I had a call this month from a local hospital discharge planner complimenting us on our professional advocacy (Geriatric Care Management) for clients, our team spirit and wise counsel. She was also very impressed with our caregivers in the hospital setting – whom she said were kind, helpful and an asset to the client. We [...]
Read Full Post »
Do you choose a company by reputation or what the costs will be? Perhaps the most important qualifier for you is that the company is located close to your parent. If you choose the one with the lowest rate, is that what you get in quality? It certainly could be! There is an old phrase, [...]
Read Full Post »
Watch the video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Bt4HWZRsI
More and more of us are caring for our aging family members at the same time as working, caring for adult children and wondering if we can ever retire. Some of us are even retiring early and reducing our possible pensions and social security benefits to care for a family member.
According [...]
Read Full Post »
Watch this video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvSyldkV_cQ
I taught a class that I teach often this past week and heard from many participants in the class: “I’ve been doing it all wrong”; “I wish I took this class 2 years ago”; “I struggle trying to make my mother understand what I am saying, for me and not her, [...]
Read Full Post »
Yes, no, maybe? This prospect dances out there in the breeze every so often. We get glimpses of it occasionally then seemingly effortlessly the thought drifts to another day. This might be a decision you could be making for yourself or, even more dauntingly, for someone else.
The idea of giving up our home, whether it [...]
Read Full Post »
Watch the video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oltA6PVmEXo
Often families come to the conclusion that it’s a safety risk for their frail elder family member to stay at home yet 24/7 in-home care is not affordable. The question arises: What is best for Mom or Dad?
Remember to think of future needs as you make a decision for the needs [...]
Read Full Post »
When a parent or spouse can no longer do what they did yesterday, it becomes another transition for the primary caregiver and for the extended family.
These transitions catch us off guard and an overwhelming sense of loss and grief is experienced by the primary care provider. The caregiver often does not label this as a [...]
Read Full Post »
View the video blog: Guilt and Parent Caregiving
Recently in talking with a caregiver who takes care of her mother, father and mother-in-law, the ever present “guilt work” came into the conversation.
“Why”, said the daughter, “do I never feel like I do enough or do the right thing”? Well, it is more complicated than this simple [...]
Read Full Post »
We have a tendency to lump age groups together. We name groups “toddlers” or “teens”, which make common sense. Some individuals in our society who are over the age of 55 are annoyed if you call them senior or elder.
I remember leaving a shopping trip at a local store thinking that they didn’t charge me [...]
Read Full Post »
It is hard, as adult children, to know – Is my Mother tired? Or, is she depressed? Or, is she just not feeling well in general?
Viewing our parents objectively is challenging. Parents often shield their children from negative thoughts, feelings, depression or discomfort.
In addition, hearing is often diminished and being in a busy environment can [...]
Read Full Post »
