Some days, cooking can seem like a time-consuming hassle and making time for exercise falls victim to our busy schedules. But, if we’re told “you are what you eat” and “move it or lose it,” what should we do? This is especially meaningful for older adults...
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...
“Do I Have Rights as a Caregiver?” Understanding the CARE ACT
As we close out the year and get ready for 2019, it’s important that caregivers are recognized for all the support they give daily to their loved one, and to make sure they understand their rights. Most caregivers know the sacrifices they make but many may be unaware...
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!
I thought I would first start with sharing a personal story with you. This is Jim’s story and he shares his experience following his brain injury and how the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) has helped support him through his journey and provided...
Personal Care and Alzheimer’s Disease: How to Avoid the Struggle
Bathing can be difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia and also then often becomes a daily struggle for their caregivers. Here are some suggestions that might help if you are providing bathing assistance for your loved one: Have all items ready for bathing...
Bombarded with information, SHINE to the Rescue!
This may be how you feel at this time of year if you are eligible for Medicare, already have Medicare, or turning 65 soon. With television advertisements that tell you they have the best plan for you, the extra mail stuffed into your mailbox that falls out of your...
Latino Caregiver Event! Evento para Cuidadores Latinos!
Yes it is that time of year again! October brings Pumpkins, Pumpkin coffee, football, sweaters and beautiful fall foliage to the New England area. We have one more exciting event to add to the fall in the Merrimack Valley, Our Latino Caregiver Event. On October 28th...
Sunrises and Sunsets – My World in Between
It’s 3:30 pm and it’s about time for me to finish my work day, here at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Rushing home to pick up my children (10 year old and 12 year old), to drive them to their after school activities and while I have 45 minutes in between will...
Sharing the Caring
“The best long-term care insurance in our country is a conscientious daughter”, quoted a recent article in the New York Times, “The Daughter Care System”. While the article notes that more men have been stepping up as caregivers in the past few years, the truth is...
Back to Basics for Back to School
Here in the northeast, we hold on to summer for dear life. The slightest hints of fall begin to appear and induce minor panic in many New Englanders. Although it’s only by minutes, the days are already growing shorter and signs that the change in seasons is near,...