Renal Insufficiency in the Elderly
Renal insufficiency is a real problem in the elderly. When kidney function diminishes over time, specifically during the aging process, a host of issues and symptoms can happen. Caregivers must have a working knowledge of the potential consequences of this condition and be proactive in real time. Renal insufficiency is defined as a decline in […]
Debt & Death?
How many family caregivers are facing debt after a loved one dies? This can be an overwhelming burden stacked on top of grieving the loss. It’s a widespread viewpoint heard many times over. As a youth, I recall my mother was strict in conversations around whole life insurance policies and the avoidance of term policies(due […]
Proper Footwear for the Elderly to Prevent Falls
I had a great 3-week vacation, but I could not seem to turn my proactive caregiver advocacy eyes and ears off, while on vacation. Watching a family with an elderly loved one at the grocery store, I saw a disturbing and scary situation. Flip-flops were on the feet of this person. Dangerous! I surmised by […]
Caregivers: Encouragement on the Journey
One will likely find himself or herself in the role of caregiver of someone aging, persistently ill, or managing one with a disability. Although it is a role many are unprepared for, out of love, obligation, or a combination of both, the journey begins. When one takes an oath not to harm, the commitment is […]
Care For Earthly Possession at End of Life?
During our lifetime, we collect a lot of stuff and things. Some are needs that enable us to maintain the lifestyle of our choosing, but many are our wants. According to Abraham Maslow (1908–1970), an individual’s needs were arranged as a hierarchy, with physiological (survival) needs at the bottom, and the more creative and intellectually […]
Autoimmune Disorders In The Elderly
Discussing the challenges with autoimmune disorders in the elderly population is prompting this discussion. Autoimmune disorders have an array of clinical presentations and many atypical symptoms. An autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own body and can damage many systems. There are over 100 known autoimmune disorders( National Institute of […]
Medication Warning in Hot Climate
We all agonize over hot weather! But, our loved ones and those with chronic medical conditions must be watched and monitored when temperatures are extreme. Specific prescription medications and over-the-counter medications (OTC) can have dangerous consequences for our elderly if not managed during the hot climate. Knowing what to look for if loved ones experience […]
Hot Temperature and Senior Care
Extreme temperature is not safe for anyone. It is even dangerous if you are older or have health problems. It’s 100 degrees in Texas! LORDT HELP! I watched a news story yesterday and decided it was a great story to share with my blog and podcast audience. The story was about individuals young and old waiting […]
When is Hospice Warranted?
I often share…do not fear hospice, fear pain and suffering, that a loved one may experience when disease and trauma overtake one’s earthly body. There has always been a misguided fear of hospice. Most of the fear stems from a lack of knowledge of practices and outcomes rendering care. One misnomer that must be dispelled […]
Extreme Heat and Eldercare
Summertime And The Livin’ Is Easy, a well-known classic opera heard in the performance of Porgy and Bess written by DuBose Heyward and lyricist Ira Gershwin and composed by George Gershwin. In extreme temperatures, the livin’ may not be so easy for our elderly loved ones. These are the times when vigilance is vital. Several factors must be […]