MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'alzheimer's caregiving'. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:41:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1991739&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fcaregiver-tips-video-vial-of-life.html (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1991739 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:15:00 +0100 1991739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1926766&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Ffive-caregiving-steps-for-home-safety.html When an elder's health condition could need emergency care at home caregivers can take the following safety steps. (1) First, put a Vial of Life information form on the fridge door so paramedics can quickly get information about medicines, health conditions, doctors, emergency numbers and allergies. (2) Next, create a caregiving notebook with dividers and information about the following. Put the notebook in the kitchen in a prominent place so paramedics can see it without searching.A. health conditions, diagnoses, allergies, medical historyB. medicines, instructions and dosagesC. emergency phone numbers, doctors, health professionals, relatives, friendsD. info regarding power of attorneyE. healthcare directive and instructionsF. an ongoing journal to list important information, falls, illn... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1926766 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:46:00 +0100 1926766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1906250&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fguest-post-from-life-coach-scott.html Ever read a legal document and turn a page and all it has on the page is the phrase "This Space Left Intentionally Blank" centered on the page? I think I know why writers of legal documents do that. It got me thinking about caregiving.What if, in the flow of caregiving, we were to designate certain times that are "intentionally blank"? These would be times when we unplug COMPLETELY from the world around us; times when we pull away from the caregiving and purposefully do nothing. If we do this we can greatly increase our capacity for perspective. We can re-energize. We can renew. Then, when the "blank time" is over, we can get back to the business of caregiving with a new sense of vision and excitement.Are you doing this already? Great!If you haven't considered "Intentionally Blank" times l... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1906250 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:47:00 +0100 1906250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1895707&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fcaregivers-insight-putting-yourself-in.html Caregivers who provide one to one hands-on care know their efforts to help will sometimes be rebuffed and the reasons may be a puzzle. Sometimes the care-receiver is in denial and simply does not want to deal with issues at the moment. Or, accepting assistance may seem to be a threat to one's independence, freedom, privacy, or dominance. Sometimes, believing that one must tackle the challenges of life alone may cause someone to turn away from those who care. Rejection is not the issue, but independence and perceived threats to one's self-image may be the reasons.Some people may feel "suffocated" by a caregiver who is hovering, especially if they are accustomed to privacy and independence. Or, someone may feel he or she is no longer "in charge" of their personal life. When one is dependent ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1895707 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:14:00 +0100 1895707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1865774&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fcaregiving-and-ministry-of-presence.html The "Ministry of Presence" is the way a spiritual teacher I know recently described our visit to a friend from church who is staying in a nursing home. The physical presence of a caring friend, a hug, a hand squeeze, some listening, some eye contact and a bit of conversation, can have a healing and comforting effect. Whether you are just sitting nearby, keeping a quiet vigil, or are sharing conversation, simply providing your presence is a way of ministering to others who are ill or injured. Our presence speaks for us, saying, "I care. You're not alone. I'm here for you. You're important to me."Often people excuse themselves from visiting those who are ill by saying "I wouldn't know what to do or say." But, that's not important. The warmth of a genuinely caring person who simply arrives t... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1865774 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:39:00 +0100 1865774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1863194&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fcaregiving-video-spinning-wheel.html (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1863194 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:27:00 +0100 1863194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512377&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fneed-help-with-elderly-parents.html Friends, acquaintances and caregiver agencies often offer well-meant advice but where can you find educated, certified, licensed expert help and advice for aging parents? At caregiverlist.com an article on Geriatric Care Managers explains credentials can include being a Registered Nurse, Licensed Counselor of Social Work, Counselor of Psychology or Attorney. Certifications for Geriatric Care Managers require "educational qualifications, supervision, work experience, written exams, and ongoing education to maintain a certificate."I have seen that too often people are overwhelmed with advice from others who do not have the education, licenses, experience and credentials to be genuine experts. Friends, other caregivers, caregiver agencies, and others who are involved in the eldercare world bu... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512377 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:43:00 +0100 1512377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500417&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fguest-posts-welcomed-at-caregivers.html Would you like to write a guest post for the Caregiver's Beacon? Caregiver stories, Alzheimer's and Dementia, caregiving, eldercare, related legal and financial issues, disability, and other related topics are welcome. Send your post by email to Kristi Marie Gott kgott@charter.net. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to send an email and I'll be glad to help. Best wishes to all and take care, Kristi (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500417 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:25:00 +0100 1500417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1485039&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2F5-ways-alzheimers-caregiving-trends-for.html Alzheimer's caregivers in the future will be spending more time using computers and high tech for everything from Alzheimer's research to finding internet support groups. Five ways caregivers and seniors will make more use of high tech in the future include the following.1. ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH. First, surfing the internet for Alzheimer's research and self-education will provide caregivers with the latest news and advice.2. INTERNET SUPPORT GROUPS. As the internet becomes yet more interactive Alzheimer's caregivers will continue to find support from online groups, forums, podcasts, and events.3. CAREGIVER BLOGS. Writing blogs provides a way to communicate news with family and friends, offer resources and information to others, and be part of an online caregiver community.Writing and self-e... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1485039 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:54:00 +0100 1485039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1446539&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fcaregivers-tips-5-safety-precautions.html These tips are for caregivers who are assisting people who have breathing difficulties, allergies or lung conditions. It is important to avoid aggravating breathing problems. This list focuses on being sure not to use products with scents or fragrances added. If a person you are assisting develops rasping breathing, gasping, or any breathing difficulty seek professional medical help and if an emergency is suspected call 911 immediately.1. SCENTED PERSONAL PRODUCTS. Caregivers can avoid using scented personal products for themselves or the person they assist, such as scented soaps, perfumes or colognes, shampoos, conditioners, detergents, lotions, cosmetics, or hair products with scents.2. SCENTED SPRAYS. Anything that can be inhaled and might irritate the breathing passages or lungs can be... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446539 Fri, 16 May 2008 01:02:00 +0100 1446539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1091574&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Flighter-side-of-alzheimers-caregiving.html Taking people who are not ambulatory, and who are on oxygen, out in the car to the grocery store, is something I've done frequently as a caregiver. One day, my spirited 97 year old lady with Alzheimer's was ready for a trip to grocery store. I pushed her wheelchair down the ramp from the house. So that she wouldn't feel she was falling forward when we downhill, I always went first. By pulling her backwards in the wheelchair, I was a brake system. When we got to the car I assisted her with the transfer, positioned her with pillows behind her, and at the side by the door, and lifted the oxygen tank in beside her.I folded up her wheelchair, rocked it back on the wheels, got some momentum, and swung it up into the trunk.When we got to the grocery store we did a similar routine in reverse. Once... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1091574 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:47:00 +0100 1091574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1081821&cid=t_160020_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Falzheimers-caregiving-lighter-side.html After driving down a long gravel road through the mountains, I arrived at a ranch nestled in the coastal foothills one day, to assist a 94 year old gentleman who had Alzheimer's. His wife explained they had started their dairy farm in the 1920's. This was before indoor plumbing, central heat, electricity, and refrigeration. The huge red dairy barn sat next to a beautiful creek. Originally they had milked all the cows by hand and delivered the milk in cans by driving a team of horses and a wagon down a dirt road to a pick-up station.The first evening I was a caregiver there I began to clean up the kitchen after dinner.I took some of the scraps out to throw in the grass next to the creek for "the animals", as directed. It was getting dark. Suddenly I heard a wierd sound from nearby that cann... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081821 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 03:47:00 +0100 1081821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=749077&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fstatins-that-stave-off-alzheimers-zocor.html "The strength of this study is that it examines the issue with a huge amount of statistical power and uses existing data to look prospectively at Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s," said lead author Benjamin Wolozin, MD, PhD, a professor of pharmacology at BUSM."The strength of reduction of incidence of dementia with simvastatin is striking,".Simvastatinzocorstatinsalzheimer'scaregivingResearchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that the statin, simvastatin, reduces the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease by almost 50 percent. This is the first study to suggest that statins might reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease. These findings, will be published in the July online open access journal BioMed Central (BMC) Medicine.Statins that... CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=749077 Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:36:00 +0100 749077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=747218&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Falzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fstatins-that-stave-off-alzheimers.html "The strength of this study is that it examines the issue with a huge amount of statistical power and uses existing data to look prospectively at Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s," said lead author Benjamin Wolozin, MD, PhD, a professor of pharmacology at BUSM."The strength of reduction of incidence of dementia with simvastatin is striking,".Simvastatinzocorstatinsalzheimer'scaregivingResearchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that the statin, simvastatin, reduces the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease by almost 50 percent. This is the first study to suggest that statins might reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease. These findings, will be published in the July online open access journal BioMed Central (BMC) Medicine.Statins that... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=747218 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 747218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=692423&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F06%2F23%2Fsix-months%2F My mother has now been living at Garden Manor for six months, and here is where we stand: On the Aid & Attendance front, I reapplied in late February–four months ago–and have not yet received a decision. I had originally sent the application to the Providence, RI, office of the VA, but received an acknowledgement from the Philadelphia office shortly thereafter so I imagine that’s where the application is sitting. I send them a printout of the cancelled check for my mother’s assisted living rent each month, just to remind them of my situation. My question for them at this point is: If you won’t allow folks to apply for the benefit before they commit themselves to a care situation–forcing them to OVER-commit themselves financially while crossing th... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=692423 Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:54:58 +0100 692423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676644&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F06%2F16%2Fslow-boat-to-the-present%2F I’ve been mulling over the very insightful comments left by Marty and Gail on my last post. I think Gail summed it up well when she stated that “it’s the tension between ‘doing’ versus ‘being’.” I’ve always been someone who feels that the “being” will come later on–there is just so much that needs to be done right now and therefore no time to just “be.” What Gail says about the demented and routine boils down to living a life that is increasingly and necessarily “in the moment.” I was rereading Joanne Coste’s Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s and found myself interested in her remarks about the loss of depth perception in Alzheimer’s sufferers. There’s a psychological analogy... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676644 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 18:14:35 +0100 676644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513064&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F03%2F10%2Ftime-will-tell%2F I almost adopted another collie last weekend. I’ve been sneaking a search or two on Petfinder during my workday, and one day I spotted the picture of a beautiful 4-year-old collie up for adoption in Connecticut. I filled out the application and the rescue organization responded enthusiastically. But the owner would be the one to decide, and she wanted–understandably–an adopter who would not have to leave the dog while at work. So that was that, but I couldn’t help myself thinking, “So you don’t think I’d be a good enough caregiver, huh? Your loss.” But I’m still feeling a strong impulse to get another dog. It doesn’t have to be a puppy, but I’m wondering if that might be the path of least resistance. How nice to have a being... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513064 Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:19:36 +0100 513064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513066&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F02%2F06%2Fpictures%2F I haven’t been wanting to write much lately. I’m feeling tired and uninspired, just trying to deal with the ups and downs of this spell. A routine is starting to take shape: I visit my mother on Tuesdays and Thursdays right after work. I leave the library at 3:30 and get to Garden Manor by 4. I sit with my mother until dinner, which is served at 5. For the past two Sundays we’ve gone out to lunch and then for a short ride. This seems to be working well for her, although she has accused me of not visiting “for weeks” when I let two days elapse between visits. We had a very nice visit today. I found my mother in the common room, watching TV with several others. She looked happy to see me and, although she did mention hoping to go home, she seemed calm and settle... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513066 Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:21:35 +0100 513066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513072&cid=t_160020_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2006%2F12%2F10%2Fheart-andor-mind%2F Two days ago my cousin telephoned, and my mother answered. I listened to her side of their conversation and thought, “Have I been dreaming? Is she really sick?” She handed the phone to me at one point. “She sounds great,” my cousin said to me. Is this the woman I visited in the nursing home a little over a month ago? The one who was acting out, who wanted to kill herself, who claimed she’d been raped? Oh, we still see the disconnects (she kept referring to my sister as “he” earlier today), but I can deal with that. I can deal with her thinking that I’m her sister, or expecting my father to come home for dinner, because those disconnects don’t alter my mother’s personality, her “self.” She remains essentially herself, o... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513072 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 01:44:28 +0100 513072