Spending so much time with your care recipient may unearth behaviors or situations or habits that are, well, just bizarre. The behaviors may be related to a disease process; the habits, to a way of life. Either way, you keep these to yourself because, well, who you would believe you?
But, the keeping in can keep [...]
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Dear Denise,
My mother and dad have been taking care of my disabled brother for almost 9 years. She is 76, he is 81. My mother has several serious health issues, heart, high B.P., and diabetes. She had a T.I.A. two years ago and is on blood thinners. Mom (who was an RN) refuses to hire [...]
Continue reading about Ask Denise: How Do I Resolve a Huge Mess?
You want help. You’ve been waiting for your siblings, your kids, your in-laws, your friends, anyone! to offer their help.
Unfortunately, you’ll wait forever if you’re waiting for others to offer help.
So, how do you ask?
Tell family and friends specifically how they can help. Often, other family members want to help, but just don’t understand how. [...]
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(Editor’s Note: Once in awhile, we’ll share a past column of Ask Denise; this column originally appeared August 5, 2003.)
Dear Denise,
After ending a 15-year marriage to an alcoholic, and then losing my job, I was “invited” to move in with my 85-year-old dad in his 2 bedroom apartment. I also have a 13-year-old daughter. Since [...]
Continue reading about Ask Denise: How Do I Connect with Him?
Take a risk that didn’t work? Like hiring a home health aide—who you care recipient hated? Or, asking your sister to help out—only to be shot down?
After taking a risk that just doesn’t work out they way you hoped, you may feel foolish, or silly, or naïve.
Keep in mind what’s important: You stepped out of [...]
Dear Denise,
My grandfather had two heart attacks after fives years of angina and a previous heart attack within that five year period. He is going to be having a double by-pass very soon. He and my grandmother are in their 80’s and live alone in a little two-story house. Two of my aunts live near my [...]
Continue reading about Ask Denise: We Can Help, If They Would Only Let Us
(We’re continuing to share past columns of Ask Denise; today’s column originally appeared on August 2, 2005. Do you have a question for Denise? Feel free to email her.)
Dear Denise,
I have been sole family caregiver to my wife since she suffered a stroke six years ago. She is 84 and I am 87. She needs [...]
(Editor’s Note: Once in awhile, we’ll rerun a past column of “Ask Denise.” This column was originally published August 27, 2005.)
Dear Denise,
I need some help. My mother is 88 and she moved to WA from CT when she was 79. She was supposed to live in her own place but when she got her it [...]
Continue reading about Ask Denise: What Happens When She Becomes a Burden?
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Denise,
This is the first time for me to “write-in” to ANYONE, for advice. But, when I was searching for “caring for aging”, I came across your site and decided to ask you for some advice.
I have been “caring” for my mother-in-law for the past few months. Mostly, I drive her and go [...]
Walgreens issued the following press release yesterday:
Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems Announce Offer of Free Healthcare Services for Families that Suffer Job Loss and Have No Health Insurance
- ‘Take Care Recovery Plan’ to provide Take Care Clinic patients and their families peace of mind for basic healthcare services
- Companies cite goal of healthcare [...]
Continue reading about Walgreens Offers Free Care to Unemployed
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