Alzheimer’s Disease and Missed Opportunities
I enjoy talking with older people. They have gone before us, Experienced much, tolerated much, and can teach us much. We often take these things for granted and realize we should have been present more. Paid attention, more! Been engaged more! When we recognize that cognitive decline is the result of Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s too […]
Caring for a Loved One with Contractures
Caring for a bedridden loved one with contractures at home demands a lot of patience, insight, and skill. The activities of daily living are a given, but ensuring their comfort and emotional well-being is imperative. Feeling comfortable again may never be their reality because of pain and bone deformities. Definition of Contractures: A contracture is a […]
Caring for a Loved One with Heart Problems
The Heart Health Month theme continues with caring for a loved one with heart conditions. It can be challenging and requires a long-term commitment of time and energy. The heart is the organ that must ‘keep on ticking’ for us to live. When the heart is diseased, it complicates the body’s ability to operate efficiently. Some heart […]
Safety Proof the Home to Let Loved One’s Age In Place
One of my pet peeves is home safety when caring for elderly loved ones. One of the most common causes of falls in the home is the lack of safety in the environment. Tis’ true, as we age, mobility, vision, and illness can create a reason to pay attention as we care for our loved […]
Dedicated Caregivers: The African American Nurse
As we all know, trustworthy caregivers don’t always wear capes; they wear stethoscopes. Since February is Black History Month, I want to reflect on the role of African-American nurses as caregivers. African American nurses have dedicated their lives to caring for others, breaking barriers, and shattering stereotypes. Where did it all begin? Who were the […]
Can You Take Care of an Aged Loved One?
Are you prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for a family member? Can you handle the commitment that comes with the role? Have you considered moving your loved ones in with you? How will you recognize when caregiving becomes too overwhelming? Will caregiving impact your relationships with others? What elder care arrangements have […]
Proactive Preparation in Eldercare
Proactive preparation in the care of elders is one of the less-traveled approaches in the caregiving space. Mainly, because we live in a reactive society. There is truth to the statement” being ready, so you don’t have to get ready”; it is required when caring for our loved ones. It can be a matter of life and […]
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 […]