Kathy MacaraegSharing Caregiving With Siblings
Does your parent suddenly need care and you and your siblings are struggling with how to manage caregiving duties? While it can be difficult to figure out a system that will work for your family, once you create a plan that includes everyone, the burden will be lighter for all involved. Define the Caregiving Tasks Let’s face it. There is always going to be one sibling who lives closer or has more free time – or makes more free time – who will take the leadership role. That doesn’t mean that person has to do everything all alone. If you
Continue readingSurvival Guide for New Caregivers
Whether you saw it coming or not, caring for an aging parent can be a challenge. Your parent may have been on a gradual decline, giving you the opportunity to plan ahead and implement care strategies a little bit at a time; or your parent may have taken a fall and broken a hip, resulting in the need for immediate care. Whatever the case, jumping into the role of caregiver can be overwhelming. What steps do you need to take to ensure your parent is properly cared for? How can you fit it into your already full life? Where can
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Guest Blogger5 Technological Advancements for People with Dementia
Dementia is a frightening condition that no one can wish to have. The primary symptom is declining memory loss and the overall inability to perform simple problem-solving tasks. It also impacts a person’s ability to think critically and at the same time, affect the language patterns. It is a common occurrence among the elderly in society. Still, the condition is slowly creeping to younger people due to different causes, chief among them being mental illness issues. Though advancements in science and technology haven't come up with a cure, several useful innovations will offer some form of reprieve to family members
Continue readingNormal Caregiver Emotions
Guess what? You’re not alone. Anyone who tells you they are happy every minute of every day is probably lying. Not all caregiving tasks are fun and not all moments are pleasant. Negative Caregiver Emotions You may feel guilty feeling these emotions, or not want to express them out loud, but these emotions are totally normal and it is highly likely that every caregiver has felt them at one time or another. Resentment: Whether you resent the situation (why did my spouse have to get in an accident) or you resent the cause (if my mom didn’t smoke, she wouldn’t
Continue readingHow to find Caregiving Support for Low Income Loved Ones
Caregiving isn’t just emotionally and physically demanding. It can get expensive. On average, caregivers spend between $5,000 and $20,000 per year on caregiving expenses. Between co-pays for medication or medical appointments to caregiving support or devices and equipment, the expenses add up quickly. This isn’t even including general housing and nutritional needs. If you are lucky, your parent planned ahead or was employed by a company that offered a pension. If not, where do you turn to get assistance with the overwhelming costs? National Resources For Low Income Seniors While it may take time to get set up in the
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Kendall VanBlarcomHow to Help a Senior with Parkinson’s
If you are taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s, you are not alone. Here are a few suggestions on how to help a senior with Parkinson’s. Educate Yourself When there is a new diagnosis, often families don’t know where to turn. Getting all the information you can may help. Particularly if you are feeling a lack of control. Talk to a health care professional about exercise options, learn about various medications and treatments, and learn about the progression of Parkinson’s, so you will be aware of what changes may occur over time. In addition, reach out to support
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SilveradoAsk an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be an incredibly tiresome job. From the long hours, to psychological exhaustion, to the physically demanding environment, there are very few ways to actively prepare for and predict the responsibilities that caregiving entails. Silverado’s Director of Clinical Education Sue Kruse shares key tactics for managing the day-to-day challenges of dementia caregivers. Communication Through Understanding According to Kruse, one of the most frustrating problem areas for individuals with dementia and their caregivers is communication. Many times, the person living with dementia may be unable to express their needs, leading
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Carol MarakHow Self-Care Journaling Makes Caregiving Easier
My friend and colleague, Elizabeth B. Miller, founder of HappyHealthyCaregiver.com, cared for her aging parents and mother-in-law. The experience inspired her to write the Just for You: A Daily Self-Care Journal. The journal helps family caregivers integrate caregiving and self-care with their busy lives. As a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Elizabeth advises clients to encourage their loved ones to do as much for themselves as possible. While some activities may be easier for the caregiver to perform, having the aging individual do them requires them to physically move, problem-solve, and interact with others - all critical skills to maintain as they
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Kylie JohnsonWhat to consider when choosing an in-home care provider
If you are looking into hiring an in-home care provider here are some things to consider: Service availability Home health aide schedules vary between agencies. This can impact affordability and convenience when hiring a service. Home for the holidays: Does the agency offer holiday service? Many elderly people celebrate in their own homes, making it crucial for an assistant to be available during these days. Part-time option: Not all seniors need round-the-clock care, so a part-time option helps keep costs low. Overtime service: Family members responsible for primary care may face a late day at the office, bad traffic or
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