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 […]
Caregiving Requires Special Attention
With aging, illnesses and undeniable medical conditions may arise that require extra attention and consideration to keep health status stable. Your role as the caregiver is valuable when special attention to detail is required. We must always start with self-care while ensuring proper care is being rendered to our loved ones. Yes, the responsibility is […]
Caring for Bedridden Loved Ones
Immobility of any form can produce many complications and challenges. The challenges, as well as the outcome, can be severe to a loved one’s weakened body. It is necessary to know the reason the person is bedridden. Knowing the illnesses or chronic conditions of your loved one is vital information to have in your tool […]
Caregiver Ambiguity Leads to Burnout
Prolonged stress can lead to physical and mental exhaustion and influence the life of a caregiver. It’s no secret that stress management is important, especially in times of ambiguity, which is common on the caregiving journey. The word ‘burnout’ is tossed around a lot when asking caregivers what they worry most about. Caregiver burnout is […]
I’m a Caregiver with a Job
As a caregiver advocate, when speaking with people, the new norm has become family caregivers trying to manage career obligations with their caregiving duties. According to caregiver statistics, over 60% of family caregivers work full-time. And while Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) is available, ( a United States labor law of 1993) provides employees with job-protected, […]
Caregivers- Surrogates of Love
What do you wish you would have known before becoming a caregiver to your loved one? You are a surrogate decision maker; simply defined, you are a proxy, substitute, stand-in, representative, back-up, and a necessary ambassador…knee-deep in the role. What are you chasing to understand? What medical equipment are you wishing you had “NOW”? Who are […]