Surgical Site Infections and Incontinence Care
With the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on New Year’s Eve and the report of what caused her death, I felt it necessary to highlight a topic that is uncomfortable but substantial… the consequences of incontinence. Let’s start with some anatomy. What is the largest organ of the body… It’s the skin. It covers […]
Caregiver of Kidney Disease
Caring for a spouse, aging parent, or person with kidney disease might feel overwhelming. State of mind and knowledge attainment are the two ways to manage emotions. Knowledge can lessen so many feelings of defeat. We know that caregiving is a gift that can create forever bonds and fulfilling memories. That is the frame of […]
Caregiving in the New Year!
Happy New Year! Last year has come and gone, but the world of caregiving continues to be top of mind for all caregiver advocates. You may ask what has changed coming into the new year…well, for mankind, we will become a year older, but the needs for a care recipient remain the same. If you are […]
Tis the Season In Caregiverland
Whenever you hear or read “Tis the Season,” it tells us it’s the season for Christmas — a joyful reminder to share the meaning of Christmas with family and friends. Many will celebrate the birth of Christ! Christmas is observed on December 25th each year. It is a time when Christians everywhere celebrate the Son of […]
The Power of “I” as a Caregiver
I had a powerful conversation with a caregiver, and as I listened intensely to the concerns that are now confronting the family, one word repeated during our conversation was “I.” Here is some of the dialogue: I don’t think my loved one needs my help to put shoes on. I don’t think my loved one needs […]
Mission to Manage Oral Health of the Elderly
According to Webster’s Dictionary, a mission is a specific task a person (or group) to execute an approach for a particular outcome. Many of you have read I was responsible for the care of my mother. My book, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, shares many stories. Some tasks […]
Airport Travel with Your Aging Loved Ones
Returning from a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, this week and spending time in the airport, my eyes wandered to and fro, watching the navigation of many elderly traveling alone or with companions (family or friends). Many walked slowly; some used adaptive aids, a walker, or canes, while others were in wheelchairs or being pushed by […]
National Caregiver Month Demand Reflection
National Family Caregiver Month occurs each year in November. It is an opportunity for all family caregivers to look at how caregiving has affected them. It’s a month that should ring grateful gratitude for having the ability to care for a loved one. Easy, no, necessary, yes! Family members neglect many elderly loved ones because […]
Eldercare in Cold Weather
It’s that time of year. The weather is changing, and as a caregiver of your loved ones, preparation is necessary! If you are like most individuals, you feel cold off and on. However, as winter “comes-a-knockin” keeping our elders warm is vital. Cold temperatures can create many problems for our elderly loved ones, especially if they have […]
Managing the Caregiver Role with Spreadsheets
What is the definition of insanity? I was told it is doing the same thing and getting a different result. Many outcomes(good or bad) in the caregiving space can result from mismanaging of necessary chores and responsibilities in the caregiver role. There are ways to handle the day-to-day tasks to make a caregiver’s day manageable. […]