by Denise
Nov 13 2011 in Denise's Blog, Your Tips, Your Tools by Denise
Chances are, during one of your caree’s hospitalizations, you noticed that your caree experienced a significant level of confusion. The sudden change in your caree’s mental status during a hospitalization can be startling, upsetting and scary. Unfortunately, the sudden confusion, known as delirium, among the hospitalized elderly is an awful side effect of an inpatient [...]
by Denise
May 17 2011 in Denise's Blog, Your Tools by Denise
I attended a workshop this morning called “Challenging Behaviors and Creative Responses” led by Dan Kuhn, LCSW and author of Alzheimer’s Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers. I learned a few tips, which I’ll share over the next few days. Today, I wanted to share a tool clinicians use to measure pain [...]
by Denise
Sep 3 2010 in Your Tools by Denise
In our Caregiving Support group this week, the subject of caregiving classes came up. Classes are a great idea—they offer an opportunity to connect with other family caregivers while you learn and grow in your caregiving role. Some resources for you: Community colleges: Check with your local community college about caregiving training. Some colleges received [...]
by Denise
Nov 27 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Oct 19 2009 in In The News, Your Tools by Denise
Each year, 100,000 people die because of adverse drug reactions. To educate family caregivers on how to prevent such errors, National Family Caregivers Association will offer a free educational teleclass/webinar for family caregivers, “Safe & Sound: How to Prevent Medication Mishaps.” The one-hour teleclass/webinar will take place November 12th at 2 p.m. ET. To register, [...]
by Denise
Sep 15 2009 in Denise's Blog, Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Feb 11 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Feb 10 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
A trip to the hospital for a person with memory loss or dementia can be stressful for both the person and the accompanying caregiver. To help family and friends of individuals with memory loss prepare for and deal with hospitalization, the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center of the National Institute on Aging is [...]
by Denise
Feb 8 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Feb 7 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
Worried about your care recipient while you’re at work? Or, do you provide care from a distance, which makes it hard to really know how your care recipient is doing? Meals on Wheels may be the program to help! In 1990, I decided to make a career change—and landed into a job managing a congregate [...]
by Denise
Feb 7 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
A hard lesson to learn is that we can’t change anyone. We can only change ourselves. Wondering why your spouse says what he/she does? Why your care recipient acts the way he/she does? Exhausted from trying to change them? A hard lesson to learn is that we can’t change anyone. We can only change ourselves. [...]
by Denise
Feb 7 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Feb 3 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Feb 2 2009 in Your Tips, Your Tools by Denise
It’s the question most family caregivers will ask at some point: Do I just need a break? Or, is it time for a permanent change (placement in assisted living or nursing home). Before making a decision regarding permanent change, explore all your options: 1. Are you using all sources of help that are available, within [...]
by Denise
Feb 2 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
The Hartford Financial Services Group and the MIT AgeLab created a guide to help families worried about an aging parent’s ability to drive safely. The guide, We Need to Talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers, is based on a study of older drivers’ attitudes and driving habits. It offers families practical information to help them [...]
by Denise
Feb 2 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
As your care recipient’s memory moves back in time, you can join him or her in the journey. Use the Internet to research important times in your care recipient’s life; learn what was happening on a world-wide scale, on a national scale and on a local scale, in your care recipient’s home town. When your [...]
by Denise
Feb 2 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
As a family caregiver, you have a story to tell. Your story about your caregiving experience involves intrigue (will the doctor ever return your call?), mystery (when will your care recipient take her next bath? next week? next month? next…?), a love triangle (you, your husband and your care recipient)–all great ingredients for a great [...]
by Denise
Jan 25 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
by Denise
Jan 25 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
You know the routine like the back of your hand (or maybe the inside of washing machine), but if you need help in an emergency, would your replacement know? Take time to document your caregiving routine. Consider: –The timing of care (ie.., baths, medications, treatments, personal care) –Your care recipient’s preferences (timing of meals, baths, [...]
by Denise
Jan 25 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
The expense of nursing home care, which ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 a month or more, can rapidly deplete the lifetime savings of elderly couples. In 1988, Congress enacted provisions to prevent what has come to be called “spousal impoverishment,” which can leave the spouse who is still living at home in the community with [...]
by Denise
Jan 25 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
You’re burnt–there’s no other way to say it. Unfortunately, others count on you, so your bad day has to have an end point–and soon. Recovering from the down days of caregiving can be tough. You need a First Aid kit, complete with BandAids and soothing words. To help you create your First Aid kit, complete [...]
by Denise
Jan 25 2009 in Your Tools by Denise
My dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer about 4 years ago. Because bladder cancer has a high rate of reoccurrence, he has regular three-month check-ups. Before each check-up, he says: “I’m hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst.” I guess that’s the best way to view a potential disaster: We hope it won’t [...]
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