MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 5000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Working Caregiver' source. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:48:52 +0100 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/316468540/eldr-publisher-ceo-on-celebrating-aging.html 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) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531834 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:07:00 +0100 1531834 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/299873670/family-caregiver-gets-break-essay.html Every family caregiver has a story. Caring Today & Home Instead offers you a chance to win the Grand Prize worth $5,000.00! Just submit a 500 word or less essay telling them you caregiving experience for a chance to win! You may qualify for the FIRST PRIZE worth $2,500 or an Extraordinary Caregiver Award worth $500. Deadline to submit entries is July 16, 2008. See below how to enter to win.Just them about your day-to-day experience of caregiving: How you've embraced the role of caregiver for a senior loved one, what impact it's had on you and how you've inspired others, demonstrating how a Home Instead CAREGiver could make a difference in your life. 2008 Caring Today "Give a Caregiver a Break" Essay ContestI read stories about your giving hearts & challenges and have experienced many myself helping mom & dad. Now it's your chance to share with Caring Today and Home Instead your personal experiences with a chance to gain financial help on this arduous path.Your days are filled with concern, worry, and love - so take advantage of this great opportunity to win cash. The deadline to submit your essay entry is July 16, 2008.Good luck to you all!Carol at WorkingCaregiver.comwww.WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475459 Wed, 28 May 2008 13:36:00 +0100 1475459 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/293610016/home-care-in-houston-texas-at-your-side.html Donna Wrabel, MSW, is co-owner and operator of At Your Side Home Care with husband of twenty-five years, Rick Wrabel. At Your Side Care is a licensed home care agency by the State of Texas.Two years ago they decided to put their marriage partnership to the test and buy a business both felt drawn to, serving seniors. Donna and Rick Wrabel's shared goal is to help elders remain safe and independent while living in their own home. A goal many seniors and elders crave to accomplish.Donna Wrabel gives great tips that are useful when selecting a home care agency and interviewing a hired caregiver:Click here to listen...Donna is a licensed Social Worker and raised 2 sons. Out of her experience of mothering and caring for her sons she often wonders why families don't treat elder care with the same dedication and energy we use on caring for children! What a thought and great observation. Why do we feel helpless when it comes to caring for our elders? And why do many family caregivers and adult children take on passive roles when dealing with parent care as opposed to the empowerment we thrive on when raising our children! Thank you, Donna, for bringing that to our attention! I have a thought about that and will give you my opinion later in this post.How Donna and Rick came about deciding on a home care businss was initiated by caring for Rick's grandparents. They found it difficult navigating through resources and locating quality care for them. So, they decided to do something about the lack of quality care in the industry and provide for families and elders what they had trouble locating... good, reliable care for someone you love.Donna has learned over the years what is most useful when matching up a caregiver to the senior needing home care. Steps Donna applies to her business was learned over the years of marriage:1. She and Rick, her husband, are a true match.2. She applies this learned intuition (with Rick) to families and their loved ones when matching them to a caregiver.3. She and Rick thoroughly screen the caregivers they hire.But out of her experience, Donna talks about using intuition as a guide to help in her business. I agree with Donna. And believe most family caregivers and adult children have not learn to trust their own instincts when it comes to elder care. I think we take on that passive role... too many times. Other tips Donna Wrabel gives to families when evaluating home care agencies:1. Make sure they are licensed by the state.2. Look for family owned businesses, this feature alone insures they understand the importance of family connection. 3. Who's in charge? Is the owner/operator an expert in the elder care industry?4. Make sure the agency employees an RN or Social Worker, better yet, is the agency operated by one?5. Pick an agency who's owner gets personally involved in the process.Thank you, Donna and Rick. These tips are useful and many family caregivers will learn how to better care for their aging relative when applying them. Contact Donna and Rick Wrabel at 713-337-1133 or send Rick an email rick@atyoursidehomecare.com.As for the passive involvement... it's my opinion that we behave this way because we still view ourselves as the child of the elder and having that perception limits our responsibility of caring for them. My best, Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1454888 Mon, 19 May 2008 15:35:00 +0100 1454888 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/283570202/first-care-home-health-in-georgetown.html First Care Home Health in Austin & Round Rock educates aging clients on how to take better care of themselves when living with chronic illnesses. It can be a lesser expensive way of caring for the elderly and allowing them to remain independent at home. Medicare requires the education so that the elderly does not slip into ill health and land in the hospital again. So, First Care Home Health finds that education is the best policy for remaining safely at home!They help educate clients having concerns of medical conditions such as Congested Heart Failure, Arthritis, Cancer, Hypertention. Part of the education process includes how to take medications and follow treatments. They have employed a high quality staff of nurses and professionals. First Care Home Health also communicates findings, treatments and outcomes to, and with your physician so everyone involved understands the patient care. They can also administer wound care, injections and topical agents as directed by your physician. Listen to Chika Anyanwu, First Care's RN and Director of Clinical Services. She explains in depth the education and care process employed by First Care Home Health. Click here to listen...Nutrition Care is an important element of the healing process, First Care Home Health has a registered dietician on staff that will recommend modifications in the patient’s diet, or when required to accommodate the patient’s needs; after obtaining a physician’s order.Both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy is part of their offerings and expertise. Providing treatments concerning disorders of the muscles, bones or joints. They will assess the client’s rehabilitation needs and potential. A therapy program will be implemented based on the patient’s physician’s order. The therapist will recommend modifications in the physical environment when required to accommodate the patient’s needs. The therapist will provide instruction on self-care, and activities of daily living according to the patient’s physician order.Call First Care Home Health if your aging family member has a doctor's order for nursing care in the home. They are located in Round Rock, TX. Phone number is (512) 990-2425 or visit them on the web http://www.firstcarehomehealth.com/.My best,Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1419701 Sun, 04 May 2008 22:53:00 +0100 1419701 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/274986587/medical-transportation-for-central.html David Phillips, President of Central Texas EMS & Medical Transport Services located in Georgetown and serves the central Texas areas from Waco to South Austin and all the little cities in between. It's an important medical transport service that is a high priority and needed service by family caregivers, especially when we live at a distance form our aging loved ones. David's company, Central Texas EMS & Medical Transport can help your aging parent physically be moved from the hospital back home or vice versa when they need ambulance type transportation. It is not to be confused with a 911 (true) emergency transportation to the hospital. A 911 ambulance is restricted to respond only to an emergency situation such as a car accident or a heart attack, it is not to be confused with an ambulance medical transportation that arrives at your aging loved one's home to take them to a non-emergency visit to the hospital, an assisted living facility, or back home from one of these. Listen here as David Phillips explains the differences between the non- emergency ambulance and the 911 ambulance. Click here to listen... Central Texas EMS & Medical Transportation comes to the home in a polite , non-intrusive, and cognizant of the environment attitude. They primarily help transport elders with chronic illnesses and may be worsening in underlying health conditions.Another form of medical transport that Central Texas EMS & Medical Transport delivers is a Wheel Chair Van. Again, this is not a 911 transportation service. This type of transportation is needed when an elder might need a ride to the doctor's office for a check up or medical appointmant. I remember my dad using a service like this when he visited his doctor's offices. Both the van and non-emergency ambulance are fully equipped with oxygen and other medical type equipment for safety measures.Now you might wonder "who" pays for these transport services? Most insurance companies do pay for the non-emergency ambulance service. However, the wheel chair van is an out of pocket expense. The cost ranges from $25 up to $40 per trip. But check with Central Texas EMS prior to scheduling a trip.. to be on the safe side. Please contact David Phillips and Central Texas EMS & Medical Transportation at 866-404-0911. Or visit their company webstie at http://www.centraltexasems.com/. It's worth the relief that your loved one is in good hands!Thank you for visiting. Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1389238 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:41:00 +0100 1389238 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/269582696/leaving-our-loved-ones-unattended.html In continuing the conversation about traveling and leaving our loved ones unattended, I interviewed Midge Norris, Director of Marketing, with The Personal Alert Link. It is an in-home medical alarm service thats cost effective, personalized, bilingual, and links seniors to independence. It simply attaches to any land line phone like an answering machine and whenever you need help, just press the button on The PAL. It instantly connects to our Emergency Call Center where you’ll have full two-way voice communication with a trained, caring Call Center Caregiver. The PAL gets you the help you need, whether it's an ambulance or just a call to your neighbor for help.Looking back, Ginger, the traveling primary caregiver (see her story dated March 30, '08), now wishes she bought one for her dad. But he was left unattended for hours after his fall, laying on the floor. The simple system (which attaches to any land line phone like an answering machine) is an absolute essential if a care recipient is alone for more than a couple of hours each day.Whether you traveling to the office everyday, traveling to Timbuktu for an extended visit or zooming to the supermarket for a loaf of bread, there is an opportunity for an accident to happen.Facts:The CDC (The Center for Disease Control) has recently headlined an article “Injury Falls have become a leading cause of death in seniors". 1.8 million Seniors were admitted hospital emergency rooms as the direct result of a fall40% of nursing home admissions are the direct result of injury falls Unless you have someone "on site" 24/7, there is no better backup and communication system to help all involved to feel more secure and able to respond in the event of an emergency than a simple in-home medical alert.CASE:Carla, a primary caregiver for 95 year old frail senior mom living in an apartment. Carla works full time as a teacher and spends her summers close to home and her mom. Her brother John lives out of state. Carla’s son is getting married this summer in another state and family wants to go, leaving Mom ‘home alone’. They have subscribed to personal alert link service now so that Mom is completely comfortable with the system. The first responder, while on vacation, will be the the apartment complex manager, and the family will be secondary contact.Summary: With a little planning the entire family is rest assured that there is a 24/7 plan in place not only for this family trip, but each day of the week.Question to Midge Norris, Marketing Director, of the Personal Alert Link:How do you train an elder to use or press the emergency button on PAL?They need to keep the pendant or bracelet on them at all times. It is waterproof.And once an elder presses the button, does your care center stay on the phone with them till help arrives?Once the button is pressed, our Care Coordinator Center will talk on the two way speaker to the care recipient and ascertain what level of response is necessary. They stay connected throughout the process until help arrives. They follow up after the fact with all parties.How do you notify the caregiver who is away – this can be a tricky situation… how to notify the caregiver without setting off an alarming reaction?We deliver the news of the event as factually and unemotionally as possible, to reassure them all is ok (or Not) so they can make an informed decision about what the next step should be.Thank you, Midge, for this useful information on another step for families to consider before leaving an aging loved one home alone.You can contact Midge Norris at 800-541-9945 or visit the website: http://www.thepal.com/.If you need local senior services in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or Fort Worth, please email me Carol@workingcaregiver.com or visit http://www.workingcaregiver.com/.My best, Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1369164 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:06:00 +0100 1369164 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/267754703/tips-for-texas-caregivers-planning.html Continuing our series of the primary caregiver preparing to be away from their aging care recipient due to travel. I'm speaking with several "expert" advisors on how best to prepare before leaving home. Today Lynn and Harry Shank, owners of Texas Assurance Care in Austin, give practical advice to family caregivers. They are well known through-out the senior community here in Austin and excel in resources for seniors. Lynn tells us that you, the primary caregiver, can comfortably travel without much worry if you have put the following in place. And she also advises us to do what Sally Watkins, the Travel Agent suggests!Listen to the full interview with Lynn Shank, Texas Assurance Care: Click here to listen...In the interview you'll hear good tips on preparing for travel - make sure you don't leave home without them!1. Make a list or your loved one's (care recipient) center of influence with you safely tucked away into your carry on bag. The center of influence are people who know, see, and maybe visit your care recipient; neighbors, good friends, pastor at the church, pharmacist, doctor, and insurance agent (health, car, home, etc.). Just in case of an accident or delays in travel or change of plans on your end - you can make sure someone will oversee your loved one's safety and can check in on him/her.2. On that list, add the care recipient's health insurance information and the plan description. You might consider adding your health insurance information onto this list too.3. Prepare yourself as long distance caregivers do - to find useful tips Google "long distance caregiver". Check this link out: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/LongDistanceCaregiving/ 4. Contact the neighbors and friends and give them your itinerary, how they can contact you in a need arises. Let them know what's going on; your travels and if they would please stay connected with your loved one. You may also want to contact a Geriatric Case Manager to help oversee your care recipient by making regular home visits. 5. If you can afford hiring an in home care agency so that someone, a caretaker, can check in on your loved one regularly. Lynn knows that in home care agencies have a minimum hour requirement, but this is a valuable assest for your family. They are trained in handling and being a primary caretaker while the family is away.6. And like Ginger, our traveling primary caregiver, suggests: Back up your back up! The more back up you have in place, the more you can enjoy your vacation or business trip!A big thank you goes to Lynn Shank! She can be reached at lynn@txassurancecare.com or (512) 343-5400.Enjoy your travels!If you need help with local Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio senior care, contact me, Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com. And visit our website http://www.workingcaregiver.com/.My best, Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1363910 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:08:00 +0100 1363910 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/262992771/travel-agent-gives-tips-on-preparing.html Welcome back to our continuing series on preparing for a trip that leaves your aging relative behind. In our kickoff story, you read and listened to Ginger's dilemma dealing with an emergency while traveling in Europe. She was frantic when she first learned about her dad's fall and hospital stay.Today we continue the Preparing for Travel series featuring a local Austin travel agent Sally Watkins, CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) with Century Travel. I asked Sally to please share with our readers tips on preparing for a journey away from home, potentially putting thousands of miles between you and your aging loved one. Sally advises families to plan ahead weeks prior to leaving the country or state:l. Purchase Travel Insurance – and read the policy thoroughly. Be aware of the "pre-existing conditions" part in the policy and know that full insurance has to be bought and put in place within 14 days of first payment toward the trip, for most insurers. There are some insurers that allow the purchase of travel insurance on final payment of trip but that’s the exception.2. Also be aware that paying the "taxes due" on frequent flier tickets can be interpreted as the "first payment" toward the trip. That would start the clock running.3. It's a GOOD reason to use a travel agent, so that if something happens to the aging parent/relative, the traveler has help in working out how to fly home! Without a travel agent, that traveler is on his or her own to work out all the details, from abroad, putting the family member in ultra stressed mode.4. Be aware of all cancellation policies, as they will differ by hotel or tour or guide, etc.5. Make sure the people "back home" have your contact information, where you are staying, etc., and they are instructed on how to dial the foreign numbers where you will be – using 011 to get international. Also instruct them on what countries require a zero before the area code when dialing from the USA, etc.6. Get a cell phone. Leave the cell number and instructions on how to dial it with the aging relative and other family members and friends.And I add, give them your email address too!Make it easy on yourself and book your next trip/vacation with Sally and give her details of your aging relative... she can give futher instruction if necessary and assist you in getting back home in a hurry, if the need comes up.Thank you, Sally for these great tips! She can be reached at 1-800-950-8283 or go to http://www.centurytravelaustin.com/.Thank you readers for joining our continuing series on being away from an aging loved one. Stayed tuned when we hear from local Geriatric Case Managers giving us valuable tips on being away.If you need local senior services email me, Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com and please visit our website WorkingCaregiver.com. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347670 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:51:00 +0100 1347670 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/260922562/primary-caregiver-gives-tips-on.html Ginger, the primary family caregiver (for years), helping her dad age 100 to remain in his home of 60+ years - overseeing his care. But being the primary caregiver, she put her dreams of traveling on hold for some time because she did not want to leave him. Although doctors reassured Ginger that his health is good and no need to worry, she remained loyal to her role. But after several years of juggling her heart's desire ...stay... go... stay... go , Ginger decides to go for it. We talked about the structure she put in place of her absence, which seems very reasonable to me, there's always that element of surprise that can bite you when you're not looking!Ginger's story... Click here to listen...Before leaving the country Ginger did the following:1. Asked her two adult children to step into the role of primary caregiver and moved the youngest (adult child) son (35) into her dad's home part time to oversee his safety and well being.2. Hired a Geriatric Case manager to visit the elder several times a week to insure quality care.3. Requested Call Doctor (Home Medicine Care) to visit him once weekly to check on vitals.4. Put her oldest sibling (out of town) on notice that she would be gone for two months and if he would please help her adult children. He agreed.As life would have it, a curve ball is thrown while Ginger's in Italy. Her son, living at his grandfather's takes ill and decides to move back to his house for a day or two just so his grandfather doesn't catch the cold he has developed. The next morning, the grandson stops by for a quick "check-in" but finds his grandfather has fallen and is on the floor. He places a call to the Call Doctor but they don't make home visits on the weekend so he dials 911 and off to emergency hospital they go. While in the hospital, the emergency staff discovers the elder has peumonia and into ICU he goes.By this time, Ginger's daughter steps in because her brother isn't feeling well. Unfortunately, the daughter sends a frantic email to her mom, Ginger, because the elder's health is failing. The only form of communication was email. In that message, Ginger reads her father has fallen, went to emergency, and now dying of peumonia. Well, needless to say, Ginger is an emotional wreck.In less than 24 hours later it was determined that her dad was not dying and that he is back on his feet and going home. What did Ginger learn from this experience? She would like to share..1. If you are sending someone a message being email or voice mail, keep the message as benign as possible. Do not inject highly emotional verbiage and frustration. This will only make matters worse for the receiver. Give all details and keep them simple. Do not exaggerate the condition or accident. When a person is close to a highly charged situation like this, it is necessary to step back and take a few minutes to breath and gather your thoughts. Remember, the person you're sending the message to is far, far, away and cannot quickly return home. So, please equalize the emotion.2. Buy a long distance phone card. Don't leave home without it. There are many on the market that can be used in another country. This gives the traveling family member a tie home. If you don't know where to purchase one, please call your travel agent.3. Back up your back up. Even though Ginger deployed her son, daughter, and brother to help oversee her father's care... life threw that curve. Her son got sick, her brother had to travel for business, so that left her daughter to carry the full responsibility. It's tough to be the only family member handling an emergency! Hind sight tells Ginger, it's best to have more back up. A friend, neighbor, etc. For those of you family caregivers getting ready to vacation, please know that you must think through the details of "what ifs" scenarios. We hope this story gives some help and insight for preparation.Tune in again for more tips on the traveling primary caregiver from senior care experts!If you live away from your aging parents and need local help in Texas, email me Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com.My best. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1337092 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:33:00 +0100 1337092 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/250992865/looking-for-local-senior-services-for.html Are you an adult child of aging parents and you're working full-time, juggling your immediate family's schedule, balancing a personal life, and helping mom & dad? Are you living at a distance from your aging relative? If the answer is "Yes, who isn't?"Then you may need my senior referral help finding local senior services for you aging parent(s) or relative. It's no cost to you.. all we need is the following information from you - Get Local Help for Senior Now.Our senior care network serves the Greater Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio for family caregivers like you. If your aging parent or relative lives in Texas or outside of Texas, I can help you locate the following:House Call MedicineSenior In-Home Care (Non-Medical - Companion, Light House Keeping, Cooking, Daily Living)Senior Home Health Care (Skilled Nursing - RN's and LVN's, Certified Nurse Aides, Medical Social Workers, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, and Certified Dietician)Geriatric Case ManagersAssisted Living OptionsHome RemodelersReverse MortgageFinancial ServicesHome MaintenancePersonal ServicesTransportationDeliveryIt's extremely difficult to help an aging relative from any distance, across town or across the country. In truth, in takes time and energy to research for senior services. It all comes down to this... you have two choices - get help with locating senior care for your aging parent NOW by clicking on Get Local Senior Help Now or you can remain worried, confused, and worn-out. Let me prove it to you - Ask me now! Which situation are you in?My loved one is in a crisis! As you may already know, health conditions of our seniors develop over time. I'm telling, from my experience, the need to arrange for caregiving or senior help comes on fast, when you least expect it.I'm a family caregiver and I need help! Whether you are paid or not, caring for a senior is hard work and quickly leads to stress and burnout. I want to plan for the future, now what? The time to plan for elder or senior care such as advance directives, getting legal papers in order, financial strategies, living arrangements, help with caregiving, and dealing with changes are much easier if you prepare in advance. It's better if the aging loved one can participate in the process of their care.We can help you. Send me an email Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com or leave a message for us by calling 1-888-797-7806. We promise to get back with you as soon as possible.Gain your peace of mind. Call or email me. Thank you for visiting. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1301940 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:20:00 +0100 1301940 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/247018828/assessing-seniors-needs-to-stay-home.html Samantha Young, Director of Practical Care Continuum, a home care agency in Austin, Texas shares solid tips on senior's living at home. Are you confused when thinking about your aging parent's safety? Do you second guess your aging family member's ability to live independently? And yet, you know deep in your heart that they really want to remain in their home and you don't want to disrupt their comfort level.And you know what? Most family caregivers walk this path of second guessing and worrying about our parent's safety, cleanliness, and nutrition. So how can you know what to look for when evaluating the safety of a loved one in their home?What Samantha talks about here are the safety issues and what to look for to make sure your family member is safe, especially while they are away. Listen to Samantha now.Click here to listen...And that's not all, Samantha shares a checklist with us that she gives to families when they are in a dilemma of figuring out what to look for. I remember when my siblings and I were in the middle of helping dad and figuring out what kind of help he needs, it would have been so helpful to have a checklist that Practical Care gives to families facilitating direction and clarity.Here's a sample of what to look for when assessing for the care they need:Ability to use the phone - operates the phone on own initiative. Can dial, look up numbers, etc.Shopping - takes care of all shopping needs independently.Food preparation - plans, shops, prepares, and serves adequate meals independently.Housekeeping - maintains the house alone or occassional help for cleaning.Laundry - does personal laundry completelyTravel - independently on on public transportation or drives own car.Responsibility for own medication - is responsible for taking correct dosage at correct times.Ability to handle finances - manages financial matters independently.Obviously, the list above is best case scenario. Go to PracticalCare.com is see the entire checklist and to take the test. Thank you for visiting. Carol@workingcaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1284879 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:09:00 +0100 1284879 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/242932048/free-pharmacy-tour-for-austin-and.html Field Trip Factory announces a new tour called My Extra Tour - a FREE education event for active seniors, their families andcaregivers. Hosted at your local CVS/pharmacy, this experience provides valuable information on health and wellness in a fun, interactive format. All those who attend ExtraTour receive a valuable education and a special gift. An opportunity for a free private consultation with the pharmacist is also included.Are you concerned about your elder's medication and if they are taking it properly? Who better than a pharmacist would understand the dangers of mixing precription medications and over the counter drugs! Doctors certainly understand but how many of us or seniors have a Physician for various medical issues or problems we have? And how many seniors keep track of those various prescribing medications to make certain we're not mixing them improperly? One thing certain, your Pharmacist more than likely is aware of all the medications our elders are prescribed. And they are the expert who can help us understand proper directions on administering them.Field Trip Factory sponsors free trips to "participating" CVS Phamacies in the Austin and Houston Texas areas. Learn more and how to schedule a My Extra Tour!Click here to listen...In addition to having fun, active seniors and their caregivers learn about health related topics:~ Taking care of your skin~ How the pharmacist can help you with your prescriptions and health~ The differences between generic and brand name drugs~ Pain relievers and over-the-counter medications~ Vitamins and nutritional supplements~ Preserving and sharing memories with digital photos~ All the benefits of ExtraCareEveryone attending an ExtraTour will receive a special gift!Following your ExtraTour, each participant will have the opportunity to schedule a private consultation with the pharmacist to discuss improving your other health, prescription medications and overall health care concerns. Now how fabulous is that? I especially love the idea of having a private consultation with a pharmacist to discuss improving health and proper care when taking precription medications. It's so important for senior health care.Schedule a free tour today by calling 1-877-521-3567 or visit MyExtraTour.com! (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1265330 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:31:00 +0100 1265330 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/236658420/help-coping-with-alzheimers.html Dr. Roy Steinberg, Ph.D. Highly sought out expert in the field of geriatric psychology in diagnosing and facilitating treatment of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia. His website is Caregiving For Caregivers.When coping with a loved one’s Alzheimer's Disease or another type of Dementia, it can feel frustrating, sad, at times angry, lost and not in control. For those who feel this way, Dr. Roy Steinberg's process is your compass and your map – educating and guiding you with meaningful information.What appeals to me in his work is how Dr. Steinberg addresses society's myth that aging is about illness and sadness. Many times, Americans support this misconception. Dr. Steinberg points out in this audio that "this is not, and need not, be the case. Though your loved one's Alzheimer's Disease or another type of Dementia can be a very real part of life, it does not need to define your life." Dr. Steinberg's expertise has helped thousands of people, from health care providers to Caregivers, understand that there is a better, healthier, more meaningful way. That way begins here.Click here to listen...Dr. Steinberg teaches Caregivers how best to equip yourself by: 1) meaningfully and accurately assess whether your loved one may have Alzheimer's Disease or another type of Dementia; 2) give your loved one the best possible care and support; and 3) learn how to "grieve for the living," the healthiest way to truly be an effective Caregiver for a loved one.Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1238239 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:46:00 +0100 1238239 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/231209212/fifty-plus-fitness-stay-in-shape-using.html Lori P. Michiel, NASM, CPT Fifty Plus FitnessTM Serving Active Adults and Seniors *Private Training *Fitness By Phone CoachingR *Boot-ish Camp *SeniorcizeTM *Lectures and more P.S. Learn more about FITNESS BY PHONE COACHINGR and why STANFORD University studied phone-based coaching for 24 years. Their research confirms ...an 85% adherence rate to exercise with this approach. Empower yourself to do more! Lori Michiel tells us how! Click here to listen...In this podcast, Lori tells us how is it different than traditional personal training. She gets you fit in 20 minutes a week over the phone by supporting you in maximizing your motivation and showing you how to get better, more permanent improvements in your fitness, energy levels and body fat reduction than you’ve ever experienced before. She had me at "Fitness by Phone"!It’s perfect for the busy executive, senior, or caregiver who wants to get fit, but does not have the time to meet with or depend upon the presence of a personal trainer each week. Lori also helps with an intuitive eating program that really works, if you are interested, not a deprivation diet or one that has any gimmicks attached to it. Many of her clients have said that this is the first program that has ever helped them to achieve and maintain their desired weight and still can’t believe how easy it is to keep up their new levels of energy and weight loss and make it part of their lifestyle. What I wondered about, though, if you don’t see the client each week in person, how can this work? Lori says that Fitness by Phone is so effective because of the independence, confidence building approach she uses that it has people automatically exercising on their own. Let me break it down for you so you understand it more thoroughly. She has her clients use “Motivational Activity Monitors” which provides the client with objective feedback so they know immediately how well their work-outs are really working. One is a Heart Rate Monitor (HR) and the other is a Caltrac. These tools act as your seven (7) day a week, 24 hour a day personal trainer. They are comfortable to wear allowing you the versatility busy people need to be successful in sticking with their exercise program. With an Activity Monitor a client is not be limited to a particular time or place for his/her exercise. The feedback you get from these tools give you the personal control and confidence you are spending every minute of exercise effectively. Lori's clients are actually excited about wearing the Caltrac everyday because they can see the difference between taking the stairs versus the elevator, parking at one end of a mall versus right up front. The way it works is call Lori Michiel at 818-620-1442, your Fitness By Phone coach at the same time each week. The purpose of the 20-minute phone call is to get specific focus, direction and new progressive goals each week so that you continue to get new results. By holding you accountable to someone else, your exercise program increases by over 2200%. A study conducted at Virginia Polytechnic proved that by the end of 24 weeks, only 2% of the people who did NOT get a call were still exercising (walking in this case) compared to 45% of the people who DID get the call. The combination of Motivational Activity Monitors, Fitness By Phone Diaries, the focus and guidance of an exercise expert and accessibility to your Coach all week makes Fitness By Phone more successful than any other approach to personalized fitness training.... guaranteed! Get started today! 818-620-1442 or visit www.fiftyplusfitness.biz and tell her Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com sent you! (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215531 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:01:00 +0100 1215531 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/229177684/tips-for-seniors-and-family-caregivers.html James and Patti Wright with JNA Construction, winner of the Austin NARI General Contractor Award in 2005, understand the needs Austin Seniors have in remodeling their homes to meet their active and sometimes, not so active lifestyle. JNA Construction can be reached at (512)266-2046.Seniors want to live out their entire lives living at home but some look short-term, the next five years. When that's the case, JNA Construction says most look to do improvements or remodeling. JNA Construction excels in remodeling tips for making homes more senior-friendly.Life events common to the Senior 50-plus generation that trigger home remodeling or improvements are retirement, birth of a grandchild, caring for an elderly parent and moving them in, an adult child moving home, often provoke home improvement projects. Many seniors also want the functionality of their home to be hobby-friendly and a comfortable place to entertain friends and family.When our boomer and Senior customers plan home remodeling or improvement projects, JNA Construction offer the products, services and know-how they need to create an intergenerational living space that welcomes all ages and abilities in the family.Key home improvement findings for consumers 50 and older include the following: (by Senior Citizens Home and Communities) ● 60 percent expect to live in their current residence during the next five years. ● 65 percent plan to remodel or improve their homes. ● 42 percent of all home improvement projects will be done by outside contractors. ● 77 percent believe how their home looks is an important part of who they are. ● 73 percent say the kitchen is the most important room for them.Give JNA Construction a call at (512) 266-2046. They will discuss with you: 1. The type of projects they do2. How their business operates3. Services they provide4. Site Visit - The first visit and consultation is completed at no charge5. The Design6. The Bid 7. Contract8. Construction9. WarrantlyGo to for details DESIGN/BUILD Process.Thank you for visiting! Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204985 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:02:00 +0100 1204985 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/224069328/how-to-deal-with-family-personal-issues.html Sheryl Karas, a former Alzheimer's Association consultant discovered that when caregivers called in to locate senior resources the bulk of her work wound up being providing emotional and spiritual support along the way. The issues that came up for family caregivers were very different for each person. It seemed like whatever their unresolved issues were - the family dynamics, feelings about things that happened in the past, beliefs and expectations they carried - THOSE were the things they needed to talk about most.For many family caregivers, elder care or senior care in not always a labor of love; for some it can be a trap they fell into, an obligation, a task they resent and struggle to survive. In this conversation, Sheryl Karas shares with us when caregiving comes to us by default, how we can change this worst case scenario into one that actually works for all involved; the primary caregiver, family members or siblings, and the senior being cared for.Click here to listen...Sheryl says it's sad and frustrating when a family caregiver says they did not “choose” to be in this rold, they are a caregiver by default. Sheryl goes on to say she usually hears “My brother says his career keeps him too busy. My sister says she’s too busy with her three kids. I just got divorced and I don’t have kids or a career I care about. Mom insists on living at home and refuses to let a ‘stranger” into the house despite how much help she needs, so the job of taking care of her fell to me.” In this situation if pressed, Sheryl might hear that the woman cares about her mom and would feel guilty to say "no" to her... but the truth is that this caregiver doesn’t believe she had any choice but to say “yes.”The anger and resentment can be so intense, that a caregiver cannot talk about her brother and sister without spitting out the words. In continuing work with the family caregiver, Sheryl finds out that family relationships are miserable because many times guilt is used to try to make other siblings do what they chose not to. Family dynamics are sometimes a disaster and primary family caregivers want someone to come in and fix it the family dynamics.Caregivers are capable of making a change. No one can force a person to be a caregiver against their will. Our beliefs shape our experience and we always have the ability to change our experience by examining those beliefs and the choices that stem from them. To contact Sheryl Karas, email her at sherylkaras@healingcommunication.comThank you for visiting. Carol @ WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1180251 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:00:00 +0100 1180251 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/220500034/helping-seniors-choose-best-living.html Meet Sandra & Gary McElvaney with Real Living, Lifestyles Realty at 512-751-6352 or visit www.KeysToAustin.comFamily caregivers and adult children worry about their aging parent or relative living at home alone. Even if both parents are alive and living together, we worry if they are okay. Are they safe? Have they eaten today? Or bathed? Is the house in good condition? Do they need my help? Are they able to continue living in their home?It may be easier for a family member, living in the same city, to check on mom or dad, but what about those of us who live at a distance? Knowing what options are best for our aging relative can be challenging. Sandra, a Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Gary McElvaney, Realtors at Real Living, Lifestyles Realty, give good tips they learned while caring for an aging relative. Listen now to Senior Housing Options:Click here to listen...Sandra and Gary McElvaney speaks to us about what to look for when visiting our relatives, when worried whether they are able to properly care for themselves. You will also hear some options family member or family caregivers have when looking for a place for mom or dad outside their home. If you are thinking of selling the family home, Sandra and Gary will walk you through "things to look for" or "how to prepare" the home for best showing. They want the family to walk away happy and feeling they got what they deserve.Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1166513 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:48:00 +0100 1166513 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/214109875/texas-family-caregivers-discounts-for.html Texas employees, working family caregivers, and Texas Seniors!! Get your discounts for elder care services, senior services, and family caregiver help! We've added some quality products and resources that you need when caring for and aging relative in Texas and self help for the caregiver.... Check it out by signing up for our discounts today! I know you will love them. I do! Do you need a Geriatric Care Manager offering a 30 minute phone consultation at no charge to you? How about a discount on a cruise? That would be nice, a long get-a-way! How about a massage for $39 from Massage Envy? Oh, yeah... I can feel my back purr. Reverse Loan Guide offers $100 off the reverse mortgage loan appraisal, when closing on a reverse mortgage loan with Bob Heckler. And Sandra & Gary McElvaney, Senior Realtor Specialists, offers a 12 month basic Home Warranty package when you buy or sell a home that closes with them. More discounts on senior services Caregiver Discounts Introducing the CARE Memory Band! Enjoy a discount on the USB band thats worn on the wrist ~ it can save your life! It organizes and saves you personal medical history. You literally have your health history at hand and the EMS staff or caregiver can access the information needed to expedite care!It's a USB flash drive built into the wristband. See it in the Senior and Caregiver Discounts.Exciting news for all Texas Seniors and the family who cares for you!Thank you for visiting. Carol @ Workingcaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1141025 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:27:00 +0100 1141025 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/209946911/remedy-for-caregiver-burnout-and.html Caring for aging relatives can quickly climb the ladder of stress, depression, and isolation. Family caregivers find themselves consumed with the elder's life! I've watched my own siblings shred apart when worrying about our dad. A hard topic to bring to family meetings is; "When does dad go to the nursing home?" We struggled with that question for a year.I watched my two older sisters labor with that senior event - well, actually, they battled more with guilt the whole time dad went downhill and finally made the grueling decision to move him to the nursing home. I hated it. I hated the fact we could no longer care for him, we were thankless adult children and could not continue to do for him what he did for us. We then had the horrifying experience watching him resist moving to the "old folks" home. Although dad passed eight months ago, guilt is still alive in my heart, mind, and soul. How can I come to terms with it? I don't know.There is a better choice for you though. And there are many options for happier aging relatives. Yes, living out their lives living with you is not one that I'm referring to. Thank goodness. That can be a tough one especially if you work full-time and care for children of your own. Although, it can be a good, temporary option in the meantime.I remember my dad, while discussing his move to the nursing home, he cried and said to us, "I wish I had done this differently." Yes, me too. How could he/we have done it differently? Years before a Long Term Care Insurance Representative visited my parents and presented a long term care plan with LTC insurance. I was there. I sat on the living room floor and listened. After his presentation, I begged my parents to PLEASE think seriously about this option. My mom simply replied, "No, I'm going to the nursing home when I can no longer care for myself." Guess what??!! That never happened to her. But it did to my dad. Looking back he GREATLY anguished over losing the option of living his life out at home.What I profess to seniors and family caregivers is consider your options. Look at all your choices. You may not have to choose just one but know you have options! So, how do you know "what" to do for yourself or your aging relatives? First, plan ahead. Think about how you want to live out your life... and start planning.Long Term Care Insurance? What's that? If you parent's are like mine, they are unclear what it is, what it does, and how it can be a life saver for them and you, the caregiver.Patti Wilkins, a career representative for Genworth Financial, speaks about the misconceptions of Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, and all the topics that get us confused about who's going to take care of me when I get old?Click here to download…Yes, there are misconceptions on what it can and will do for the senior and family. It can be confusing and LTC Insurance has changed since there are so many of us living longer. It works well for a lot of seniors. When doing your homework consider the facts; what LTC does and does not do for you.Call Patti Wilikins today at (512) 970-3428. Ask her to help you understand all your long term care options. She's patient and thorough when helping put forth a plan for the future. Long Term Care Insurance can take the stress out of caregiving and tears out of aging.Call now! You do have options but only if you plan ahead.Thank you for visiting. Carol @ WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1126461 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:20:00 +0100 1126461 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/206642945/active-retirement-communities-for.html Is the senior or elder in your family seeking to leave their "family" neighborhood looking to transition to an active senior lifestyle and community in North Austin, Georgetown, or Round Rock? If so, call Ron Jordan, the Senior Real Estate Specialist for the North Greater Austin area. See his contact information below.Ron Jordan is a senior himself! He retired from 3M and decided to help seniors find active communities that match their lifestyle. Many seniors find themselves moving to Austin to be closer to adult children or simply wanting to transition from existing family neighborhoods to an active senior lifestyle. In either case, Ron Jordan can help seniors find an active retirement community.Typically, Ron says, when looking for a senior community, the criteria list is:1. A community that's designed for empty nesters.2. Quieter neighborhoods.3. Available activities such as golfing, arts & crafts, card games, and other outside activities.4. Planned group day trips.5. Cooking classes.6. Other senior activities and classes. Most buyers learn that when reaching the age of 65, their property taxes are frozen and can no longer increase due to tax appraisals. And of course, like most taxpayers, seniors continue to qualify for the homestead tax exemption.Ron Jordan enjoys serving the retired market because he understands the retiree's lifestyle and housing requirements. Please call Ron Jordan, Keller Williams Realty, at 512-439-3630 or visit Ron's website at www.RonJordanHomes.com. Thank you for visiting. Carol @ WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1117883 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0100 1117883 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/199944945/reverse-mortgage-is-it-right-for-you.html Robert (Bob) Heckler with Cornerstone Mortgage gave us some clear definitions of Reverse Mortgages; what it is, why you would choose one, and what's the best scenario for getting one, and when it is not!Just the other day when researching the topic of reverse mortgages I ran across an interview of a 65 year old widow, her home is paid but wanted extra money to do special things. While I agree it's nice to have extra money for emergencies or the rising cost of health care, the lady interviewed talked about taking a cruise, visiting a friend in another state, taking another 3 week vacation, and getting manicures!Well, as I expected my conservative nature to be bothered by this spending spree, I asked the Texas Elder Care Reverse Mortgage expert, Robert (Bob) Heckler, his opinion. Of course he too found it extravagant... and said that it's not a good idea to use our nest egg on frivolous expenditures. Bob has great advice for those of you "thinking" about creating avenues of retirement income if over the age of 62. You have other options. Look at all of them. I'm so impressed with Bob's knowledge, advice, and patience with me (when asking dumb questions), but he took all my questions to heart knowing they are valid.That's what I like about Bob; he's down to earth and grounded. I really trust his advice. He works with a lot of younger and not so young seniors all over Texas. And watching him talk with them is amazing. His intention is very clear in helping them out and finding the best solution. Listen to our conversation - I know you'll learn a lot even if you're not in the market for a reverse mortgage.Click here to listen...I'm sure you'll find Bob's information valuable. Please forward this blog newsletter to anyone thinking about a reverse mortgage!Other things Bob says to consider when evaluating reverse mortgages:Ten Things To Know About Reverse MortgagesIf you'd like to talk with Bob Heckler, Cornerstone Mortgage, he can be reached at 1-888-268-7481 or visit his information website at ReverseLoanGuide.com. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1093258 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:01:00 +0100 1093258 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/191363470/edit.html (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1054992 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:41:00 +0100 1054992 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/188395484/women-and-financial-liberty.html Did you know that women place a higher value on time than they do on money? Or that women's increasingly complex lives are creating a core need for multifunctional products? It is estimated that 58% of 54 million working family caregivers are women. Women are staying single for longer, and earning enough to indulge themselves during the "Freedom Years", creating a new and valuable target market. Greater levels of tertiary education are creating a better-educated, richer and more demanding female consumer base.Time is often the most valuable resource women have - more valuable on occasion than money. But let's talk about women and money! In most cases we put other's needs before our own; our children, spouces, and aging relatives! Let's address caring for our parents - that's the one that kicked me a bit financially and many other women too. First, we worry something awful about our parents when they're older and living alone. We want to spend more time with them to help 'em out. For me, that was a huge challenge. So much so, I took a part time job to help out mom and her congested heart treatment agenda. That was very time consuming; traveling to doctor offices, medical clinics, and making sure she was following the rigid regimen.Most women do what I did:Take on the resonsibility of caring for our parentsLeaving our jobLosing out on our retirement savings, etc. Click here to listen...I invite you to listen to some facts about caregiving and how that's financially effecting us monetarily. Listen to John Berlet with Boomer's Advisory Group on the stats of women and caregiving... it's mind blowing. He also gives some very good advice to us on Texas women and all women across the U.S to insure our financial stability:Make sure you have adequate income for your personal needs, which means - put on paper a list of monthly expenses. With this list, you now can easily determine how much of your savings are required for income Remaining investments can be allocated to growth in your estate Confide in someone you trust and show your total situation - statements and bank accounts and insurance policies. Seeing the whole picture is a good place to start when asking for adviceFor more information or to personally ask John Berlet a question about your personal situation go to the WorkingCaregiver Directory and search for Financial Services. Or simply call John Berlet with Boomer's Advisory Group at 512-345-6400 or visit his website at BoomersAG.com.Thank you for visiting. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1044210 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:30:00 +0100 1044210 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/187195122/texas-women-caregivers-financial.html Texas women who have sizeable and not so sizeable estates are at times confused about the action to take in preserving financial security especially when giving care to our elders. We have a huge tendency to put others first, before our own needs. While this is good for our heart, it can hurt our bank account. More and more women today are independent and want to remain that way. That's why it's important to safeguard our earnings and savings while we are entrenched in caregiving. Some pointers that can provide women in Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio some direction: 1. Take action so that what you have earned and saved stays! 2. Failure to take care of what we have is very costly to our retirement.3. Doing nothing should be avoided at all costs. 4. The markets, taxes, and changing legislation could erode the value of an estate while you procrastinate.5. Financial matters don't need to be confusing. 6. Only do business with financial professionals who help you understand financial options - not complicate or uses jargon, if you cannot follow what is advised, get another professional who canTexas women needs to insure is that:You have adequate income for your personal needs, which means - put on paper a list of monthly expenses. With this list, you now can easily determine how much of your savings are required for incomeRemaining investments can be allocated to growth in your estate Confide in someone you trust and show your total situation - statements and bank accounts and insurance policies. Seeing the whole picture is a good place to start when asking for adviceThe last piece of advice was important to me. I cannot tell you how many financial advisors I've lived through who do not follow up. I found one recently who is offering me more solid and quality options for my future. In addition to that, he really understands the boomer mkt and where we are all headed. Visit our Texas Elder Care Directory and search for our Fianancial Services and Money Matters, John Berlet, CEO of Boomers Advisory Group for more information. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037097 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:23:00 +0100 1037097 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/170638318/interview-with-bereavement-counselor-on.html Announcing on the right an ongoing audio of interviews with Professionals in the Elder Care arena! We are very excited about offering these free tips and information to you via our blog, our Caregiver Directory, our On-the-Go Toll Free Caregiver's Helpline 1-888-797-7806, and iTunes. Cool, huh? Now your not stuck grappling for family caregiver tips and resources when you REALLY need them!Listen here to our first interview with Worth Kilcrease, Bereavement Counselor. Mr. Kilcrease gives us good advice of coping with a loved one like mom, dad, partner, spouse, or child. Click here to listen...We have all experienced the loss of a special someone and know how difficult it is to gain peace of mind. Even before passing, the knowledge and pain of future loss is gut wrenching. I know for myself when learning of my mom's near passing, I thought I couldn't bear it! I cried for days. It hurt. Even after 4 years, I continue to miss her tremendously. As for my dad, I grieved his loss before he died. He lived with Alzheimer's the latter years of his life and his passing was a blessing... for him primarily. Join us often! Listen to our key interviews and pick up tips and good information that's valuable in making elder care and aging decisions. Believe me, you'll be glad you did. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=954482 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:10:00 +0100 954482 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/169805668/panel-of-texas-caregivers.html The Austin Groups for the Elderly sponsored a Caregiver's Conference this weekend. During the conference a panel of Austin Caregivers were interviewed about their experience of caring for a loved one. I picked up some useful tips that I want to share with you. I hope you too find them helpful!The caregivers interviewed on the panel (all) cared or in the process of caring for an aging parent. There was one who also cared for a husband disabled by a stroke. This particular caregiver had 2 recipients, living with her and receiving her undying care. I commend her and those of you in same situation. While caring for an aging relative is challenging, adding another care recipient such as a spouse or children would bring anyone over the top! And I don't mean exhileration either!!The Texas caregivers shared what they learned while helping with a loved one. List below are those useful tips (not necessarily listed in ranking:Get long term or extended care insuranceAcknowledge those who help, your partner, children, friends, familyMeditate/PrayDo you homework on available resources, help, and health issuesGet exerciseContact hospice before you need themRead - The Thirty Six Hour Day bookJoin a support groupForgive yourself and your shortcomingsOur mistakes are forgotten (esp when dealing with Alz)Accept change of rolesRespect the elder and expect others to do the sameAppreciate the dayDiscern how much you can do - if you can't handle some aspects of caregiving, hire someone, or ask for help from friends, family, and your own children.Take care of yourselfTake mini-breaksNourish yourselfFind resourcesGet away after long spells of caregiving - plan a get-away, this will give you something to look forward to while in the throes of looking after a loved oneChallenge authorities in charge - doctors, PTs, nurses, etc.Take notes and get clarification. Ask questionsChallenge the systemAnd remember to call for answers to common concerns of aging - 24 hours a day 1-888-797-7806! Thank you for visiting, Carol. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=949989 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:31:00 +0100 949989 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/164930996/care-for-caregiver.html Have you noticed how some people make caregiving look really hard while other's breeze through tasks? That's how it was with my sisters. I watched both administer loving care and concern for my parents. Janice made it really, really hard, while Virginia made the most of it and rarely showed frustration!Hmm, I'd wonder? How does Virginia do it so easily while Janice struggles with each moment, dreading each visit! It was written all over her face. And Virginia literally walked on air.. smiling! WOW! I wanted that too! So, I simply observed Virginia and decided to follow along. Here are some things I picked up and want to share with you:Upon assigning a "care task" to one of the siblings, she'd walk away, totally letting it go, giving full responsibility to that person/sibling. She no longer owned it! Virginia "let go" and went on to do her plans. She did this so eloquently, I often thought she needs to teach us her skill!My sister, Janice, was the opposite. She obsessed with mom & dad's care. Never letting go - never trusting us to do it right. It was rare that she walked away.. if she did, it was begrudgingly. I guess she thought she was the only one who could do it right! So, what happened? No breaks for her! And guess what? She was always exhausted and complained a lot. Eventually, she developed high cholestrol & shingles! Ugh! That literally forced her out of caring for him for a month. Consider these tips when you want to take care of yourself - I picked these up from watching Virginia!Have fun and laugh - as often as possibleAvoid talking about dad and he care when socializingDelegate some responsibilities and let them own itFocus on something good in your lifeShe learned the difference between complaining for the sake of relief and complaining for the sake of... well you knowHad no problem admitting helplessnessVirginia gave a lot of support AND she learned to accept.. sometimes demanded, help without being over-bearingShe found her own peaceful spot and went there oftenOpenly admitted her inability without shameAnd she tried to be gentle with herself!Loves to play!And remember to call the Caregiver's Resource Helpline! 1-888-797-7806 - for common concerns of aging!Thank you for visiting! (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=925540 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:00:00 +0100 925540 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/163382385/other-things-to-consider-when-assessing.html If your hiring a professional geriatric nurse to complete an assessment with the elder in your life or filling out forms with your parents, be prepared to spend from three hours to potentially a couple of days. Either can take considerable time. What factors should be considered doing taking a closer look the aging relative's life? A thorough assessment should include the following:Health - Physical & MentalHas the elder been diagnosed with any chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, congested heart failure? Or maybe illnesses such as bladder or bowel problems are evident or another form of heart disease, stroke, cancer? Does the elder have allergies? Make sure they, with your help track weight loss or gain. Do they have problems with incontinence? Unless you spend some time with them, that one may be difficult to detect. Do they have a balance problem? Notice their skin color or growths, see changes? Persistent fatigue or sleeplessness? Swollen feet or legs, or they limping? Vision problems sucfh as cataracts, or do they require vision aids to help them read or see? Can they hear you or do they ask you to repeat what was just said? Dental problems; gum disease, strongbreath, ill-fitting dentures? List their vital signs and health professionals currently being seen. Recent hospitalizations?Mental assessment can include: Are they diagnosed with having psychiatric disorders, depression, anxiety disorder? Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia? How alert are they? Have you or other family members noticed mood swings? Forgetfulness or wandering off? Are they confused or/disoriented? Do they seem sad or lonely? Decreased interest in reading, writing, and communicating? How well do they maintain friends? Or have an interest in life?Using medications; all medicines taken, both prescription and/or over-the-counter, with times per day and doses. Are they taking the medications as directed and know how to avoid negative interactions. And do they understand the barriers to proper medicine use such as forgetfulness, expense, poor understanding of why they've been prescribed.Daily living: Are they mobile or do they need walking aids? Special dietary needs, do they have favorite foods? Ability to dress, bathe, get up from a chair, use a toilet, use the phone, climb stairs, get help in an emergency, shop, prepare meals, do housework and yard work, drive safely.Home and community safety: the neighborhood. Home safety - what are the hazards, adaptive aids needed, presence of alarms for burglary or fire. Ability to avoid telephone fraud and door-to-door fraud. Is the yard and house maintained?These are a items that my family put together when we began to look closely at our parent's lives. You'll come up with your own too.Check out Travis County's Caregiver's Resource Helpline - 1-888-797-7806. A good place to learn more infomation on assessing an elder's life and learn about care. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=915451 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 18:58:00 +0100 915451 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/161071050/dreaming-about-future.html Now may be a good time to dream about how you want your life to live out! Are you in the middle of helping your parent's plan their elder care? If so, consider looking at your own life while researching their's. You won't regret it!What do you dream of when you think about living out your life? Do you think about it? I do! And it's going to be a lot more pleasant than my own parent's end of life.. one can only hope and dream, right? But what about your's? How different or how similar will it be to your parent's? Their life may be a lot different than my own mom and dad's. Hopefully, a bit better.If we prepare, we can live out our lives according to plan. Now, that's the key. Consider testing the grounds with your parent's elder care planning. This will be your test or IQ on the future. As you and your aging parents prepare for their lives down the road, use it as a road map for your own. You may not have the opportunity to take things slowly in your aging relative's elder care plan but if you start now on your own, it's a blessing in disguise.It's thrilling to hear stories of colleagues and friends telling me they want their adult children to have a different experience of aging parents. I know I want that for my adult children. Attending a caregiving conference this weekend, many folks I spoke with were seeking solutions for their relatives. And some added... "for myself too". They were getting prepared so that their adult children would not be forced in a position to "be" where they are with aging parents. It's a tough spot to be in.. believe me. But you don't have to be there. The best solution out of that very unpleasant situation is to "PLAN NOW!!!" Was that loud enough? When you're out there looking at solutions for your own parent's... take it to heart for you're own life. Do for yourself what you're doing for them. First step; have the conversation! Talk about the inevitable! Aging! I know we want to sweep it under the carpet but you CAN'T! It's the elephant that won't go away. It'll get bigger and meaner. But if you deal with it now that elephant will be cut down to manageable bits. Take this number with you - save it to your cell - you never know when you might need an answer to aging: 1-888-787-7806! That's the Caregiver's Resource Helpline and visit WorkingCaregiver.com! (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=903864 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:17:00 +0100 903864 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/157845260/elder-checklist-things-to-watch-out-for.html If you have an elder in your life and are concerned whether they can care for themselves or live alone without someone overseeing their care, you might want to take a closer look at the elder's life and use the following as a guide when assessing "where" the elder is in caring for him/herself. Can he/she dress or undress without help?Can he/she cook for themselves?Are they eating well?Are they maintaining a good, healthy weight?Are they managing their medications?Does he/she care about maintaining cleanliness?Do they care about their health?Can he/she move around their house easily?Are they active? And do they have a hobby or friends?What's their attitude like?How well are they managing household duties?Are they able to manage their yards?Can they be left alone?Are they managing finances and able to pay bills on time?Can they able to shop for food?Are they able to make doctor appointments?If you find yourself concerned about one or two of these issues, you may need to address these with your elder family member or friend. Get him/her involved in problem solving this concern. Another great resource is the Caregiver's Helpline: 1-888-797-7806.. Call now for resolving common concerns of aging.Thank you for visiting. Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=878531 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:37:00 +0100 878531 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/155036775/considering-will.html We rarely consider putting a will in place until an emergency occurs or a close encounter with one. But some things to think about before you do.There is no specific age when people decide they need to prepare a will, lawyers say they're often visited by new parents and the elderly. Parents prepare wills because they need to designate guardians for their children in the event they die.Maybe you're taking a vacation without your children, and may be confronted with thoughts of what would happen if you perished on the trip. You can purchase a kit at Office Retail store and complete the paperwork yourself. But you may want to have a will prepared by an attorney who can draft the will for you.I believe one of the most difficult decisions is choosing guardians. This seems to be the most important aspect of a will - to designate who you want to be taking care of your kids. in the event you can no longer care for them. If you don't designate someone to care for your children and both parents die, custody could be awarded to someone who you might not want.And of course, it's important to discuss the subject with those you've selected as guardians. End-of-life issues and life-saving measures are also challenging subjects to discuss. If you face terminal illnesses in the future, heroic measures will not be taken. Measures will be taken, though, to save your life if you're in a car crash.You will find a great sense of relief once you've signed the will.Food for thought - advice from my attorney - try not using using Internet sites or software programs to draft a will. Preparing a will using those tools is subject to greater challenges when the will is submitted to probate. Some of those work but many of them can create havoc or horror shows. And besides an attorney raises issues and questions that you've never considered.For additional help call 1-888-797-7806 for the most common concerns of Financial & Legal Assistance.Thank you for visiting. Carol at Workingcaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=862262 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:37:00 +0100 862262 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/152723524/resources-for-finding-caregiver-austin.html Listed here are suggestions for finding a caregiver for your aging loved one. At the locations below you may be able to post an ad or the staff can provide more assistance. To locate any of the following, try checking the phone book, Internet yellow pages, chamber of commerce, states department of labor website, agencies for the aging, or local parks and recreation departments.Local library - Check your local libraries in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, San Marcos, Buda, Kyle etc. They make information resources publicly available by allowing citizens to check out books, DVDs and to review and research all kinds of information in a variety of formats. They even have computers that are connected to the Internet. Most libraries have bulletin boards or information available to learn about community resources too.Check with the University of Texas, St. Edward's University, Texas State, and all others in our area for they generally have a career center that provides job listings in the area for students. So, you may be able to hire a grad student who is studying nursing, for example. I personally hire students with specialized expertise to help me with WorkingCaregiver.com.Community centers or senior centers are located through-put our area and they provide educational and recreational classes and activities for all different age groups. I've attended several in Austin for Senior Services Networking meetings and find senior day activities in full bloom.Religious organizations - one of my favorites: Churches, synagogues, mosques and other gathering places of worship often provide community or special services such as volunteer home health aides, delivering meals, visiting and being a companion for a few hours, or job bulletin boards.Our State of Texas and local Austin area employment agencies help people find employment. They generally offer all kinds of career education and activities as well as job posting and career placement services.Young Mens Christian Association or Young Womens Christian Association (YMCA/YWCA) in the Austin area offer recreational and educational resources and programs to the community. Their staff can help with locating professional home care services.Check out the Caregiver's Resource Helpline - Austin area at 1-888-797-7806. It's a free resource too!Thank you for visiting. My best, Carol @ WorkingCaregiver.com. Take good care. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=844775 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:34:00 +0100 844775 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/150556936/for-peace-of-mind-caregiver-resource.html When crated in the middle of caregiving, it would've been so nice to get elder care information quickly and easily. Six years ago, I was embedded in books and the Internet! Now the Internet is full of resources that I can easily access but I've found another tool that doesn't require a computer, Internet connectivity, or tired eyes glaring at a monitor!I found a phone number 1-888-797-7806 - its loaded with peace of mind, 24/7 - telling me all about elder care! What's my interest or concern of elder care? Physical & Mental Conditions of Aging? Typically, in later life there is a strong association with several chronic health conditions that can affect physical & mental health!Living Arrangements? When caring for an aging family member nearby or from a distance, making the most appropriate living arrangements requires knowledge of housing options, awareness of community resources and assurance that your aging family member is in a safe environment.Fianancial & Legal Assistance? Making informed finanacial and legal decisions are critical to successfully managing the affairs of an aging family member. You'll learn about long-term care insurance, sources for paying medical expenses and federal benefits such as Social Security, SSI, Medicare and Medicaid. Discover strategies for protecting your family member and his/her assets. Self Help for the Caregiver? Informal caregiving is a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Understanding how to balance responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others helps manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver.Dealing with Changes? Change is the most predictable aspect of caregiving! You can expect to have strong feelings as you manage the role and responsibilities of caring for an aging family member. Coping with these changes successfully is the key to having a fulfilling and satisfying caregiving experience. My hope for you is that you gain balance using the Caregiver's Resource Helpline.. it's free! And the helpline covers Austin resources. Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com Please call 1-888-797-7806 for peace of mind. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=835595 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:18:00 +0100 835595 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/caregiver/~3/149647202/managing-physical-mental-conditions-of.html Announcing a new Caregiver's Resource to Austin!Concerned about an aging family member? For peace of mind call 1-888-797-7806 - Announcing our Caregiver's Resource Helpline serving the Austin Metropolitan area!The WorkingCaregiver.com's Caregiver Resource Helpline! If you or someone you know is caring for an aging parent, loved one, relative or friend - direct them to 1-888-797-7806, 24 hours a day. This help line offers free information to family caregivers on topics of elder care issues and interest!Typically, in later life there is a strong association with several chronic health conditions that can affect physical and mental health. Here are a few topics the Caregiver's Resource Helpline addresses:Vision & HearingTaste, Smell & TouchHelp With EatingMaintaining An Active MindDealing with ConfusionCall now if you are confused on where to start, need quick access to information or ideas that help with elder care concerns! The Caregiver's Helpline is ready and available to help you get quick information on your questions.Call: 1-888-797-7806!!! Check it out and thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828565 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:26:00 +0100 828565 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/08/are-you-in-mid-life-tug.html Do you find yourself rushing to drop the kids at school, fumbling with lunch boxes and back packs, when you get the call. Dad's in the emergency room! Your dad is alone, scared, and stressed - "please come home, I need you," he pleads. But "home" is 200 or more miles away, and it'll take you hours to get there plus the home health aide you'll have to hire, will set you back $400 at least. And what about the major business deal you're about to close this afternoon. You're worried about your dad, the kids, the boss and how in the world you can pay for it all.Welcome, family caregiver, you must be a boomer! You're not just part of the sandwich generation with all the trimmings.And don't even think about how little you've saved for retirement at this point in your life. Yep, you need help. The good news is, there's plenty of it out there - if you know where to look!! Now, that's another topic. But there is help. There are programs to national organizations, from books to Web sites - all there for you to research and , a veritable cottage industry has sprung up to assist in juggling the demands of raising kids while also caring for aging parents. I wish I had paid more attention when my dad or mom landed in E.R. I guess resources were a bit hard to locate or maybe I thought "the family" had to handle it alone. It was our job. Beside mom and dad expected that of us... we owe it to them. Maybe that's why I didn't bother. But had I known back then what I do today.. it would be different. And a couple of things I'd do now are:1. Bring up "the aging" conversation with parents early on - get them engaged with you in finding viable and quality solutions that'll help them so you're not left carrying the bag.2. Call a family meeting and get everyone else engaged. It's better down the road.. eliminates future stress, anxiety, and family estrangement. Trust me, it happened to mine and I'm not sure that can be healed.3. Do your research now. Get a plan in place. Talk with an attorney about legal matters and estate planning. Take the time to find local resources while your parents are still able. Resources are popping up everywhere due to the explosion of aging America.4. Financially plan with them - so your parents have one? If not, take measures on learning how to do that.5. Do it now! Learn about the most common aging topics of interest which include; physical and mental conditions of aging, living arrangements, financial & legal assistance, self help for the caregiver, and dealing with changes.WorkingCaregiver.com is headed in that specific direction. We'll keep you posted. Thank you for visiting! Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=808951 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 23:27:00 +0100 808951 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/08/austin-working-family-caregivers.html It was a humbling experience giving a presentation to the Northwest Methodist Church in Austin last evening. Family caregivers who are working full-time and caring for an aging parents are down to earth people with very big hearts!! I was honored to be part of the experience with them. We talked about caring for ourselves first, then helping others. I asked how many believe that self care is selfish? Most raised their hand! I believe that's the most prominent gene caregivers embody... putting others before us. I think most mothers have this gene. Observing my own mom throughout life - she placed us, the kids, before herself at all times, even in our adult years.With that said, I'd like to share some of the topics discussed last evening on self care for the caregiver:First, Empower Yourself!Empowerment. We hear that work a lot, but it always seems to be so vague and unattainable.What does it mean to become empowered? It’s defined by many family caregiving advocates as a sense of confidence in your ability to bring about positive changes in your circumstances and to rise above the day to day challenges you face in your caregiver journey. It’s the optimism we strive for to take a positive approach in an effort to achieve a better quality of life for ourselves and our family. Sometimes it is the tiny changes we make in our lives that can have the most profound impact towards a much healthier and positive outlook.Four Principles to Live by:Believe in yourselfProtect your healthTake charge of your lifeFind ways to de-stressOvercoming Guilt How do we overcome guilt? First understand it – What is guilt – We all are born with a guilt geneGuilt is an inherent human trait that should be seen as a gift, however, most of us do not see it as such and rather than deal with guilt, we naturally attempt to squelch it. However, guilt is that nagging voice with in us all that is like water upon a stone and is meant to bring us to a realization that there is a standard and we have fallen short, but whose standard is it?Tips for Caregiver Burnout It's helpful to talk it out with a friend or someone your trust. Don't forget about yourself - take time out for youBe realistic about the care recipient's needs - your not totally responsibleAsk for help - You don't have to walk this path aloneDevelop tools for coping... see belowStay healthyExerciseGet a massageGet educatedRemember when caregiving - care for self first. You are no help to a loved one if you are depressed, unhealthy, tired, unhappy, depleted, and stressed.Thank you for visiting. Carol @ Workingcaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807615 Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:38:00 +0100 807615 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/08/costs-of-caregiving-can-effect-our.html The costs of caregiving can effect our career goals, our paychecks, our retirement, our health, our stress, our emotions, when we choose to care for elderly parents.Is caregiving disapprotionately impacting women? While the emotional and physical burdens of taking care of an aging parent or relative is known, the longterm cost financially of informal caregiving is less frequently discussed. Caregivers may feel guilty complaining about what society has said should be a labor of love. And this is the tough one... the guilt we feel when we've had enough. Overloaded with our own lives and jobs, elder care is a huge undertaking. Just trying to care for an aging parent takes on a life of its own, much less trying to juggle my own household, family, and work.The problem is pervasive and disproportionately affects women, creating a public policy challenge. Females generally have less money and live longer and are more likely than men to be the caregiver-and to need one.Amy Friedrich-Karnik, a spokesperson for Family Caregiver Alliance says, "women tend to suffer financially in their later years because of the financial impact caregiving has had on them." I personally have first hand experience with that one. Scaling down my job from full-time to part-time to help mom with her CHF disease made a big dent in my income and retirement savings. No doubt about that. But I can also say, I've seen many men carry the load of caregiving for their aging families. But typically, it's women who normally step up. My brother didn't. And there are many families with that scenario. But not all men/women are the same. Thank goodness.Between 59 percent and 75 percent of the caregivers are female. While more men are carrying the load, women, on average, give 50 percent more time than the average male caregiver, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.Nationally, one-third of caregivers who are employed take a leave of absence or give up work temporarily or permanently.I personally lost thousands of dollars working part-time and my sister suffered a great deal of stress eventually developing high cholesterol and getting a bad case of shingles.... ugh!If the goal is keeping loved ones out of institutionalized settings, informal caregiving provides a means to accomplish that and also save our families a lot of money, not to mention the government. Only 7 percent of older adults who have a long-term care need and a family caregiver are in institutional settings, compared to half of those who have no family available, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.There are several solutions that can help caregivers like me to stay at work full-time rather than lessen work hours. Providing caregiving resources to families through employee assistance programs or other employment benefits and having work cultures that support caregivers through flexible work hours also is part of the solution, experts say. A Met Life study found that caregiving costs businesses more than $33 billion annually in lost productivity.There are some state and federal lawmakers proposing to have paid family leave for caregivers. Only California has such a measure. One measure that has failed to pass Congress is aimed specifically at women; it would give Social Security credits to people who leave the workforce to care for someone.Other options are tax benefits - but is a caregiver who quits their job more to help an aging relative more deserving of a tax break over a caregiver who continues to work full-time while giving care? That's the big debate.If you're interested in learning more visit these websites: The U.S. Department of Human Services' Administration on Aging has a 12-page booklet, "Financial Steps for Caregivers." Go to: www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp.Also visit: Family Caregiver Alliance, http://www.caregiver.org/, giving facts, perspective on caregiver issues, including state-by-state and federal updates on public policy measures.Thank you for visiting. Carol @ WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807616 Sat, 11 Aug 2007 20:44:00 +0100 807616 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/08/allowing-access-to-assets.html I read a great article written by an elder law attorney on estate planning awhile back. If my parents had known the consequences of turning over their assets to our names, I believe they would have re-thought doing so. How many of you have added an adult child’s name to one of your bank accounts? You may want to read this.You probably added a child’s name to a checking account or savings account, or your home/real estate, or all of your investments for emergencies or for “convenience” purposes. You, like many elders, fear that you will be suffer an accident or get sick and that someone has to be on your accounts in order to pay your bills. You believe that this arrangement will keep your life running smoothly.What you might have done, instead, is just the opposite. You may have placed your money in jeopardy, created a tax liability or even given up control of your well-being. Like my parents, do what you want, but know the consequences of these choices. Consider the following when thinking of turning your assets over to someone.When adding someone’s name to your real estate by deeding that person an interest, you are making a gift. Check with your state department of revenue for current gift tax exemption, you might owe a gift tax to your state's Department of Revenue. That payment could be due by the next April 15 following the year of the gift. Failure to pay the tax could result in the addition of interest and penalties. Far too many people transfer an interest in their real estate to their children hoping to save it from long-term-care expenses. What they have actually done is incur gift taxes, and possibly a Medicaid transfer penalty. So, check with an elder law attorney before making any transfers or name changes on your assets.And if you add someone’s name to your money, you could be giving up control.A true story: A man preparing for a senior event (in case life would throw one his way) added the names of his two adult children to his savings account. He grew older, suffered from physical infirmities, and his children wanted him to go into a nursing home. He didn’t want to go, saying that he would use his savings to pay for professional caregivers to come into his home.The children contacted the bank and froze the account so he could not use the funds in the account. They could do that; they were co-owners on the account. Many months and a court hearing later, the children each received a third of the account, and the man was left with a third. He remained in his home, but he was estranged from his children.So, what do you do? How do you give someone access to your money but not ownership? You sign a document called a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions. By appointing someone your agent in this document, you give that person access to your money to pay your bills and take care of any other financial business that you need. The key is, your agent doesn’t own your money. Could your agent act improperly and use your money in ways that you didn’t intend? Yes, but there are legal remedies available for that. Consider the consequences. Always, always, check with an Estate Planning Attorney or an Elder Law Attorney to know your options and what consequences they may bring.If you have a quick Elder Law question or concern - Ask it here!! WorkingCaregiver Ask the Expert. Thank you, Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807617 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:26:00 +0100 807617 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/08/guiding-working-family-caregivers.html Are you in a caregiving role for aging relatives? Let me help you find the answer. Do you answer "yes" to one of the following?Driving to and from doctor and other health care appointments. Communicating with healthcare professionals Assisting someone to pay their bills Helping someone clean their home or arranging for house cleaning Assisting with or arraning for home repairs Helping arrange for home health care or hospice services Contacting or helping someone communicate with community service organizations Area Agency on Aging or Alzheimer's AssociationBased on the research,caring for an elderly person requires understanding of the aging process, knowledge of community resources, legal and financial matters, long-term planning and, of equal importance, knowledge of how to take care of yourself, as the primary caregiver. Additional research reports caregiver stress as the most pervasive health problem, stemming from worry about their loved one�s condition as well as being overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities.For help in understanding the aging process - giving you quality answers go to - WorkingCaregiver eBook preview! You will find it useful.The problem for most family caregivers is that they do not readily reach out for help. They find it difficult to give themselves permission to ask for help even when they have family or friends willing to help. Support from family and friends can help relieve the burden of caregiving. Purchase and download the Caregiver's Resource Audio E-book and you'll learn how to take charge, avoid burnout, isolation and involve your family members.So, whether you're new to caregiving or used to weathering the storms, we're excited about offering the Caregiver's Resource Audio E-book to help you feel more confident, shorten your learning curve and empower you to meet the challenges of caring for an aging family member or an elderly loved one.You'll feel more confident to meet the challenges of caring for an aging family member.Preview Here.Thank you for visiting and checking out the eBook... we love it! Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807618 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:56:00 +0100 807618 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/more-tips-on-avoiding-senior-scams.html ABC News and USA Today report on the costs of caring for elderly parents. When it comes to helping to pay for your elderly parents' expenses, should you spend down your assets before tapping into theirs? Hobson: Generally speaking, you should do everything possible to avoid tapping into your own retirement savings in an effort to defray your parents' costs. I cannot stress this enough -- you need to make your own retirement savings a priority. If you are not saving for yourself, it will create a vicious cycle for your family, continually shifting the burden to your children and their children and so on. As I have said before, there are no scholarships for retirement. So, are there other ways besides tapping into your own savings to help pay for your parents' retirement and health care needs?Hobson: Yes. If your employer or your spouse's employer offers a dependent care or flexible spending account, you should sign up immediately. These accounts allow you to defer up to $5,000 in pretax dollars -- meaning your taxable income is lowered by the amount you contribute -- to put toward the costs of care for a child or other qualifying person. An elderly parent would qualify if they were physically or mentally unable to care for themselves and if they met certain other criteria similar to those for the dependent care credit. You also say the Internal Revenue Service can actually help with elderly care?Hobson: They do, but it can get a little tricky. But, depending on your income and the income of your parent, the IRS can actually provide some financial relief. If you are caring for an elderly parent and you declare them as your dependent -- much like would any child who is living in your house -- you could receive a credit for $3,300. Additionally, the IRS allows you to deduct medical expenses you make toward your parents' care as well as the cost for a caregiver. Again, there are a number of restrictions, so the best thing to do is go on the IRS Web site to learn more about the qualifications. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807619 Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:12:00 +0100 807619 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/workingcaregiver-semi-finalist-for-al.html WorkingCaregiver.com Semi-finalist for Al Marks Inventive Mind Grant From Idea CafeAUSTIN TX/EWORLDWIRE/July 23, 2007 --- WorkingCaregiver.com is a grant semi-finalists of IdeaCafe.com's $1000 Al Marks Inventive Mind Grant. WorkingCaregiver.com is a bright and innovative site delivering products, resources, and professional services to family caregivers juggling work, life, and elder care for aging parents. Aging in America is driving employers' cost of lost production to over $33 billion, according to a MetLife study, due to absenteeism, work-day interruptions, and leave of absence. Family caregivers across America are arriving to work late, leaving early, or not showing up at all due to the stress and challenges of elder care demands. WorkingCaregiver.com's strategy is to help with the three hardest problems for family caregivers: 1. Finding time for self2. Balancing work & family responsibilities3. Balancing physical and emotional stressThe field of semi-finalists for this grant will be reduced to finalists and the winner will be determined by the vote of IdeaCafe.com's 32,000 members worldwide and announced online on August 15, 2007, Idea Cafe's 12th anniversary online. WorkingCaregiver.com plans to add more online functionality serving family caregivers, helping them find balance and support.Learn more at 'http://www.workingcaregiver.com'. (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807620 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:14:00 +0100 807620 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/tips-avoiding-senior-financial-scams.html ABC News and USA Today report on the costs of caring for elderly parents. Some good advice when warning aging relatives on senior fraud and scams that I read today:A working family caregiver was shocked when she discovered that her 73-year-old mother gave away $300,000 to strangers who claimed she had won millions and simply needed to pay the taxes in order to collect the cash prize."My mom is a very, very strong, financially capable woman and has been all her life," Tanner said. "In my wildest dreams I would never imagine her to fall victim to a scam of this kind -- never." It started with mailings and requests for small sums. Later, phone calls came -- four and five a day. The scammers knew her schedule, her accounts and even the very personal details of her life -- so much so that she'd end her conversations with them by saying, "I love you."Finally, the bank called the working family caregiver. Her mother was trying to take out a home equity loan for $180,000, and the bank said she looked desperate. Unfortunately, as in this case, the elderly are at great risk for financial scams. ABC News personal finance contributor Mellody Hobson answered questions and offered advice for seniors looking to protect their money. What advice do you have for seniors to help avoid this from happening to them?Hobson: According to the Federal Trade Commission, 80 percent of the victims of telemarketing scams are over the age of 65. Under no circumstances should you ever respond to a phone call or e-mail with any personal information. It is a good rule of thumb to ask for the caller's phone number and tell them you will call them back. Never respond to any solicitation that asks for a quid pro pro -- basically, for you to give them something in return for something. Legitimate financial organizations never operate this way. More in a day or two, come back to get additional tips from Mellody Hobson! Thank you, Carol @WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807621 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:17:00 +0100 807621 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/faced-with-challenge-of-caregiving.html Some good advice if faced with aging parent/s - good tips to consider:Keep your family member in their home as long as you can. Get finances in order. Find out about veteran's benefits and others from a good elder layer.If you're the relative of a caregiver, support them and ask how they are -- not just the person who is ill. Respect the fact it is the toughest job in the world to care for someone you love when they are declining.Their is no greater gift a child can give their parent than to be there to walk them home to the other side. It's something you never regret. I was there when my mom took her last breath.. I held her tightly whispering, "you brought me in to this world, I'm here for your exit." A bitter sweet moment - one that I will never forget. Look into home care, and senior center's transportation. Most important, don't be afraid to talk to family early on before the challenges begin. Remind yourself to have faith. That is all you can do. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to. Get help when help is needed. There are people out their to help you.Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807622 Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:14:00 +0100 807622 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/tips-for-employees-with-aging-parents.html There are millions of us (employees) in the working world who have aging parents or relatives. Not many employers offer programs or benefits that help us out. So, it's up to us to make that happen to maintain balance at work and with our family responsibilites!Look for ways to negotiate with your employer to take time off to care for family while also remaining productive on the job. It's a tricky balancing act but it can be accomplished.Find out if your employer must follow the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. If so, depending if your company has 50 or more employees, you're entitled to up to 12 weeks of umpaid time off annually to care for a parent with a serious health condition. Generally, that time can be taken in increments.Find out if flexible arrangements are possible. These might include formal programs as well as informal agreements. The more you can make your work schedule fit your caring needs, the better off you will be.Flexibility is vital for employees who are long-distance caregivers. Employees should find out if they can work remotely; work from the home of your aging relative when visiting or helping them, work on weekends to make up for loss time, or the evenings if necessary. Other recommendations that help you plan for your parents' aging and caregiving help - get prepared now! Don't wait till there's a senior crisis and your left vulnerable. Also know there are quality services and resources that you can reach out for help.For example, if you are long-distance or not, a good way to check up on mom & dad is to have security devices that either attach to them or placed around their home. Go to WorkingCaregiver.com - Caregiver Products to check out a few!Always look for ways to balance your life and work. WorkingCaregiver.com is here to help!Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807623 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:29:00 +0100 807623 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/tips-for-working-caregivers-helping.html When starting down the path of caring for aging relatives, the road is gets very wide. The number of resources available to you is great but the focus on "which ones first" can be confusing. That's why WorkingCaregiver.com strives to organize for you the most valued information first. A few tips of importance that need attention: Put Powers in Place - If you're going to help your parents with financial affairs, you should consider, if possible, to be empowered to act on thier behalf. Talk with them about establishing a power of attorney. Get one that goes into effect once it's signed - as opposed to the "springing" type, which applies only after the doctor declares your parents incapacitated. I'm grateful for my parents Elder Care Attorney who did this for us years before dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. A Durable Power of Attorney is the way to go, according to their attorney.And then there's the Medical Power of Attorney, which enables you to make decisions about your parents' health care. This gives you the ablilty to talk with your parent's doctors on their behalf and ger medical information about them, something that can be critical under the new patient privacy laws. If you have siblings, consider splitting financial and medical powers of attorney between you, so no one person carries the burden.Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807624 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:54:00 +0100 807624 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-deal-with-costly-medications.html Medications and medical costs can rob your bank account! My mom's monthly charges for prescription drugs... over the top! I remember seeing her bills exceed $10,000/month.. that hurt. Those costs included high blood pressure and Congested Heart Failure medications. The CHF drugs were not for sore eyes. Her visits to the Cardiac clinic for a drip medication were over $1000/visit. And she went there over several times monthly. I know.. I drove her.To help save you costs in prescription medications visit Walmart - it may just be their online store - they're now offering a generic prescription program at $4.00 for a 30 day supply. The medications covered are high blood pressure, allergies, some antibiotics, cholesterol, diabetes and more. Here's the list in a pdf form: Click Here to view.Switching from a brand name to generic prescriptions can save you money and always remember to ask your doctor for samples of medications he/she prescribes you.Thank you for visiting, Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807625 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:53:00 +0100 807625 http://workingcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/caregiver-stress-options.html Reading information on "taking time out for yourself" can help with imbalances. Work/life responsibilities is one of the biggest imbalances we seek to mellow out. And yoga can help with us with that. According to Timothy Burgin of YogaBasics.com says the key to weight management is to take time out of your busy schedule to create the right conditions to heal imbalances in your body, mind, or emotions that may be contributing to a weight problem and even stress. So to gain balance; keep your stress levels manageable, and creating mind-body harmony. By completing the routines and practicing the breathing and visualization techniques on YogaBasics, you are well on your way to creating the right conditions. You now have a wealth of information and new stress-management skills at your fingertips. You can use these skills simply to lose weight, or to go beyond the immediate benefits of your weight loss. You can take these new skills into other areas of your life. More changes you might notice according to Mr. Burgin of Yoga Basics are:Improved self-esteem as a result of changing unhealthy behaviors to healthy ones. More self-discipline and willpower to help you maintain these changes in your long-term behavior. The ability to de-stress your body, mind, and emotions by sequential stretching and rhythmic breathing. The ability to think and act with calm self-assurance and ease. Visit YogaBasics.com - it's worth your time to balance and chill.Thank you, Carol (Source: Working Caregiver) Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807626 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:10:00 +0100 807626