Getting rid of the holiday blues
Q: For my entire life my mother has been consistent in making Christmas very special for me. She took great care in decorating the house and buying special presents for everyone. Now due to her dementia I doubt she even realizes Christmas is coming. We are both widowed so I am sure that has added…
5 Quick Tips to Handle the Holidays!
My caregiving journey is challenging, but I do not journey alone, and my best is enough. Family Caregiver Holidays can be wonderful. And, holidays can be stressful – especially if you are a caregiver. Here are five quick tips to help you manage the season. 1. Plan any special events around your routine. When possible,…
Planning for Transitions on the Caregiver Path
The path of caregiving is fraught with twists and turns and ups and downs and most often, unique in and of itself. That path can be challenging in its navigation. John Gormley of Salem officially stepped onto the path of caregiving for his wife Collette 5 plus years ago. A likely diagnosis of Collette’s Alzheimer’s…
To avoid getting caught by surprise, keep regular appointments
Q: My husband was recently rushed to the hospital. His blood sugar level was extremely high and we were informed he had Type 2 diabetes. This had never shown up on any blood tests in the past. I am feeling somewhat guilty and wondering if I just didn’t notice some changes in him. Are there…
The Walsh Family – Standing Up to Alzheimer’s Together
The path of caregiving is fraught with twists and turns and ups and downs and most often, unique in and of itself. That path can be challenging in its navigation. Brendan and Kay Walsh of Salem are facing the uncertainty of their path ahead but they are facing it together. It was August of 2018….
How to help homebound adults during flu season
Q: I am a volunteer with my church’s elder visitors program. We have numerous older parishioners who are no longer able to get out and attend Sunday services. One individual I frequently see expressed concern that she hasn’t gotten a flu vaccination as of yet. She is virtually homebound and has no idea of how…
To balance life and caregiving, lean on those around you
Q: Growing up the holidays were always very special with my family. After I married I asked my mother if I could start hosting Thanksgiving at my house. I would spend days working on the menu and getting ready for our extended family to arrive. I am anxious and depressed because I don’t think I…
Family role vital for transition to assisted living facility
Q: My elderly mother will be making the transition from her own home to a memory care unit in an assisted living facility within the next few months. This has been a very heart wrenching decision for me. I have tried my best to keep her in the community but she has deteriorated to the…
Check your Medicare plan each year
Q: Several years ago when my husband and I both retired we signed up for a Medicare plan several of our friends recommended. In the beginning neither of us took prescriptions on a regular basis or had any on-going health conditions so the plan met our needs. Last year my husband’s health started to deteriorate…
What to do when things go missing in a nursing home
Q: My mother was recently placed in a long term care facility because her needs could no longer be met at home. The other day when I visited her she looked very unkempt and was wearing clothes that were not hers. I carefully marked all of the clothes that I brought for her and told…
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