This Week’s Poll: Do You Check Medication Expiration Dates?

You check the expiration date on your milk. How about medications? That’s our question in this week’s poll, sponsored by Caregiving.com and eCareDiary.com. Please vote below. Do You Check Medications for an Expiration Date?survey...

Robert Has Moved!

Robert moved in to his new place today. I was very worried about the move (did I pick the right place for him? Will he like it? How will he adjust to having a roommate?). Robert was excited. He told everyone at his Old Home that he was moving, when he was moving and that there would be people his “own age there.” My husband and I arrived at breakfast to get Robert all packed up. Robert enjoyed a leisurely...

Well, It Could Be Worse…

We went and saw a new doctor today. This is a doctor that other people who have memory impairments use, and hold in high regard. We wanted either a confirmed diagnosis of MCI with the best available course or treatment, or we wanted a correct diagnosis. I completed reams of paperwork, and dropped it, and CDs of the MRI and Pet Scan off last month. We arrived early for our appointment today. Steve was called in for...

A Dedication

Nelson has loved rowing on the Concept2 Rowing Machine for about 26 years and for much of that time he rowed competitively. During the time of his remission, in 2007, he participated  in the international competition held in Boston and became certified as a rowing instructor in 2008. He has been on the staff at the Kinetic Fitness Studio since that time; the staff photo on the left was taken in 2008 before his...

PULL UP!

On the other side of our living room wall is my mother’s bedroom. Sometimes when I look at the wall, I try and imagine what it would be like to never have to go to the other side. The sadness and truths that are there are very startling and emotional to me. At times, when my mother is “here with us,” they are sad for her as well. At lunch time today, she didn’t know what to do with...

What’s Your Question for Diane?

During a special week-long series, “Families on the Brink: What to do About Mom & Dad,” Diane Sawyer and several ABC News correspondents will take an in-depth look at the sensitive and serious issues caregivers face. Reports begin airing on “World News with Diane Sawyer” last night. Here’s what’s on tap: THE CONVERSATION:  Diane Sawyer sits down for a discussion with four leading voices...

VA Launches Hotline for Caregivers of Veterans

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opened a toll-free National Caregiver Support Line housed at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center campus in Canandaigua, New York. The support line will serve as a primary resource/referral center to assist family caregivers, Veterans and others seeking information to help care of our Nation’s Veterans. VA employees who are licensed clinical social workers will take the...

How Do You Manage Bad Weather?

I’m in Chicago, which today is in the path of a bad weather system covering 2,100 miles. Our blizzard warning goes into effect today at 3 p.m. and will last 24 hours. In normal situations, bad weather becomes an inconvenience. Add in the life storm of caregiving and bad weather can be an incredible challenge. Perhaps you care for your spouse and your aging parent, who lives alone; how do you ensure both have...

Happiness Project: February

We’re starting our eighth month of our Caregiving Happiness Project. For February, our action word is Plan. Without a plan, life can seem like a mess. A plan-less caregiving experience can seem like a nightmare. So, this month, you can make plans for life, for caregiving or for the summer. This month is about creating a plan for what’s screaming for organization. With a plan, you create a foundation, a road...