caregiver

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Caring for Loved Ones

Started by Anonymous on June 10, 2009 8:24 PM

Even the best caregivers face times when they need support, too. That's the purpose of this forum -- to develop a caring community for caregivers. This is the place to rant, rave, scream and cry. We shall listen without judgment.

 

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May 26

Excellent HBO Alzheimer's Special!

by Jacqueline Marcell @ 2:37 pm. Filed under Alzheimer's, caregiver, caregiving, dementia, elder care
If you didn't see it or you don't get HBO, you must see these four excellent programs available online free-of-charge. I recommend "Momentum in Science" first, as it is so encouraging to see the latest research: http://www.hbo.com/events/alzheimers. The other three are helpful with managing loved ones with dementia, however, they missed a great technique when a person doesn't recognize a loved one or themself in a mirror. The trick is simply to ask their age. When they say something like "35" instead of "85", you understand why they don't recognize people how they look now. More…
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ConnieGoldman

Q&A From Our Experts

Today's Expert: ConnieGoldman
Q:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book, "The Gifts of Caregiving: Stories of Hardship, Hope, and Healing" and listening to the accompanying CD, "Hardship into Hope: The Rewards of Caregiving." During your career as a public radio producer, writer, and speaker, you have interviewed countless well-known personalities and celebrities and have shared their stories with us through your wonderful books. Each person's story is unique and inspiring. Is there any one person you interviewed whose story or heartfelt experiences stood out and touched you more so than others?

A:
Yes, I have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing many well known personalities in my radio work and for my writing. You mentioned my public ... Read More...

See also: Rosalynn Carter Q&As
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JacquelineMarcell

Q&A From Our Experts

Today's Expert: JacquelineMarcell
Q:

Ever since I took over caring for my aging parents, I have been feeling depressed. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do?

A:
Researchers have found that a person who cares for someone with dementia is twice as likely to suffer from depression than someone providing care for ... Read More...

See also: risk Q&As
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Widowhood

Can You Die of a Broken Heart?

Posted August 27, 2007 3:40 PM

The idea that a loved one can "die of a broken heart" has been the staple of countless songs and sonnets. Now scientists have come a step closer to saying it may just be true. A study shows that if a spouse is admitted to hospital with a serious illness, the risk of death rises for the husband or wife. And if the spouse goes on to die, the risk of the partner dying Read more...

See also: broken heart, caregiver, death, dying, grief, grieving, Health, husband, partner, songs, spouse, wife

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Caregiving

Guides to the Dementia Journey

Posted August 27, 2007 3:40 PM

Three recent books offer help for families and insights for professionals caring for an elder with dementia. Navigating the Alzheimer's Journey: A Compass for Caregiving by Carol Bowlby Sifton (Health Professions Press, 2004) Although this volume is bulky, it is very readable and chock full of well-organized information for family caregivers and professionals in health and aging. Sifton, Read more...

See also: caregiver, caregiving, dementia, elder care, Health

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Caregiving

The Toughest Caregiver Decision You'll Ever Make

Posted August 27, 2007 3:40 PM

The decision to place a loved one in an assisted living facility is a difficult but frequently unavoidable one. Even though the choice may be absolutely necessary, the person forced to make the decision for their spouse or parent often feels an overwhelming sense of guilt.  When the time came for me to decide to place my mother, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, into assisted living, Read more...

See also: assisted living, caregiver, children, decision, guilt, loved one, parent, progressively worse, spouse

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Caregiving

7 Tips: Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer's

By Jacqueline Marcell
Posted August 27, 2007 3:40 PM

Caring for an elderly loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's disease (one form of dementia) is often one of the most difficult journeys a family will ever have to take. However, with a little insight the road can be more bearable. And by implementing some creative behavioral techniques to reduce caregiver stress, the experience can become quite rewarding.   I have learned these lessons the hard Read more...

See also: Alzheimer's, caregiver, dad, dementia, elderly, feelings, mom, parents, reminisce, validate

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Caregiving

Caregiving Help on the Net

Posted August 27, 2007 3:27 PM

Need to hire an in-home caregiver for a relative or friend, but are unsure of the process? Visit the Caregiver Fact Sheet to help you find the right person. Experts say it's vital the person considered understands what duties are expected, such as supervision, bathing and light housekeeping. Then develop a contract that includes wages and benefits. To aid your search, notify friends Read more...

See also: aging, care providers, caregiver, caregiver fact sheet, contract, duties, friend, in-home, relative, senior centers

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