

It’s stressful out there!! And, even worse, it’s already stressful inside for you. To help you cope, we spoke with Ellen Rogin, CPA and Certified Financial Planner, Strategic Financial Designs Inc., Northfield, Ill.,  on a special edition of Your Caregiving Journey. During our discussion, Ellen offered the following tips: 1. Concentrate on what’s going on in your house. Are you overwhelmed by...

We’ve Added Google Friend Connect

Are you wondering about the blue bar on the top of this page that asks you how you are doing today? It’s Google Friend Connect–a way for you to connect with our site’s visitors. You can meet other members, post comments, ask for help, share ideas and offer suggestions. And, it’s easy to join—just use your Google, Yahoo, AIM or OpenID account. Or, simply set up an account with Google or Yahoo...

How Do I Talk to Mom About the End?

Dear Denise, My mom has cancer and the end is coming.  I have been with her over the past year and even though the main adrenal tumor is over 18 cm and all of her lymph nodes are cancerous, she has not had ANY pain or really any symptoms.  I put this in the true miracle category and know a blessing when I see one.  She hasn’t really dealt with any of the issues of having cancer. However, the time has...

Three Steps To Starting

Overwhelmed by a decision? Frustrated by an ongoing problem? Confused about what to do next? When you feel overwhelmed, frustrated or confused, you may find yourself stuck, seemingly planted in cement, unable to move forward. What an awful feeling! Try this three-step process when you want to move forward, but are unsure of how. 1. Ask yourself: What do I want? Listen to your immediate response, whatever that...

Sunday Blessings

It was a good day today. Sundays are usually busy days, but it is a day when I can be uprlifted in church and by being with fellow believers. Tonight I was part of a mass choir from three different churches in our denomination. What a thrill to sing with such a big group of people and to be singing truths from God’s Word. It makes me think that heaven will be like this. What wonderful truths from...

Does Medicare Reimburse Me for Caregiving?

Dear Denise, Does Medicare give any kind of benefits to a caregiver? I have been caring for my mom for over 4 years now; I heard that you can get some financial help from Medicare due to the fact that they don’t have to pay a nurse, or a home.  Is this true? Hi, Unfortunately, Medicare (federal insurance program typically for persons 65 and older) does not reimburse a family caregiver. Medicaid (a health...

Valentine’s Day

I just got back from babysitting three of my little granddaughters at their house. That way my son and his wife could go out for Valentine’s day. It was fun doing this for them. It was also nice that my son and his wife could go out together, as baby number four is coming on Feb 24. The last years especially my husband and I would often go out to eat on Valentine’s Day, and we would exchange...

I Was Just Worried about Dad; Now I’m Worried about Mom and Dad

Dear Denise, How do help my parents? My father is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. My mom has been caring for him. The problem is my dad gets angry any time my mom tries to discuss his diagnosis with him. She tries to make phone calls to find help, but he’s so paranoid, he listens in on her phone conversations. He constantly questions her on her whereabouts. I’ve suggested that she try to attend a...

She Drags Me Down!

Dear Denise, I joined a support group at my local church last year. At the time, I was feeling completely lost in caring for my parents. I didn’t know anyone going through this and found the whole experience to be absolutely depressing. Joining the group helped me immensely. I learned about programs that can help and enjoyed talking with others in the same boat. I formed a friendship with one member in...

Can I Strangle My Siblings?

Dear Denise, I wonder if you can help… I’m really having a hard time with my siblings. My sister seems more interested in what she’ll inherent, rather than actually helping me take care of Mom. She calls my mom to make sure she’s getting the good china, the antique clock, you name it, she wants it. I read that you suggested sending e-mail messages to challenging family members. I did try...

I Hate This!

Dear Denise, I’ve been taking care of my parents for the past few years. They’re nice enough and seem to appreciate my efforts. I think I have a pretty good system in place so that they have what they need when they need. Here’s my problem: I hate being a caregiver. I feel awful admitting this, but I just hate it. And, the guilt! Oh, do I feel guilty!! Am I the only one? Hello, I think many people dislike...

Clinical Trial Participants Needed for Alzheimer’s Drug

Patients are being sought to enroll in the Investigational Clinical Amyloid Research in Alzheimer’s (ICARA) clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new drug, Bapineuzumab, in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study has been referred to as the “Vaccine Study,” but it is not the typical “vaccine” that is given to prevent a disease....

When a Day for Red Brings About the Blues

For several years in a row, I wore black and blue, to reflect the state of my heart, on Valentine’s Day. But the pain of my loves lost is noting compared to what you may be feeling. As with all holidays, Valentine’s may be a marker for what was in your life, now reminding you of all that you miss. And, that can bring on a terrible case of the blues. SympathyTree.com, an online memorial site, offers the...

Thursday Thoughts

Yesterday we attended the funeral of my husband’s uncle. He was only a few days shy of being 95 years old. It was remarkable. It was not really a sad day , but in many way a joyous day, because this uncle had lived a full life and is now in eternity. It was in many ways an encouraging day being reminded that this life’s difficulties is not all there is for God’s children. I was still feeling...

Good Luck

Good Luck Have you walked under a ladder? Has a black cat crossed your path? Did you break a mirror? Or, did you merely get out of bed? Do you sometimes feel you have lots of luck—-it’s just all bad? The worst part about bad luck is our tendency to blame misfortune on ourselves—-as if we can produce it. Bad luck isn’t your creation. It’s not you, it’s just the ups and downs of life. Bad luck is...

I need to get a life.

Or should I say, a better attitude. A more mature attitude. I realize today that I have so much influence over the quality of my life. Yes, the thing with my mom sucks. Yes, I find it difficult to interact with her. BUT wallowing in grief does not bring me the life I want. I find, when I am grieving, which, feels like all the time, I move slower than molasses. I have such apathy. It wouldn’t matter if my house...