MedWorm: Caregivers

Having senior moments? keep a log!

ThirdAge Blog — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:21:44 +0100

Jacqueline MarcellAuthor: Elder Rage www.ElderRage.comHost: Coping With Caregiving Radio www.wsRadio.com/CopingWithCaregiving Jacqueline’s lecture CD: 2.5/hr or 14 hr w/12 Eldercare Experts! WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS! Are you one of millions experiencing those pesky senior moments, which seem to occur more frequently with each advancing year? We whisper to our friends with a Gallo’s laugh about [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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What happens when a caregiver wants to retire?

Caregiver Notes — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:52:01 +0100

In June, my wife Deb and I rented a cottage in Maine and enjoyed a short vacation. We took early morning walks on the beach with the dog, ate our fill of steamed clams and lobster, caught up on our reading under the beach umbrella and shopped at LL Bean. I also did a bit of kayaking in the estuaries and along the rocky coast. As always, we came away with faint suntans (thanks to SPF 30) and our familiar fantasy about moving up to Maine in retirement. Over dinner at the Oarweed restaurant, we even talked about it like it was a real prospect. But the vacation ended, and as always, reality set in, and we knew Maine would remain a fantasy for a while longer. One of the aspects of caring for an elderly parent, as I do for my father, is that when you consider a big life change, such as a move, you have to include them in the plan. Life spans being what they are, we had always assumed that by the time retirement was upon us, my father would be gone. Well, Pops turned 91 this year and despite two strokes, prostate cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, he shows no sign of going anywhere. This retirement-life change dilemma is a common issue in caregiving, and in fact has occurred in our own family before. Some years ago, when my wife’s parents got to retirement age, they desperately wanted to escape the snows of New Hampshire for Florida. After anguishing over it for some time, they moved Deb’s 80-some-year-old maternal grandmother – who had lived in and hated Florida – into a New Hampshire senior residence and headed south. That worked okay for a year or two, but eventually we moved Deb’s grandmother to an apartment in our town, and Deb cared for her until she passed away – which turned out to be only six months or so later. Now retirement age is fast approaching for me and so is the realization that if we are ever going to live in Maine, we’d better get serious about it within the next few years. Either that, or recognize it for the idle fantasy that maybe it always has been. So, as I do every year after our Maine vacation, I am haunting the real estate Websites for coastal Maine. But now I am looking for the homes that have a mother-in-law apartment included. Take care of yourself, Jeff (Source: Caregiver Notes)

Nostalgia in your relationship

ThirdAge Blog — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:00:07 +0100

Karen’s new book now available: Mindfulness and The Art of Choice: Transform Your Life. Check it out at: http://choicerelationships.com/mindfulness_and_the_art_of_choice.html I invite all of you to get a free monthly newsletter with relationship tips. To sign up, go to: www.ChoiceRelationships.com In my most recent book, “Mindfulness and The Art of Choice: Transform Your Life,” I offer tools [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Age accelerators: steer clear of these foods

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:27 +0100

Dr. Mitchell is co-author of Fat is Not Your Fate, Eat to Stay Young and I’d Kill for a Cookie. Listen to her weekly Internet Show on AM580 WDBO http://580wdbo.com/healthcenter/ Visit her websites: http://www.susanmitchell.org and http://www.fatisnotyourfate.com Do you notice how many magazines for both men and women have teases on their covers about anti-aging products and foods [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Do you belong to a self-obsessed generation?

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:13 +0100

The Pew Research Center released a report recently that described baby boomers as the gloomiest generation in the US over the last couple of decades. Opinions as to the reasons for this vary, and I’m not entirely sure myself whether baby boomers are gloomy or some of the other generations are just unreasonably optimistic! But I [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Video: interview with alzheimer's caregiver who quit his job to care for his father

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:14:00 +0100

In this video reporter Amita Sharma interviews Ric Gomez, who quit his job to take care of his father, who has Alzheimer's. Ric says he and his father have used this time to reconnect, share some laughs, and share other activities. For instance, in the video they enjoy a game of dominoes, and Ric says his dad is very good and frequently wins. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

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Could your prescriptions be the culprit?

Minding Our Elders — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen wrote an eye-opener on elders and drugs titled "Is Grandma drugged up?" She tells the story of a family who had their mother diagnosed with dementia, and then decided to get a second opinion from a geriatrician. The diagnosis? Too many medicines interacting with on another. Read full post: (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Mothering mother - a must read for caregivers and families

3GenFamily Blog — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:08:19 +0100

By CK Wilde for 3GenFamily Blog Mothering Mother: A Daughter’s Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir * * * * * “Are you coming to bed, hon?” whispered my sleepy husband. “In a minute . . . this is such a good book!” I said as I glanced up. From the first paragraph, Carol O’Dell’s book, Mothering Mother, had me spellbound. I just could not put this book down. More of this article . . . (Source: 3GenFamily Blog)

Eyeglass rescue returns your lost glasses

3GenFamily Blog — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:40:17 +0100

By CK Wilde for 3GenFamily Blog. I came across an old photo of my Mom the other day. She is standing on the lush lawn in front of my sister’s home, her right arm folded primly across her body. Hanging from her arm is her trusty handbag. If you have every seen pictures of Queen Elizabeth II of the UK on an outing, you have seen the formal handbag pose. Mom’s handbag was a treasure trove of necessities for the modern woman — and for my Dad. You see, whenever they went out of errands together, Mom carried the money, bankbooks, receipts, you name it, and Dad’s reading glasses. He never lost a pair when she was guarding them. More of this article . . . (Source: 3GenFamily Blog)

Fear not

ThirdAge Blog — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:33:35 +0100

Stripped of all their masquerades, the fears of all men are quite identical: the fear of loneliness, rejection, inferiority, unmanageable anger, illness, and death. – Joshua Loth Lieberman I woke up today with a sense of fear. I must go to the doctor today for the pathology reports from my cancer operation. I feel a sense [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Agingcare.com adds elder care expert carol bradley bursack to staff

Minding Our Elders — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Agingcare.com, the online community for caregivers, today announced that elder care author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack has joined the staff and will serve as the moderator for AgingCare's community. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

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Take a survey – be eligible to win copy of minding our elders

Minding Our Elders — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Agingcare.com wants to know what you think. They have a survey that should take about ten minutes of your time. Answering their questions will automatically give you a chance to win one of ten copies of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories (winners randomly selected from survey responders). Take the survey now (Source: Minding Our Elders)

A life for sale: healthy adventure or mid-life depression?

ThirdAge Blog — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:19:19 +0100

Come visit me at www.MenAlive.com to learn more about depression, irritable male syndrome, and male menopause. As I write this article, in 11 hours, 6 minutes, and 49 seconds, 44 year-old, Ian Usher will be selling his life. Born in Great Britain, now living in Perth, Western Australia, he is planning to do what many of [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Update on health journey

Minding Our Elders — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I’ve promised to update you on how my son and I are doing with our nutritional program. It’s been a few months. The biggest concern for me, is the protection of my aging brain. Many studies have shown huge benefits to the human heart, brain, eyes and other organs delivered by antioxidants. My son and I both feel mentally “sharper” now that we have started this nutritional journey. Is it going to keep me from getting dementia? I can’t tell you that. But I am willing to do what I can to protect my brain, and this is one drug-free way that looks promising. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Full disclosure on nutraceutical

Minding Our Elders — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I gave you an update on how my son and I are doing on Eniva products and their leader product Vibe. I thought, later, that I should have been more transparent about the fact that Eniva products are sold through network marketing. This isn't a bad thing, as it makes the people who take the product and believe in it the "middle man," rather than advertisers and drug stores. However, I do want to make it perfectly clear that: A. I would not endorse (nor will I take advertising or affiliate marketing from) a product that I don't fully believe in. B. I would buy Eniva products in a drug store if that were how they were sold. Everything I say about them is my story and how they work for me and/or my son. C. Yes, if you try them, and they work for you, you can begin your own networking business, though you don't need to. Some people make a living at it. I don't use it that way. I just use the products and people who see how well I'm doing ask and I give them information. Some sign on and start using it because they love it. Others pass on it (as I did twice before) saying it's too expensive or whatever. That's fine. I never push. It took me three exposures and a couple of years, plus advice from a medical professional before I decided to try it. For me, there's no turning back. I can't imagine not taking the products I take, for my brain, eyes and general health. Anyway, I wanted to add this to the original post, but it had already gone live, and I didn't want to duplicate people's alerts. I avoid that whenever possible. So, here you go. My credibility is vital to me, so I want to be as transparent as possible. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Guest post from scott couchenour - balancing bad news with positive

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:50:00 +0100

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BAD NEWSI am amazed at how much media airtime real estate is consumed by bad things that have happened. Recently I was listening to the radio in my car. Within a 30-second spot, I learned a baby was left on a doorstep (umbilical cord still wrapped around its neck), a man was sentenced to death for killing someone, the body of a woman was found in a lake - apparently raped and strangled, and two retired policemen were killed by a man as they worked for an armored car company while servicing an ATM.What kind of impact is that having on us as we care for others? What is the psychological impact of bad news?An article in the Harvard Business Review (October 2007) entitled "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time" points to the importance of the emotions and quality of energy. The authors point out,"Most people realize that they tend to perform best when they're feeling positive energy. Confronted with relentless demands and unexpected challenges, people tend to slip into negative emotions - the fight-or-flight mode - often multiple times in a day."Listening constantly to bad news can diminish the impact of people who care for others. It enhances a low emotional state. It robs us of the kind of optimism described in the Stockdale Paradox (what Jim Collins speaks of in his book, Good to Great):"Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be AND at the same time, retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties."News media is part of our existence. What are YOU doing to retain an appropriate emotional state as you care for others?Try this: For every negative piece of news, come up with at least two positive things to keep balance. Try complimenting someone. List your blessings. Look for the good in someone. Think of a time when you accomplished something. Smile at a stranger.I'm not talking about ignoring the woes of our fallen world. I'm talking about keeping perspective to be the best benefit to those who need us to be there for them.By guest blogger: Scott Couchenour, Certified Life Coachhttp://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.servingstrong.com%252Fhttp://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.servingstrong.typepad.com%252FScott A. Couchenour, Certified Life CoachCoaching for Ministry Balance (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

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Guest post from scott couchenour - balancing bad news with positive things

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:50:00 +0100

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BAD NEWS I am amazed at how much media airtime real estate is consumed by bad things that have happened. Recently I was listening to the radio in my car. Within a 30-second spot, I learned a baby was left on a doorstep (umbilical cord still wrapped around its neck), a man was sentenced to death for killing someone, the body of a woman was found in a lake - apparently raped and strangled, and two retired policemen were killed by a man as they worked for an armored car company while servicing an ATM. What kind of impact is that having on us as we care for others? What is the psychological impact of bad news? An article in the Harvard Business Review (October 2007) entitled "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time" points to the importance of the emotions and quality of energy. The authors point out, "Most people realize that they tend to perform best when they're feeling positive energy. Confronted with relentless demands and unexpected challenges, people tend to slip into negative emotions - the fight-or-flight mode - often multiple times in a day." Listening constantly to bad news can diminish the impact of people who care for others. It enhances a low emotional state. It robs us of the kind of optimism described in the Stockdale Paradox (what Jim Collins speaks of in his book, Good to Great): "Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be AND at the same time, retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties." News media is part of our existence. What are YOU doing to retain an appropriate emotional state as you care for others? Try this: For every negative piece of news, come up with at least two positive things to keep balance. Try complimenting someone. List your blessings. Look for the good in someone. Think of a time when you accomplished something. Smile at a stranger. I'm not talking about ignoring the woes of our fallen world. I'm talking about keeping perspective to be the best benefit to those who need us to be there for them. By guest blogger: Scott Couchenour, Certified Life Coach www.servingstrong.com www.servingstrong.typepad.com Scott A. Couchenour, Certified Life Coach Coaching for Ministry Balance (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

Have you seen “young at heart”?

ThirdAge Blog — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:36:20 +0100

Author of The Secret Wisdom of a Woman’s Body: Freeing Yourself to Live Passionately and Age Fearlessly. www.patsamples.com Young at Heart is the most entertaining and inspiring film I’ve seen in quite a while. I laughed and cheered often and sometimes cried while watching this documentary about a singing group, ages 75-92, who perform punk [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Killing your relationship with your thoughts

ThirdAge Blog — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:00:11 +0100

Karen’s new book now available: Mindfulness and The Art of Choice: Transform Your Life. Check it out at: http://choicerelationships.com/mindfulness_and_the_art_of_choice.html I invite all of you to get a free monthly newsletter with relationship tips. To sign up, go to: www.ChoiceRelationships.com After being in practice for over 20 years, I’ve met a lot of couples and heard lots [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Rncentral.com offers caregivers advice

Minding Our Elders — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I've enjoyed browsing RNCentral.com in the past. Sometimes I get overloaded and don't get back to some very good sites. This is one I need to pay more attention to. They just posted an article titled " 50 Communication Tips and Techniques for Caregivers" which will help educate caregivers, of course, but professonals, as well. There are always things to learn. The article was written by Jessica Merritt. It begins: (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Baby boomers: jump start your health

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:00:13 +0100

Dr. Mitchell is co-author of Fat is Not Your Fate, Eat to Stay Young and I’d Kill for a Cookie. Listen to her weekly Internet Show on AM580 WDBO http://580wdbo.com/healthcenter/ Visit her websites: http://www.susanmitchell.org and http://www.fatisnotyourfate.com If you are one of the over 70 million people in the United States in the “baby boomer” category that are [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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5 more weight loss tips for july

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:00:09 +0100

Last week, I posted some weight loss tips inspired by Saturn and Mars being together in Virgo as of July 1. The stars in July happen to impact my solar and natal 6th houses quite a bit, so I continue to be maybe more pumped up than most about the prospect of getting control (Saturn) [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

How do i manage an elder who demands all my time and attention?

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:24:49 +0100

Jacqueline MarcellAuthor: Elder Rage www.ElderRage.comHost: Coping With Caregiving Radio www.wsRadio.com/CopingWithCaregiving Jacqueline’s lecture CD: 2.5/hr or 14 hr w/12 Eldercare Experts! WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS! Always screen your calls and never pick up when your elder calls with a nasty demanding tone. If you never give in to moaning and groaning, they will eventually stop trying [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Accessible programs to help elders' finances

Minding Our Elders — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

AgingCare.com has a good article that ties together many sources of benefits for our elders. Titled, " (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Thankful

ThirdAge Blog — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:07:27 +0100

God gave you 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say, “thank you”? –William A. Ward It is often times not until we can’t do something that we begin to appreciate what we can do. When you can not get up and out of bed life seems difficult. Then when you are able to get [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

30 years of marriage and the fire that could destroy it all

ThirdAge Blog — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:42:51 +0100

Please come visit me at www.MenAlive.com and get your free e-newsletter. We live in Northern California, Mendocino County, in a wonderful little town called Willits. We actually live up in the hills outside of town. We are surrounded by beautiful, tall trees, and wild-life abounds. Each summer we worry about fire and each summer some crazy [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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The alzheimer???s action plan - top choice for practical advice

Minding Our Elders — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

As an English literature major, I'm used to hefty 500-page books, however the books of this size that I've enjoyed have generally been 19th Century novels or anthologies of classic prose and poetry. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Expert advice on combining medications to treat alzheimer's

Minding Our Elders — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

From OurAlzheimers.com comes advice in a post titled "Combining Medications to Successfully Treat Alzheimer???s Disease." The article begins: (Source: Minding Our Elders)

50 communication tips and techniques for caregivers

The CareGiver — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

You just can't get enough tips on communication. The RNCentral website put together 50 tips with links to more and more information. When you have the time its worth a visit. Follow the link in the clip and get this useful information. clipped from www.rncentral.comWhether you're a professional nurse or just taking care of a loved one, you're... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: The CareGiver)

High school grads - buying the right computer for college

3GenFamily Blog — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:34:04 +0100

By CK Wilde for 3GenFamily Blog A Case of Mistaken Identity Now that he has completed his first year of college, our son realized that he bought the wrong laptop to take with him. He is still trying to figure out what he going to do for his second year. You can be better informed. The questions you need to answer to find the right computer are in this article: What’s the Best Computer for a New College Student in 2008? (Source: 3GenFamily Blog)

Misunderstandings that destroy relationships

ThirdAge Blog — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0100

Karen’s new book now available: Mindfulness and The Art of Choice: Transform Your Life. Check it out at: http://choicerelationships.com/mindfulness_and_the_art_of_choice.html I invite all of you to get a free monthly newsletter with relationship tips. To sign up, go to: www.ChoiceRelationships.com Last weekend, several members of my family went to look in on my mother-in-law in Florida who suffers [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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"30 days in a wheelchair" on hulu.com - experiencing life from a different perspective

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:09:00 +0100

Caregivers can understand the perspective of those who spend life in a wheelchair by watching "30 Days in a Wheelchair" on Hulu.com. NFL player Ray Crockett spends 30 days in a wheelchair, experiencing the adaptations needed for daily living. As he gets ready to start on the first day he is advised that he'll learn to have an appreciatiion for the frustration that is felt when someone spends so much time "looking at everyone's belt buckle" and he'll find that often people won't make eye contact because they are uncomfortable. The program focuses on spinal cord injuries but the insights about life using a wheelchair will apply for others as well.Ray starts at the Baylor Rehabilitation Institute. He is advised that people will choose to make eye contact with his wife if she is standing nearby, often avoiding him, and they may act as if he is deaf and dumb. Our culture and society has to learn how to accept people who use a wheelchair.When someone has to start using a wheelchair friends are lost as well as activities, because people feel uncomfortable or cannot adjust to being around the person who is now using a wheelchair.One person said it is like waking up and thinking it was only a bad dream but finding it was real. However, as one of the counselors said, life does go on and one struggles to adapt because there is no other way.Ray's car is fitted with hand and arm controls since he cannot use his legs while he is in the "30 days" project, and his house is adapted for disability. He find that there are a lot more stairs, steep slopes and narrow doorways than he thought.He spends part of his time at the Rehabilitation Institute with spinal cord injury patients and groups for therapy. One of the volunteer counselor's shows him how to get around and speaks openly about what it is like. He participates in "wheelchair rugby" and this is like football in wheelchairs - it's a rough sport.After 30 days when Ray returns to walking he has made some special friends and learned from them and from his experience what life is like for those who use a wheelchair.Caregivers can understand the frustrations felt by wheelchair users better after they see this video. Better yet, try using a wheelchair for awhile in order to experience life from a different perspective, like NFL player Ray Crockett did. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

Detox diets: what you need to know

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:55 +0100

Dr. Mitchell is co-author of Fat is Not Your Fate, Eat to Stay Young and I’d Kill for a Cookie. Listen to her weekly Internet Show on AM580 WDBO http://580wdbo.com/healthcenter/ Visit her websites: http://www.susanmitchell.org and http://www.fatisnotyourfate.com Detox diets have been around for years but have seen a surge in popularity recently in part due to celebrity promotion. [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Time to lose weight: 5 steps to taking advantage of summer’s weight-loss astrology

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:42 +0100

Summer is a traditional time to start a weight-loss program as hot weather and skimpy clothes provide incentive. This year, all of us with pounds to lose are getting a little astrological help from Mars and Saturn in Virgo. Mars moves into Virgo on July 1, giving us a near-perfect opportunity to turn over a [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Alzheimer???s and wandering: we keep learning

Minding Our Elders — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I'll never forget Hazel. She was a resident in the nursing home where all of my family members who got to the stage where a nursing home was the only safe environment, lived. It was just blocks from my home, so I could visit daily. Hazel would wander incessantly. She would walk the halls, literally, day and night. I don't know when the woman slept. The staff and I would comment that she had to have the strongest legs on the planet. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

7 reasons men die first

ThirdAge Blog — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:54 +0100

Please visit me at www.MenAlive.com and claim your free e-newsletter. Popular culture may paint men as the stronger sex, but from the moment a boy is born, his life is more likely than his sister’s to be cut short. Across national and cultural boundaries, men die an average of seven years earlier than women; the disparity [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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Silver linings

ThirdAge Blog — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:03:51 +0100

Too many people miss the silver linings because they are expecting gold. – Maurice Setter I am one week post major surgery for a radical hysterectomy. I was diagnosed with cancer. I am on the couch unable to move. I am fifty-five and this is the first time in my life I have been down. With [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

A caregiver's memories - video in memory of my father - father's day at the pismo beach pier, san luis obispo county, ca

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:51:00 +0100

My father, Jack H. Terry, Sr., passed away 13 years ago from a stroke, but on Father's Day I do something special in his memory and this year I made a video of scenes at the ocean. He always loved water and boats - lakes, rivers, oceans. He would have loved the sandcastles, kites and other scenes in this video made at the Pismo Beach Pier, San Luis Obispo County, California. When I am near the ocean I remember the wonderful times we spent together at lakes or beaches. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

Sundowning - what is it?

Minding Our Elders — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Sundowner's Syndrome or "Sundowning" is something you read and hear about more and more. Here, from AgingCare.com, is a good explanation of the condition known mostly to people with Alzheimer's but also sometimes with other forms of dementia. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Alcoholism and elders: watch for the signs

Minding Our Elders — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

My neighbor Joe was rarely without a hip flask during Prohibition, and, while a hip flask eventually went out of vogue, he didn???t change his drinking habits as he aged. Joe was a functioning alcoholic ??? he, and everyone who knew him, was well aware of that fact. He was also brilliant, inventive and funny. (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Re: nursing home reform amendments of obra, residents "know your rights, " guest post by matt raven

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:59:00 +0100

“Know your rights” is important for residents of nursing homes. The Nursing Home Reform Amendments of OBRA were implemented in early 1987. According to the for the people website, the act mandated that nursing homes “promote and protect the rights of each resident.”The law aims at doing a number of things, but here are the general rights of residents:1) Right to Self-DeterminationResidents have the right to:-select their own doctor.-have access and involvement in all medical decisions.-receive personalized services at the facility based on individual requirements.2) Personal and Privacy RightsResidents have the right to:-partake in social, religious, and community events as they see fit.-confidentiality of personal and medical documents.3) Rights Regarding Abuse and RestraintsResidents have the right to:- be liberated of any physical or psychological maltreatment, corporal punishment, solitary confinement, or use of restraints as punishment.- be restrained under a doctor’s strict orders for the purpose of treating medical symptoms and guaranteeing the resident’s safety while protecting others.4) Rights to InformationNursing homes are obligated to:-Provide, upon request, residents with up-to-date inspection results and any measures the facility plans to take to improve existing conditions.-Advise residents ahead of time about any preparation to alter their rooms or swap roommates.-Notify residents of their rights when they initially move in to the nursing home, providing them with a written version of the rights.-Discuss how to take advantage of Medicaid benefits with residents.5) Rights to VisitsNursing homes are obligated to:- To allow urgent visits by a resident’s primary care physician in addition to representatives from the licensing agency and ombudsman program.- To allow urgent visits by a resident’s family providing the resident gives permission.6) Rights of Transfer and DischargeNursing homes may not transfer or discharge residents unless:- The transfer or discharge is essential for the well-being of the resident, and the current facility is incapable of providing that level of care.- The health and security of fellow residents is compromised.- The resident’s general health has reached a point that they no longer require the extent of care that a nursing home can offer.7) Protection of Personal FundsA nursing home must never force residents to let the facility hold their money.8) Protection Against Medicaid DiscriminationA nursing home must:- Implement and abide by policies identical to other nursing homes in terms of transfer, discharge, and how services covered by Medicaid will be provided.- Not force residents to surrender their right to Medicaid coverage and must provide information relevant to the Medicaid application process.These basic rights should be implemented in every nursing home nation wide. If you have an experience where you feel like your rights have been abridged in a nursing home situation, please contact a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in the field. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

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An early father’s day

Caregiver Notes — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:14:46 +0100

Because of a scheduled trip out of town next Sunday, we decided to celebrate Father’s Day a week early. So last Sunday my wife Deb and I took Pops down to Ulster Landing Park on the Hudson River where we barbecued spareribs and watched the boats go by. Pops always enjoys an afternoon at the river because that’s where he grew up, and it brings up a lot of old memories. For Father’s Day, I gave Pops the token gift of a couple of books I bought at a local library fair. One was a paperback of Master and Commander, a famous sea story by Patrick O’Brian, which I took Pops to see when it was in movie theaters a few years back. Pops likes sea stories, so I think he will like this. He also likes tales of 19th Century arctic exploration, and that’s what the other book is about. The title is, “The Terror,” by Dan Simmons, and it was an Amazon best seller. But it was kind of a risk, too, because it’s really a horror story that happens to be set against an 1845 arctic expedition. I am not aware that Pops likes the horror genre, but we’ll see. It wouldn’t be the first time a gift of mine has been a flop . Actually, Pops’ current reading tastes are a mystery to me. He reads a lot and his apartment is full of books, but they are just the popular titles that people read and then give to him. He reads many of them, but I can’t believe he would ever pick them out himself to read. The only books he has around that are actually books of his own include the works of Shakespeare, an old taped together book of poems by Rudyard Kipling and stuff like that. It was hot and breezy at the river. The cottonwoods were in seed and the white seed puffs drifted by us like fat snowflakes. You had to be watchful and wave them away from your plate. I served the sizzling ribs, and before we dug in, we all raised our paper cups of ice tea in a toast to fatherhood and family. Pops looked out at the river and began a story about when they built the Bear Mountain Bridge in the early 1920’s near where he lived in Tomkins Cove, and how it was the first Hudson River bridge south of Albany and the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. I wonder if there’s a book out about the Bear Mountain Bridge? Take care of yourself. Jeff (Source: Caregiver Notes)

Eldr publisher & ceo on celebrating aging

Working Caregiver — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:07:00 +0100

To order your discounted subscription to ELDR magazine, click here ELDR.Introducing ELDR, a print magazine and an online forum (ELDR.com), ELDR brings readers an opinionated and entertaining approach to aging. ELDR seeks to inspire the influential 60-plus audience to celebrate the joys, navigate the challenges and discover the meaning of aging.Listen here to Chad Lewis, Founder/CEO/Publisher of ELDR publishings, speaks to us about the issues today's seniors are dealing with in their lives.Click here to listen...ELDR is the first consumer magazine and online community created for the affluent and influential 60+ elder. Created from the word 'ELD' meaning a time in one's life when one comes into power and 'R' for revolutionizing the way we think about aging. ELDR's vision is to inspire and empower readers to live a more meaningful life, to celebrate the joys and to successfully navigate the challenges of aging.ELDR Magazine addresses controversial topics such as “Right To Die” National Survey: Should Your Doctor Help You Die? (San Francisco, CA) – May 15, 2008 - ELDR magazine and ELDR.com released the results of a national survey of adults on the “right to die” issue or what some call “physician-assisted suicide.” The survey showed that over 80 percent believe the choice to end one’s life is a personal decision, with two-thirds of adults saying they want physician-assisted “death with dignity” legal, as in Oregon.ELDR Magazine adds other thought provoking topics such as - Explores Sex & Intimacy Over 60 (San Francisco, CA) – February 19, 2008 - The third issue of ELDR magazine, named one of 2007’s “Hottest Magazine Launches,” gets hotter with an exploration of sex and intimacy over 60 years of age.ELDR brings an enlightened, entertaining and sometimes edgy approach to aging through its reviews, articles and interviews, dynamic photography and artwork. Regular columns include ELDR Travel, ELDR Yoga and ELDR Tech. We also feature regular stories on grandparenting, caregiving, and staying mentally sharp, among others. ELDR offers fresh viewpoints on social issues and new ideas on health, fitness, finances and activism.Welcome to ELDR! WorkingCaregiver.com in partnership with ELDR gives family caregivers and seniors a discount on the one year subscription when you subscribe to the ELDR magazine for one year. A $5.00 value!!Go to ELDR.com to view their website. Thank you for visiting, WorkingCaregiver.com. (Source: Working Caregiver)

Caregivers and seniors dilemma - medicine, food or gas?

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:48:00 +0100

Caregivers and care-receivers can face a multiple choice in the current economy - medicine, gas, or food? Solving the problem can be like trying to find one's way through a maze and running into a wall at every turn. Forget about trying to hang on to luxuries. Many are trying to decide whether they can afford their prescription, a trip across town to a medical provider, or enough food for a nutritious diet. Below are some places to look for help on the internet.1. FOOD RESOURCES: At the website for FRAC, the Food Research and Action Center, "Fighting Hunger In America" there are resources to help. A portion of the website is dedicated to the elderly, and has information about programs you can turn to for assistance. Seniors Centers across the United States often have a commodities program (groceries), a brown bag program, and a senior nutrition program (hot lunches served or delivered, donation optional). 2. GAS PRICE RESOURCES: If you visit gasbuddy.com you can type in your location and find the cheapest gas.3. MEDICAL AND MEDICINE RESOURCES: The Medicare website offers explanations about prescription plans, bridging the coverage gap, and a long term care planning tool. AARP offers many resources and articles. Senior-health-insurance is a website that provides a service of helping seniors compare health insurance plans. Seniors centers often have programs to provide health insurance counseling and advice, low cost health screening and free or low cost seminars. ReverseHelpline has a variety of information and warnings about reverse mortgages. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

Need help with elderly parents? for expert advice: geriatric care managers - credentials, certifications, services

The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:43:00 +0100

Friends, acquaintances and caregiver agencies often offer well-meant advice but where can you find educated, certified, licensed expert help and advice for aging parents? At caregiverlist.com an article on Geriatric Care Managers explains credentials can include being a Registered Nurse, Licensed Counselor of Social Work, Counselor of Psychology or Attorney. Certifications for Geriatric Care Managers require "educational qualifications, supervision, work experience, written exams, and ongoing education to maintain a certificate."I have seen that too often people are overwhelmed with advice from others who do not have the education, licenses, experience and credentials to be genuine experts. Friends, other caregivers, caregiver agencies, and others who are involved in the eldercare world but who are not qualified experts may mean well in offering advice.It is my opinion that expert advice from a top consultant can be of more help to your loved ones, save a lot of worries, and result in wiser decisions. If you are using a caregiver agency then a Geriatric Care Manager could provide consultations.Caregiver agencies often offer quite a bit of advice, but it is rare that the care coordinators have related educational degrees or licenses and of course their work is nonmedical.Do not confuse a Geriatric Care Manager with a care coordinator at a caregiver agency. The job of care coordinator does not require the same qualifications and is very different. . For important decisions it would be better to consult with a qualified expert.For expert advice from an outside professional with education, licenses, and certifications it makes sense to consult with a Geriatric Care Manager. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News)

Love is blind

ThirdAge Blog — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:00:17 +0100

Karen’s new book now available: Mindfulness and The Art of Choice: Transform Your Life. Check it out at: http://choicerelationships.com/mindfulness_and_the_art_of_choice.html I invite all of you to get a free monthly newsletter with relationship tips. To sign up, go to: www.ChoiceRelationships.com Do you recall how it feels when you first fall in love with someone? Those feelings are remarkable, [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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Dealing with death and dementia

Minding Our Elders — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

From my friend, Leah, who provides us with an inside view of dementia: (Source: Minding Our Elders)

Another early 40’s life transition: uranus opposition pluto

ThirdAge Blog — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:46 +0100

If you’re in your early 40’s right now (born late 1965 through 1968), one of the things on your planetary agenda is the opposition of Uranus to natal Pluto. Pluto has an irregular orbit, so how old a person is when Uranus opposes Pluto varies somewhat from generation to generation. I had mine when I [...] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Take a survey ??? be eligible to win copy of minding our elders

Minding Our Elders — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Agincare.com wants to know what you think. They have a survey that should take about ten minutes of your time. Answering their questions will automatically give you a chance to win one of ten copies of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories (winners randomly selected from survey responders). (Source: Minding Our Elders)

The employed caregiver - blending the issues

Minding Our Elders — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Caregiving Issues and the Workplace: (Source: Minding Our Elders)