Author Archives: Sue Salach

About Sue Salach

Sue has a Master's degree in Gerontology and has worked with the elderly and their families for over 30 years and is the Author of "Along Comes Grandpa", a caregiving resource guide, and the novel "If I Walked in Her Shoes". As an ElderCare Expert and Keynote Speaker, Sue employs her comprehensive experience and passion, to educate and promote self-care values to family caregivers and the community at large.

The Grief Journey

Many people I’ve spoken with about grief think that there is a “time of mourning”. This would suggest a beginning as well as an end. I believe that grief is a journey that has no end date, it simply changes … Continue reading

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The Growing Silent Crisis: Working Caregivers Crying Out For Help

At a time when private enterprises are trying to increase productivity, reduce costs and enhance the quality of their products or services there is a growing crisis in corporations today that is preventing them from achieving their corporate goals. Few … Continue reading

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Don’t Get Scammed!

Widespread scams targeting bank customers nationwide. Use caution when discussing your personal information, especially bank accounts over the phone as you could be chatting with a scammer, disguised a bank employee. Here are some ways you can outwit the scammer … Continue reading

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This just in: CEO’s starting to see the need for increased wellness programs

I just recently ran across an article that stated employer’s are starting to see the need for increased wellness programs and that on the executive level. It began with a survey that gauges employers’ attitudes and strategies on the different … Continue reading

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Recognizing Caregiver Burnout

You try to hide the feeling of being overwhelmed, however; caregiver burnout is serious and can lead significant physical and mental health issues.  It is critical to know the signs and take steps to take care of yourself. Here are … Continue reading

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Caregiving and Dementia

Most common challenges associated with caring for a loved one with dementia: Sleep problems and caregiver exhaustion are two of the most common reasons persons with dementia are placed in nursing homes. Causes of sleeplessness in dementia patients include pain, … Continue reading

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Summertime tips for Caregivers

Seniors are especially at risk in high heat situations. Large stretches of the USA are experiencing extreme temperatures. Here are some summer heat tips for helping elderly loved ones avoid heat stroke or heat exhaustion Encourage fluid intake.* Water is … Continue reading

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Reconciliation and Your Well-Being

Growing up my family was very close. In typical Italian style, every Sunday was spent at my grandparent’s home in Chicago where random aunts, uncles and cousins (most of which lived on the same block) gathered for an amazing feast. … Continue reading

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Caregiving – Learning from the Past

It’s amazing how insightful we are about situations faced in the past. Why? Because once  the chaos has subsided and the situation is over, we can analyze it from a new perspective. However; when in the midst of challenges in … Continue reading

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Best Mom Ever – Happy Mother’s Day

I have been blessed to have the best Mom in the history of Mom’s. Maybe I’m a bit biased (just a little), however; if you were to ask my friends from childhood through today about my Mom they would probably … Continue reading

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Caregiving and Corporate America

With the growth of the elder population, it is imperative that vital eldercare education be provided to family caregivers in their communities and workplace, as this growth pattern negatively effects caregivers in both their home and work life. According to a … Continue reading

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Snow Days and Caregiving

Remember the excitement you felt as a kid when you got a snow day?! Your imagination went wild as you fantasized of the snow fort you would make next to your perfect snow man. Unfortunately as we age, snow days … Continue reading

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Break up with Fear

I recently heard this wonderful song by Francesca Battistelli called “The Break Up Song”, where she breaks up with fear. Here are some of the song lyrics: Sick and tired of being sick and tired Had as much of you … Continue reading

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Keep Your Eyes Open this Holiday Season

Many elderly are able to mask declining health throughout the year because they are able to keep a fairly steady routine. During the holidays, when schedules are more erratic, family caregivers may be able to detect signs of physical and … Continue reading

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Grief, Loss and the Holidays

The Hallmark movies always conclude with some type of Christmas miracle and joy for the characters in the story, however; in real life many people are experiencing unimaginable grief and loss during this holiday season. The journey of grief seems … Continue reading

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Be Prepared to Wait

During the last few years I’ve spent in more than my fair share of time waiting in a loved one’s hospital room.   As a result, I’ve become somewhat of an expert in the waiting experience.   Instead of hording this knowledge I figured it would … Continue reading

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Be Dementia Friendly – An Infographic! — Be Dementia Friendly: Where Safe Communities Are All The Buzz!

via Be Dementia Friendly – An Infographic! — Be Dementia Friendly: Where Safe Communities Are All The Buzz!

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Summertime tips for Caregivers

Seniors are especially at risk in high heat situations. Large stretches of the USA are experiencing extreme temperatures. Here are some summer heat tips for helping elderly loved ones avoid heat stroke or heat exhaustion Encourage fluid intake.* Water is … Continue reading

Posted in aging, caregiving, eldercare | 1 Comment

Recognizing Caregiver Burnout

You try to hide the feeling of being overwhelmed, however; caregiver burnout is serious and can lead significant physical and mental health issues.  It is critical to know the signs and take steps to take care of yourself. Here are … Continue reading

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Caregiving and Alzheimer’s: Asking the Right Questions

A frustrated friend called me for help while visiting her mother. Her mother’s Alzheimer’s was progressing and she was exhibiting some, let’s say, wearisome behaviors (to my friend that is). It had been over a week and her mother refused … Continue reading

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