Caregiver 101
I'm Fine, Thanks
That is the life of a caregiver. You are always fine because the focus is always on the person that you care for. You are “just fine” because if you think of allowing yourself to be anything other than fine, your legs will come out from under you. Read more
Caring for the Caregiver
Being a caregiver is a stressful and demanding job. There is usually very little, if any opportunity to prepare for a new caregiving situation. Read more
Safety Begins at Home
If you're among America's 54 million caregivers, knowing how to evacuate a loved one or how a loved one can take shelter during an emergency may not be as easy as just stepping out a door, or crawling out a window... Read more
Some Things I Have Learned
I have learned to learn about the illness. In my case, I have learned about 11 illnesses only to find that any one of them may crop up and have symptoms at any time and last for a few minutes, a few hours, a few days or even months. Read more
What the First-time Caregiver Needs to Know
Everyone ages, and there comes a time when older or ailing loved ones need help. Oftentimes friends or family members rise to the occasion to assist them. If you’re one of those first-time family caregivers, you are not alone. Read more
Caregiver Guilt and Finding Balance
How do you find the balance? Is there a balance? Am I doing the right thing? Should I be doing more? These are important questions for a caregiver. Read more
6 Things to Remember as You Start to Care for Your Parents
Whether you are an adult child or a parent trying to communicate with your kids, here are six suggestions for overcoming some of the obstacles and frustrations we commonly experience during this time. Read more
Emotional Fatigue
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, says there are four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those Read more
Caring At Work
Are you one of the 65 million Americans who care for a family member? One of the 20-50% of employees who tend to a loved one before going to work, then return to care again after a long hard day on the job? Read more
Respite for Two
Adult day care centers provide a break (respite) to the caregiver while providing health services, therapeutic services and social activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, ... Read more
The Caregiver’s First-Aid Kit
A“Caregiver First-Aid Kit” is a reminder of the special significance caregivers have in their role caring for a loved one. Read more
Five Simple Steps to Create a Safer Environment for Seniors
On behalf of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), I encourage caregivers to familiarize themselves with some basic tips to help maximize the safety of the seniors in their care while minimizing the risks associated with electricity. Read more
Trust Your Instincts
Adult Day Care is a community-based program. There are more than 4,000 centers across the country with more than 78 percent operating on a non-profit basis. nursing ho Read more
After Caregiving: Picking Up The Pieces
As a caregiver, we totally commit ourselves to caring for another person who no longer functions as they once did in the normal scheme of life. We move in with them or move them to us. Read more
Tips for Organizing a Medical History
A trip to the emergency room made me realize why caregivers are advised to organize heath information. Read more
Aging in Place: A Real Choice
Consumers who plan to age in place should take proactive steps to modify their homes while they are still financially and physically able. Read more
When Caregiving is Not Enough - Finding Good Homecare
Anyone who has ever looked for home-based care for a loved one comprehends what a daunting experience it can be. Read more
Do you have what it takes to be a caregiver?
The time has come when a family member needs assistance and you’re struggling to understand what will be needed of you as you move into the role of full- or part-time caregiver. Read more
Nip Depression in the Bud
Warning Signs to Look For Caregivers need to be especially aware of depression because of the great load they carry. Read more
Guilt Free Caregiving
I read a comment in a publication by Catholic Family Services in Michigan about caregiving: “As a caregiver, you are consumed by guilt, doom, fear, hopelessness and even helplessness.” Read more