If you missed the March Alzheimer’s conference, presented by the Alzheimer’s Community Care Association, then I would like to share one of the lectures with you. The class is entitled, “Creating Moments of JOY.” The speaker is Jolene Brackey, a contemporary leader in communicating creatively with individuals suffering from the brain deficits of Alzheimer’s disease. […]
Children can be very curious about physical changes and demeanor alterations, especially when they notice this about a family member. Children also ask remarkably frank questions about these changes.
“Why can’t Grandpa remember my name?” “Why does that lady have to take care of Grandpa?” “What’s wrong with Grandpa?” “When will Grandpa get better and play […]
All of us experience a little lapse in memory periodically. It is also not unusual for us to feel “blah” from time to time. We have good days and bad days. However, when these problems plague us, or our loved ones, on a continuous basis, then it is time to seek professional advice. There […]
The old man sat in his favorite chair, smiling favorably at his visitor. “You are such a pretty girl. Have I met you before?” he asked of his companion. “Yes, Daddy,” she replied. The girl is fifty-eight years old. She takes hold of her father’s hand and returns his warm smile. She visits her father […]
Are you faced with trying out an aide for the first time? This can be a source of anxiety for many families bringing in a new professional caregiver. In fact, some families will refuse a new caregiver, and go without help, in an effort to avoid the perceived stress of this situation. Unfortunately, […]
We can never be too prepared for a hurricane or other disaster. We should be ready to survive at least three days without power or access to stores. This requires plenty of clean water, food which doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking, an extra supply of medications, as well as items needed for hygiene.
In addition to […]
Unfortunately, I hear horror stories from Seniors and their families. These people come to me for help because they had terrible experiences with caregivers that they hired on their own. This is generally referred to as private help. I call them “PIRATE” help, based on their lying, stealing, and cheating.
One dear eighty-year old told me […]
Upon a person’s discharge from a hospital or rehab facility to the home, full-time care is needed for a few days to several weeks, depending on the person’s rate of recovery.
24/7 (Live-in) help is very economical and a wise choice for any client who needs ten or more hours per day of help. […]
Scenario:
You have made the decision to let an aide come into your home to assist. That was hard enough on you! Now you are getting apprehensive about what to expect when the aide arrives for work:
– Will I like the aide? What if I don’t? How would I handle this […]
I recently spoke with a group of fresh graduates from a local nursing assistant school. The instructor wanted me to help the students understand the expectations of clients in a home setting. When I touched on the subject of housekeeping, the students reacted negatively. “I am certified, so I don’t have to help with housekeeping!” […]