Tag Archives: caregiving

Hurry up and 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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Hang onto your Joy

I was listening to a Joel Osteen message about Joy and how nothing can take our joy from us.  This means that no issues with a spouse, illness, loss of job or abilities or challenges associated with caring for an … Continue reading

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Caregiving and Dementia challenges

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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Surprise – Mom got old!

It still amazes me how many people I have met over my 25+ year career that seemed genuinely surprised that their parent had gotten old.  Especially since the alternative to getting old would be death (not trying to be crass, it’s … 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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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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Having a Heat Wave

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 … Continue reading

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POA – The Chosen One

A friend called me the other day and shared her concerns about being chosen to be the health-care and financial power of attorney for her mother.  She had heard me speak on the topic and the challenges associated with the … Continue reading

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PUT YOUR DAMN PHONES DOWN and other Holiday Tips

I get irritated every time I see the commercial with the elderly couple reading their grandchildren’s social media posts that says “Entering the gates of hell, where there’s no Wi-Fi and no shows, aka Grandma’s house.” So, the elderly couple … Continue reading

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Coping with Loss during 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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November is National Caregivers Month

According to a study by the National Alliance for Caregiving in 2015, an estimated 43.5 million adults in the United States, provide unpaid care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and … Continue reading

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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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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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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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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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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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