Category: Giving Care

  • Repetitive Questioning in Alzheimer’s

    In home care, a question I often get asked is how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s who asks the same questions over and over again. To better understand and manage what’s going on, it helps to first know a bit about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory,…

  • Choosing the Right Home Care Provider

    With so many options available, its hard to know if you chose the right home care provider for your loved one. Here are four essential questions to ask when you’re evaluating your home care partner…

  • Positive Physical Approach to Dementia Care

    People living with dementia need guidance, human connection and a sense of independence. In my professional practice, we use the Positive Physical Approach. This innovative modality developed by Teepa Snow teaches family caregivers more effective ways to understand and communicate with their loved ones and all people with dementia.

  • Caregivers: Remember to Breathe

    Almost one-third of the adult U.S. population is currently caregivers for an ill or disabled relative. The majority are female and 60 percent are employed part- or full-time. Caregivers need to take time to care of themselves so they stay well enough to care for others. Realize that your own health and well-being could suffer…

  • Begin a Journey of Compassion & Hope

    Do you know anyone who has cancer? Do you know what to say or do? We know — and we are bringing that skill set to the workplace. Typically, we all work hard, provide for our families, plan for the future of our children and look forward to retirement someday. However, with one phone call…

  • A Medicare Miracle

    I have spent a decade conducting educational workshops and meeting with individuals transitioning to Medicare or already there. I encourage everyone to explore resources at www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov to become knowledgeable before services are needed. I also stress the importance of keeping Medicare cards, medication lists, the names of your physicians and any ongoing health…

  • Advocating for Someone With Cancer

    At some point in our lives, most of us will be given the opportunity to care for someone with cancer. Even though our experience with cancer may be limited, we may have learned enough to ask initial questions of the patient after the diagnosis is made.

  • Dementia: Helping Your GEMS® Shine

    GEMS® is a staging system for dementia. Teepa Snow, OTR and founder of the Positive Approach to Care® philosophy, recreated the Allen Cognitive system of staging dementia with a positive twist. We can now view our Person Living With Dementia as one of Teepa’s GEMS® rather than on a scale of 1 to 7 or…

  • What Does Aging Mean?

    After gaining years of experience working and caring for the elderly, I can imagine many ways to describe what “aging” means. There are multiple factors that determine if one is considered old. In other words, a high number of years someone has been on this Earth does not define them as being old. In today’s…

  • Caregiving From Afar

    As parents age, many adult children step into the role of caregiver. However, for those who live far from their parents, caregiving presents different challenges. Planning, communication and a team approach can significantly improve the process.

  • Senior Day Care Offers Valuable Benefits

    As our parents or loved one get older, they may need help or supervision during the day while caregivers are at work, school or other activities. Sending seniors for care during the day may be a difficult decision due to the cost and concern that they may not have “fun” or may be neglected.

  • Support and Resources for Family Caregivers

    Because of the often debilitating nature of heart disease or stroke, the effects of those diseases often impact not just the patient, but family members who are placed in the role as caregivers.