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| Even simple tasks like preparing meals can be a challenge with arthritis |
Don’t Let Arthritis Pain Ruin Your Life
Arthritis pain can cause you to avoid activities and other things in your life because the inflammation in the joints is extremely painful.
When you leak urine, is it just a few drops or do you soak through your underwear. If you need to wear adult diapers consistently, this does indicate that you have urinary incontinence problems that may be induced from aging.When there is pain in the joints it will force you to avoid the activities that you love because it seems too painful to enjoy it. While you don’t want to aggravate the inflammation and pain in the joints, you shouldn’t lock yourself away in your home and avoid everything because of the pain.
Diagnosing and Treating Elderly Incontinence
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| Maintaining dignity is most important |
To make matters worse your loved one may feel embarrassed by his or her accidents, and avoid scheduling a doctor’s appointment. They may even be unsure of whom to see: a primary care physician, a nurse practitioner, or a urology specialist. However it is important for both caregivers and the senior’s in their lives to know that the best reason to see a doctor is this: elderly urinary incontinence is a very treatable condition.
Devices That Help the Elderly with Everyday Tasks
For many elderly the biggest challenges of everyday living, are the smallest. Seeing the number on the phone, opening pill bottles and reaching items up on the shelf, can all become obstacles in the course of daily living.
For those seniors who are still independent, caregivers can provide tools that seniors, accomplish these tasks with great ease and more importantly independently. The good news is that growing older, does not mean that you must become totally dependant on a caregiver. There are a wide variety of items that make the life of the senior in your care, have a higher quality, and give you as a caregiver great peace of mind. Here is a brief description of devices that help the elderly with everyday tasks:
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| You can help an aging parent maintain their dignity |
Deciding Which Treatment is Right for an Elderly Loved One With Incontinence
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| Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant, The CareGiver Partnership |
Dealing With Adult Incontinence
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| Maintaining dignity of a loved one is job #1 |
Many elderly are embarrassed to admit they have a problem, feel powerless, and often times are angry at the lack of control. Caregivers also feel frustrated when dealing with the many facets of this issue. However, there are steps that can be taken, that will make dealing with elderly incontinence, easier for both the caregiver and the senior. Here is what you need to know about dealing with adult incontinence:
Dealing With Sweet Tooth Cravings and Diabetes
Are you dealing with sweet tooth cravings? While a sweet tooth can give you problems if you are trying to control your weight issues, it can ruin your ability to manage diabetes. A diabetic person needs to focus on consuming a low amount of refined sugar in their diet in order to properly manage their disease. If you consume too much sugar, it will cause peaks and valleys with your blood sugar. This can leave you suffering complications of hypoglycemia where you feel dizziness, lightheaded, tired, disoriented, and you can often pass out or slip into a coma. To help you control your cravings and manage your diabetes, here are some tips that may help:
Controlling Your Blood Glucose
Do you have diabetes or blood sugar problems? It is important to learn how to control your blood sugar problems so you don’t have extreme problems happen like fainting, losing a limb, and spending days in the hospital. You may shrug off the shakiness you get once and awhile as no big deal but the truth is you need to pay attention to it and get it under control before it does get worse and turn into diabetes. Here are some tips to help you learn how to control your blood glucose:
Controlling Arthritis Pain
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| Open jars and pill containers easily |
Common Urinary Tract Disorders
The bladder and urinary tract cleans about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. Since the urinary tract is working so hard, it is common to experience some urinary tract infections and bladder control problems once and awhile. As the body begins to age, it will experience muscular and nervous system breakdowns.
Choosing Tools For Independence
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| Tools to help loved ones remain independent |
Choosing Nighttime Safety Products
If you are the caregiver, or family member of an elderly parent or relative, you may be concerned about their safety at night. Many times older men and women awake in the night, and because of a lack of safety products can experience serious falls and other problems. Choosing the right nighttime safety products for your loved one can help insure a safer environment for the times when you cannot be there. These products can range from the simple to the more complex, depending upon what the person needs. However, before you simply buy every available product on the market there are some key considerations to make when choosing nighttime safety products. Here are just a few:
Choosing Underpads
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| 35 Different Brands, Styles and Sizes to Choose From |
Choosing Proper Bedside Assistance
You will want to ensure that you choose the proper bedside assistance for them based on the level of care that they require.
If the loved one that you are caring for is bedridden due to illness or lack of mobility, one of the most important features of their care is going to be bedside assistance. You will want to ensure that you choose the proper bedside assistance based on the level of care they require. Even seniors who are not bedridden can use some types of bedside assistance, it allows them to remain independent for a longer period of time. The important thing to remember is that choosing proper bedside assistance means you need to evaluate what your loved one can and can’t do. Choose the products that will help them remain independent, but also the products that will ensure their safety.
If the loved one that you are caring for is bedridden due to illness or lack of mobility, one of the most important features of their care is going to be bedside assistance. You will want to ensure that you choose the proper bedside assistance based on the level of care they require. Even seniors who are not bedridden can use some types of bedside assistance, it allows them to remain independent for a longer period of time. The important thing to remember is that choosing proper bedside assistance means you need to evaluate what your loved one can and can’t do. Choose the products that will help them remain independent, but also the products that will ensure their safety.
Choosing Personal Care Products
These personal care products are going to be designed for the elderly to use by themselves to make some simple tasks, such as bathing or dressing easier.
Choosing Oral and Dental Care Products
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| Use ADA approved brushes with soft bristles |
The reason that you only want to buy oral and dental care products that are approved by the ADA is that they have been meet the safety and effectiveness criteria that is established by the ADA. Any claims that are made about the oral and dental product that you are purchasing have been scientifically supported, if it bears the ADA seal of acceptance.
Choosing Elderly Undergarments
One of the best things you can do when choosing elderly undergarments is to choose the undergarments based on the following characteristics.
If you go to websites like The Caregiver Partnership, which can be found at http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ you will be amazed at how many incontinence products there are to choose from. With how many incontinence products there are on the market, it can be rather difficult to choose undergarments for the elderly.
Changing Nutritional Needs As You Age
There is a wealth of information when it comes to finding nutritional advice for children, and even teens, but the most overlooked segment of the population may be the elderly. Many people are surprised to learn that as you age your nutritional requirements change dramatically. These changing nutritional needs must be addressed in order for seniors to maintain a healthy and hopefully active lifestyle. If there is a lack of nutrition in a senior’s diet, it can result in serious and potentially life threatening problems that can be compounded by depression and other quality of life issues. If you are a senior, a caregiver, or just concerned about a senior in your life here, is what you need to know about the changing nutritional needs as you age.
How to Recognize & Prevent Malnutrition in Seniors
With aging comes a greater risk of malnutrition, but there are ways to get back on the track to better health.
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| Good nutrition is critical to senior health. |
Computers: Help Your (Grand) Parents Help Themselves
Send Your Parents a
My brother was a GM certified mechanic -- but that wasn't his profession. Every time the family got together, someone would tell him they had a "tick" in their engine and could he please take a look at it. Inevitably, he would get grease on his shirt and his (ex) wife would yell at him.
How to Recognize & Prevent Malnutrition in Seniors
by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist
Watch the video - how to recognize and prevent malnutrion in seniors
As a nutritionist and member of The CareGiver Partnership team, I see every day how age plays a role in health and nutrition. We have solicited the input of thousands of caregivers, and a reoccurring concern is senior malnutrition. The baby boomer generation, many of whom are now caring for their parents, worries about the risks associated with aging. They see Mom and Dad being less mobile, which in turn makes it more difficult to shop for and cook fresh, nutritious foods.
Leave Those You Love, Words They'll Remember
How to Motivate the Elderly With Craft
The way to motivate elderly folk in a craft session, is by being excited and passionate about what you are doing, yourself.
Many of our senior citizens will approach the idea of doing craft with fear and trepidation. After all, a man or woman who has worked all their lives, building a career, bringing up children, playing sport and generally being busy and productive, has probably not done any craft, since those far away years in Primary School.
Many of our senior citizens will approach the idea of doing craft with fear and trepidation. After all, a man or woman who has worked all their lives, building a career, bringing up children, playing sport and generally being busy and productive, has probably not done any craft, since those far away years in Primary School.
Daylight Saving Time Mixing Up The Elderly's Body Clock
Does anyone have experience with a senior being confused with the change for daylight savings time? A friend of mine is experiencing this with her Mother. At 7 PM CST she believes it to be breakfast time. She lives in a skilled nursing facility, where there are many elderly patients, so we aren't worried about her safety.
Caregiving Helpers: Peace of Mind Through Monitors, Alarms and Sensors
If you are the caregiver of an elderly person, you may be constantly worried about the safety, and security of your loved one. Falls, and other problems, occur frequently with the elderly. This can be a problem whether you are an in-home caregiver, or trying to help care for your loved one from some distance. The good news is that there are items that can help both you, and your elderly parent or patient, achieve peace of mind, and help insure that the senior in your life is living their best life possible. Because there is such a wide variety of products available, one can be found to fit the needs and lifestyle of the elderly loved one you are concerned about. Monitors, alarms, and sensors, can be installed that will help both you, and your elderly loved one, know that help is possible at a moment’s notice. Here is what you need to know about achieving peace of mind through the use of care-giving helpers like monitors, alarms, and sensors:
Benefits You Can Expect From Glucose Control
Trying to balance your blood glucose can be extremely frustrating and difficult for a number of patients. Diabetes is a hard disease to manage, especially if you do not eat a balanced diet that can help you control your glucose levels. Eating too much, not eating enough, consuming too much sugar, and not exercising can all cause glucose problems and leave you feeling dizzy, irritable, tired, and at risk for a number of problems.
Bedside Care Overview
Bedside care is the act of caring for your loved one who is no longer able to leave their bed. There can be many reasons and aspects to this care. For most people, this is an end of life situation and can be fraught with emotional difficulty. Being prepared on some of the most common aspects of bedside care can help caregivers cope better.
Bedside Assistance: How to Help Your Loved One Use a Bedpan
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| Maintaining dignity while addressing personal care needs is paramount |
Bathroom Safety Tools
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| Add caption |
At-home Remedies to Find Relief From Incontinence
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| at-home remedies to provide you relief from embarrassment |
Arthritis Care Tips
Arthritis can be a debilitating disease, but with the proper care, the elderly who suffer from this problem can live a much higher quality of life. It is crucial that caregivers understand the needs and problems that face those with arthritis. By educating themselves, those who care for a loved one with this condition can make significant changes in the health of their elderly loved ones.
An Exercise Guide for Diabetes Patients
Suffering from diabetes? Don’t let diabetes keep you from participating in the exercises that you love. With the right tools and the right exercise program, you can enjoy working your muscles and improving your range of motion and overall health.
Alerts, Alarms, and Other Monitoring Systems for Elderly
One of the major concerns if you are the caregiver for someone, who is elderly, is insuring their safety. The news of is full of stories of seniors who fall, or suffer some other problem, and are not found for hours or even days. Today there is no need for that to happen. Whether you are the live-in caregiver for a senior, or a concerned child, or friend of one, there are tools that can help the elderly continue to live an independent life with the safety and security of knowing that help is always readily available. Whether your senior is healthy and just needs some security, or you are caring for an elderly person who is suffering from the effects of aging or disease, there is a tool that can help you provide security and peace of mind. There are alarm systems that range from the simple to the more complex.
The CareGiver Partnership Announces Online Library of Helpful Resources for Family Caregivers
#1 Caregiver Resource Library With Over 300 Links to Important Housing, Caregiving, Financial and Products and Services.
The CareGiver Partnership officially launched it's Caregiver Connection service with an online library that provides valuable resources for family caregivers. These include links to resources on housing, caregiving, finances, legal and a host of products and services. Caregivers also have access to expert advice from The CareGiver Partnership's Mayo Clinic trained Nutritionist and Physician Assistant" said Lynn Wilson, Founder.
The CareGiver Partnership officially launched it's Caregiver Connection service with an online library that provides valuable resources for family caregivers. These include links to resources on housing, caregiving, finances, legal and a host of products and services. Caregivers also have access to expert advice from The CareGiver Partnership's Mayo Clinic trained Nutritionist and Physician Assistant" said Lynn Wilson, Founder.
The CareGiver Partnership Joins Forces with Healthy Monday
The CareGiver Partnership has joined forces with the Health Monday Movement - an organization that centers on the use of Monday as the nationally recognized day, every week, dedicated to increasing health awareness, empowerment and action.
The CareGiver Partnership, a woman owned direct-to-consumer retailer specializing in providing dignified product solutions for home healthcare, has joined forces with the Health Monday Movement - an organization that centers on the use of Monday as the nationally recognized day, every week, dedicated to increasing health awareness, empowerment and action.
The CareGiver Partnership, a woman owned direct-to-consumer retailer specializing in providing dignified product solutions for home healthcare, has joined forces with the Health Monday Movement - an organization that centers on the use of Monday as the nationally recognized day, every week, dedicated to increasing health awareness, empowerment and action.
New Tips ... Caring for the Caregiver
Caregivers are often the last to ask for help, but the millions of family members and friends who care for ailing family members and friends are themselves among the neediest.
“Below is one of many personal caregiving situations our customers face each and every day”, said Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership. Their names have been changed, but Oliver and Margaret’s story will make you aware that you are not alone.
Oliver and Margaret's story...
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| Founder of The CareGiver Partnership |
Oliver and Margaret's story...
The Proactive Caregiver - Discover What it Takes to Become an Advocate for a Loved One
Its about being willing to fight for them with doctors, hospitals, lawyers and yes... even financial institutions. Find out why its critical to plan NOW.
Most individuals will need care and support at some time in their life. As someone who may become a caregiver or currently fulfilling that role, you don't want to dwell on this, but it's always best to be prepared.
Most individuals will need care and support at some time in their life. As someone who may become a caregiver or currently fulfilling that role, you don't want to dwell on this, but it's always best to be prepared.
Managing Flu Season: Danger Signs & Recovery Tips
by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist
While many people recover from seasonal influenza on their own, seniors are at high risk for becoming severely ill and must be carefully monitored. The flu can develop into something more dangerous, such as pneumonia or other complications. If in doubt as to whether you or a loved one needs medical care, call your doctor’s office to discuss with a nurse.
While many people recover from seasonal influenza on their own, seniors are at high risk for becoming severely ill and must be carefully monitored. The flu can develop into something more dangerous, such as pneumonia or other complications. If in doubt as to whether you or a loved one needs medical care, call your doctor’s office to discuss with a nurse.
Lynn Wilson Selected as Community Ambassador For Depend® Brand
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| Founder of The CareGiver Partnership |
New Incontinence Product Finder tool Helps Caregivers Identify Most Appropriate Incontinence Products
The Incontinence Product Finder(sm) tool from The CareGiver Partnership is the easiest and fastest way to identify the most appropriate incontinence product from over 600 choices.
“One of the biggest frustrations many caregivers have is the lack of reliable and credible information across a range of issues. As a caregiver and the Founder of The CareGiver Partnership, I talk with caregivers and their loved ones on a daily basis”, said Lynn Wilson. I also participate in numerous forums where caregivers and their loved ones congregate. Caregivers tell me that selecting the right incontinence product is very frustrating because there are so many brands, types, styles, absorbencies and sizes – too many choices. They frequently purchase by trial and error, winding up with bags of expensive product they can’t use.”
“One of the biggest frustrations many caregivers have is the lack of reliable and credible information across a range of issues. As a caregiver and the Founder of The CareGiver Partnership, I talk with caregivers and their loved ones on a daily basis”, said Lynn Wilson. I also participate in numerous forums where caregivers and their loved ones congregate. Caregivers tell me that selecting the right incontinence product is very frustrating because there are so many brands, types, styles, absorbencies and sizes – too many choices. They frequently purchase by trial and error, winding up with bags of expensive product they can’t use.”
CGP Announces New Easy Shopping Tool For Automatic Delivery of Goods & Services
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| Never Run Out of needed supplies. |
The CareGiver Partnership Offers Steps to Prevent Nighttime Falls
In keeping with its mission of providing home care products that help maintain personal dignity, The CareGiver Partnership provides strategies for nighttime safety.
Falling is an important health concern for older adults. Not only can tumbles result in fractures and other injuries, but they can also cause fear, which may lead to decreased mobility. Falls may be caused by environmental factors, such as stairs or obstacles, or physical factors, such as impaired vision or instability, and risks may be greater at night.
Falling is an important health concern for older adults. Not only can tumbles result in fractures and other injuries, but they can also cause fear, which may lead to decreased mobility. Falls may be caused by environmental factors, such as stairs or obstacles, or physical factors, such as impaired vision or instability, and risks may be greater at night.
How to Choose a Senior Home Care Agency
By Lynn and Tom Wilson, Co-Founders of The CareGiver Partnership
It's not unusual for problems to arise between siblings caring for elderly parents, including disagreements about money issues, care options, how to divide the workload and end-of-life decisions. Choosing in-home care is one of those stress points. Hopefully, this will help.
As a caregiver, you may have a need to find a home care agency quickly due to an emergency such as a fall. If you are lucky, may have time to investigate and compare options with other family members. Selecting an agency is both emotional and financial. Paid in-home care can be expensive depending on the number of hours required and the duration.
The CareGiver Partnership Says Skin Care Vital While Managing Incontinence
The CareGiver Partnership and Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist, provide important strategies for maintaining healthy skin.
Tips on maintaining healthy skin as we age
Taking special care of your skin to prevent irritation is an essential part of managing incontinence. Because prolonged contact with urine or stool can damage skin over time and put it at greater risk for ulcers and infection, it’s important to stay clean and dry.
Taking special care of your skin to prevent irritation is an essential part of managing incontinence. Because prolonged contact with urine or stool can damage skin over time and put it at greater risk for ulcers and infection, it’s important to stay clean and dry.
Incontinence May Be Linked to Heart-Related Illness
In recognition of February being American Heart Month, The CareGiver Partnership explores the illnesses and medications that may contribute to incontinence and how to best manage the condition.
Watch the video: How to choose the right incontinence product
Since 1963, February has marked the celebration of American Heart Month. This month, American Heart Association volunteers share information about heart disease and stroke and raise funds for research and education. There are certain heart-related illnesses and medications known to contribute to incontinence. To best manage incontinence, it’s important to recognize and treat the underlying causes.
Give Your Loved One the Gift of Mobility
Whatever the holiday or occasion, consider ways to help provide mobility and independence.
We chose the tagline “Homecare Products That Help Maintain Dignity” because it reflects our beliefs in every person’s right to remain independent for as long as possible. When independence is lost, it can result in isolation, anxiety and depression, drug dependence, eating and sleeping problems, and chronic pain. The next time you’re shopping for your loved one, consider the gift of mobility, for a higher-quality life.
3 Dietary Rules for Managing Incontinence
Changing eating and drinking habits is an important first step toward dealing with incontinence.
Incontinence is not a disease; it can be a symptom of daily habits, an underlying medical condition or a physical problem. Urinary incontinence is often treatable, and is always manageable. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, a change in eating and drinking habits can help bring relief.
Incontinence is not a disease; it can be a symptom of daily habits, an underlying medical condition or a physical problem. Urinary incontinence is often treatable, and is always manageable. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, a change in eating and drinking habits can help bring relief.
Malnutrition in the Elderly
Celebrate National Nutrition Month by learning the signs of malnutrition and how you can help
Malnutrition can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems, from immune system and muscle weakness to depression. The elderly with poor nutrition are more likely to be admitted to hospitals or long-term care facilities if they have experienced illness, dementia or weight loss. In recognition of March being National Nutrition Month, take time to familiarize yourself with malnutrition causes, signs and solutions, to help promote your loved one’s health and longevity.
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| Good nutrition is the best prescription |
Everything You Need to Know About Incontinence Products: The Past, Present & Future
A look at how these products have evolved, where they are today and what to expect in years to come.
By Tom Wilson, Co-Founder of The CareGiver Partnership and former Global President of Kimberly-Clark's Depend and Poise brands.
THE PAST
Until about 1978, disposable products for incontinence simply didn’t exist and the subject was taboo. At that time, Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, Wis., began test-marketing Depend. Retailers weren’t enthused, and the AARP wouldn’t accept advertising in its magazine because the subject was “negative.”
Movie Star Drives Awareness of Depend
Kimberly-Clark asked June Allyson, who was the No. 1 female box-office star in the 1950s, if she would become their spokesperson, which she did in 1984. Her instant recognition and positive messages, supported by more than $100 million in television and magazine advertising, helped Depend become synonymous with incontinence.
THE PAST
Until about 1978, disposable products for incontinence simply didn’t exist and the subject was taboo. At that time, Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, Wis., began test-marketing Depend. Retailers weren’t enthused, and the AARP wouldn’t accept advertising in its magazine because the subject was “negative.”
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| June Allyson Former Depend Brand Spokesperson |
Kimberly-Clark asked June Allyson, who was the No. 1 female box-office star in the 1950s, if she would become their spokesperson, which she did in 1984. Her instant recognition and positive messages, supported by more than $100 million in television and magazine advertising, helped Depend become synonymous with incontinence.
Helpful Gizmos for Those Living With Parkinson’s
Parkinson's disease makes getting around difficult, but several gadgets on the market today can help.
Every April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and as many as 1 million people in the United States and 4 million worldwide are living with this movement disorder, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. The symptoms of this chronic and progressive disease - tremors, rigidity, slowness, postural instability, and impaired balance and coordination - can make day-to-day living difficult. Fortunately, there are several tools on the market to help those with Parkinson’s lead more mobile, independent lives.
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| Helping those with Parkinson's |
5 Great Ways to Honor Mom
Find ways to spend quality time with Mom by sharing in the things she loves.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we think of ways to make special memories with our moms, but most of these ideas can be used throughout the year. Whatever the occasion, consider your mom’s interests when planning a special celebration around her.
Learn together
Have you or your mom always wanted to take a cooking class? How about learning to scrapbook or make beaded jewelry? Look in your community’s technical college catalog or visit the Web sites of retail stores for class listings. Besides a memorable day with Mom, you just may end up with a new lifetime hobby.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we think of ways to make special memories with our moms, but most of these ideas can be used throughout the year. Whatever the occasion, consider your mom’s interests when planning a special celebration around her.
Learn together
Have you or your mom always wanted to take a cooking class? How about learning to scrapbook or make beaded jewelry? Look in your community’s technical college catalog or visit the Web sites of retail stores for class listings. Besides a memorable day with Mom, you just may end up with a new lifetime hobby.
Aging in Place: Home Accessibility Options for Seniors With Arthritis
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| There are many helpful devices to make living in ones home eaiser and safer |
7 Ways to Avoid Sibling Tensions While Caring for a Parent
Effective communication is key to maintaining family relationships and achieving care-giving success.
There are few events in life that stir up old, seemingly forgotten sibling tensions and rivalry like caring for elderly parents. The frustration can escalate when family members are separated geographically. As in many life situations, communication and sympathy on both sides is key to achieving understanding — and maybe even harmony.
There are few events in life that stir up old, seemingly forgotten sibling tensions and rivalry like caring for elderly parents. The frustration can escalate when family members are separated geographically. As in many life situations, communication and sympathy on both sides is key to achieving understanding — and maybe even harmony.
Summer Vacation With the Elderly Requires Additional Planning, Consideration
The CareGiver Partnership® offers tips and tools for caregivers traveling with an elderly or disabled love one, as well as peace of mind for those seeking respite care.
The summer travel season is fast approaching, and with it, all across America, families planning on traveling with elderly persons are asking some common questions. Where to go? How to get there? What to do? The CareGiver Partnership®, a national retailer of home health products, offers resources to help summer travelers address caregiving needs - for their families and themselves - before hitting the road.
The summer travel season is fast approaching, and with it, all across America, families planning on traveling with elderly persons are asking some common questions. Where to go? How to get there? What to do? The CareGiver Partnership®, a national retailer of home health products, offers resources to help summer travelers address caregiving needs - for their families and themselves - before hitting the road.
3 Ways to Help Dad Retain His Dignity
Aging with dignity and grace is possible with a little extra care and the right tools to promote mobility and independence.
Dignity — the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect — is important to people of any age, but its loss can be especially difficult to bear as we age. Fathers, who traditionally fill roles as providers of financial, physical and moral stability, may have a hard time when roles reverse and they need care and support. This Father’s Day and throughout the year, find ways to help your dad retain his mobility and dignity. Besides being a gift to him, you too benefit from a healthier, happier parent.
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| Give Dad the tools he needs to stay safe and independent. |
Dignity — the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect — is important to people of any age, but its loss can be especially difficult to bear as we age. Fathers, who traditionally fill roles as providers of financial, physical and moral stability, may have a hard time when roles reverse and they need care and support. This Father’s Day and throughout the year, find ways to help your dad retain his mobility and dignity. Besides being a gift to him, you too benefit from a healthier, happier parent.
New Tools for Long-Distance Caregivers
Take advantage of new information management tools and services that make today's caregiving a bit easier.
In today’s mobile society, the elderly are often separated geographically from family members, and not being present for important doctor appointments and decision-making meetings can be just as difficult for the absent family members as it is for their loved ones. However, there are online and mobile resources available to help those in long-distance caregiving situations — resources designed to provide families and health care professionals with current, accurate information and support.
Online Health Database
When a loved one has a medical appointment, is there one family member who’s always in a frenzy, trying to compile the necessary paperwork and notes on daily meals, activities and medications? You may want to consider taking charge of your loved one’s health records, storing them in an accessible, online database where members of a family or caregiving team can share the information.
The Me & My Caregivers Personal Health Organizer and Communications Hub is one such online service, providing instant access to medical records, health history and daily logs. Secure and HIPAA-compliant, the service allows the patient to invite up to 20 others to be part of his health care team.
The site also can be used by young, healthy people to store their own personal health records. Subscribers can record daily entries on weight, exercise, calorie intake, medications and health history, then print the logs before doctor appointments.
Visit Me & My Caregivers for more information on monthly or yearly subscriptions or how to obtain group rates. U.S. Veterans subscribe for free. Included with a subscription are free caregiving and advance-directive forms, printable checklists, and a complimentary emergency wallet card, for quick access to a patient’s history, medications and directives.
Mobile Health Information
In today’s mobile society, the elderly are often separated geographically from family members, and not being present for important doctor appointments and decision-making meetings can be just as difficult for the absent family members as it is for their loved ones. However, there are online and mobile resources available to help those in long-distance caregiving situations — resources designed to provide families and health care professionals with current, accurate information and support.
Online Health Database
When a loved one has a medical appointment, is there one family member who’s always in a frenzy, trying to compile the necessary paperwork and notes on daily meals, activities and medications? You may want to consider taking charge of your loved one’s health records, storing them in an accessible, online database where members of a family or caregiving team can share the information.
The Me & My Caregivers Personal Health Organizer and Communications Hub is one such online service, providing instant access to medical records, health history and daily logs. Secure and HIPAA-compliant, the service allows the patient to invite up to 20 others to be part of his health care team.
The site also can be used by young, healthy people to store their own personal health records. Subscribers can record daily entries on weight, exercise, calorie intake, medications and health history, then print the logs before doctor appointments.
Visit Me & My Caregivers for more information on monthly or yearly subscriptions or how to obtain group rates. U.S. Veterans subscribe for free. Included with a subscription are free caregiving and advance-directive forms, printable checklists, and a complimentary emergency wallet card, for quick access to a patient’s history, medications and directives.
Mobile Health Information
As any caregiver can tell you, caring for an elderly loved one, whether from nearby or afar, can take its toll physically, emotionally and financially. Just as smart phones are used to help manage the rest of life’s responsibilities, there also are mobile applications designed to help with caregiving.
One such application is Caregiver’s Touch, which aims to help manage care via mobile organizational tools. Users can enter, update and securely store information online, such as insurance records, medication regimens, account numbers and doctor appointments. Data can be synchronized to an iPhone for on-the-go access, or shared online with family members via a Web subscription. Caregiver’s Touch can also be used to help organize family calendars or care for a child with special needs.
Users can choose from a Web subscription, iPhone application or both. Visit Caregiver’s Touch to try a demo and find out how to get a free 60-day trial.
Making Computers Simple and Easy to Use for Seniors
Another useful tool for long distance caregiving is a simple piece of software that installs over a computer’s operating system, making it super simple for the elderly to send and receive mail and pictures, play games and go on the Internet. There are literally only five buttons to click on. Learn more and try it for free.
Your Attitude as a Tool
The success of your long-distance caregiving situation starts with you. Remember, you will not be able to do everything for your loved one, and trying to do everything when it’s not realistic will only make you miserable. But you can (and should) ask for help, whether it’s from family members, friends or local organizations. Set healthy boundaries for yourself, and communicate your expectations and limitations to the rest of your family.
Freshly Prepared, Home Delivered Meals
One such application is Caregiver’s Touch, which aims to help manage care via mobile organizational tools. Users can enter, update and securely store information online, such as insurance records, medication regimens, account numbers and doctor appointments. Data can be synchronized to an iPhone for on-the-go access, or shared online with family members via a Web subscription. Caregiver’s Touch can also be used to help organize family calendars or care for a child with special needs.
Users can choose from a Web subscription, iPhone application or both. Visit Caregiver’s Touch to try a demo and find out how to get a free 60-day trial.
Making Computers Simple and Easy to Use for Seniors
Another useful tool for long distance caregiving is a simple piece of software that installs over a computer’s operating system, making it super simple for the elderly to send and receive mail and pictures, play games and go on the Internet. There are literally only five buttons to click on. Learn more and try it for free.
Your Attitude as a Tool
The success of your long-distance caregiving situation starts with you. Remember, you will not be able to do everything for your loved one, and trying to do everything when it’s not realistic will only make you miserable. But you can (and should) ask for help, whether it’s from family members, friends or local organizations. Set healthy boundaries for yourself, and communicate your expectations and limitations to the rest of your family.
Freshly Prepared, Home Delivered Meals
For those who can't get out to purchase groceries or can't prepare them due to a post operative condition or handicap, home delivered, freshly prepared meals may be the answer.
The CareGiver Partnership has teamed up with Mom's Meals to help caregivers and their loved ones. Mom’s Meals are individually created by a chef and registered dietician to ensure the meals have the right nutritional value for seniors on regular diets, or those needing low sodium, low fat, gluten-free, vegetarian, or low carbohydrate options.
Each meal is just $5.99 plus shipping.
The CareGiver Partnership has teamed up with Mom's Meals to help caregivers and their loved ones. Mom’s Meals are individually created by a chef and registered dietician to ensure the meals have the right nutritional value for seniors on regular diets, or those needing low sodium, low fat, gluten-free, vegetarian, or low carbohydrate options.
Each meal is just $5.99 plus shipping.
- Less than pizza delivery and much healthier - plus you save on the high cost of gas.
- Mix or match – choose only what you like to eat.
- Convenient home delivery is a flat $14.95 for 10, 14 or 21 weekly meals.
- The cost per meal for the 21 meal plan including convenient home delivery is only $6.70.
The company is family-owned and each of its meals are based on nutritional guidelines which specifically meet the needs of the elderly.
Menus may be customized from dozens of options and meals are delivered in packages that stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.
Now you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your parents are eating well every day.
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership is a national direct to consumer retailer and caregiver resource providing support, convenience and old-fashioned customer service to those caring for a loved one. The company’s website provides the largest online library of resources on subjects which are most important to caregivers and offers more than 2,600 homecare products. Product specialists answer the phone within three rings and assist in helping customers choose just the right product. The company also offers its patent-pending automatically scheduled delivery service, Never Run OutSM which ships supplies automatically based on need. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn and Tom Wilson of Neenah, Wisconsin. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ to learn more.
Now you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your parents are eating well every day.
To Order Call 1-866-825-6067
Free Meal With First Order!
Call and mention "caregiver"
or
Order Online and enter code 'caregiver'
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership is a national direct to consumer retailer and caregiver resource providing support, convenience and old-fashioned customer service to those caring for a loved one. The company’s website provides the largest online library of resources on subjects which are most important to caregivers and offers more than 2,600 homecare products. Product specialists answer the phone within three rings and assist in helping customers choose just the right product. The company also offers its patent-pending automatically scheduled delivery service, Never Run OutSM which ships supplies automatically based on need. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn and Tom Wilson of Neenah, Wisconsin. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ to learn more.
4 Steps to Healthy Summer Skin for the Elderly
It's never too late to follow a regimen of cleansing, protecting and hydrating.
As we welcome the summer months, it’s time to adjust skin care regimens to reflect the changes in temperature and humidity. Summer weather causes skin to sweat more than usual, reducing its ability to breathe. Further, problems resulting from chronic incontinence — such as rashes, infections and ulcers — require extra steps to gently cleanse and protect.
As we welcome the summer months, it’s time to adjust skin care regimens to reflect the changes in temperature and humidity. Summer weather causes skin to sweat more than usual, reducing its ability to breathe. Further, problems resulting from chronic incontinence — such as rashes, infections and ulcers — require extra steps to gently cleanse and protect.
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| Keep skin healthy this summer and year-round. |
The CareGiver Partnership Announces Expansion of its Comprehensive Caregiver Resources
The No. 1 caregiver resource library — including important information on housing, caregiving, financial, and products and services — doubles to more than 1,000 resources.
Providing comprehensive caregiver resources to 44 million family caregivers, The CareGiver Partnership is doubling the number of resources it offers. Users find free online information on health and wellness, aging in place, and a host of products and services. Caregivers who are customers also have access to expert advice from The CareGiver Partnership’s Mayo Clinic-trained nutritionist and physician assistant, who specializes in kidney diseases, diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support.
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| Quickly and easily find care giving resources from over 1,000 |
Help for Elderly Skin
Skin that's seen a lot of years needs special care to keep it clean, healthy and protected.
As we age, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, becoming more prone to injury and reducing its ability to heal. By understanding the reasons behind these changes in aging skin, we can address the effects of poor health and take extra steps to combat its effects.
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| Skin can be beautiful at any age. |
As we age, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, becoming more prone to injury and reducing its ability to heal. By understanding the reasons behind these changes in aging skin, we can address the effects of poor health and take extra steps to combat its effects.
How to Recognize and Prevent Heat-Related Illness in the Elderly
With record-breaking temperatures last year and expected for this year, their is a need for extra precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Last summer was among the top 10 hottest on record, making it a dangerous time for our elderly loved ones. Extreme heat and high humidity are exacerbated by a tough economy, as some seniors cut back on cooling their homes, or even on buying medications, in order to save money. Folks age 65 or older are more prone to heat stress than younger people because they don’t adjust as well to sudden temperature changes and may have medical conditions or take medications that change a body’s response to heat. Take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses and recognize the signs and symptoms.
Last summer was among the top 10 hottest on record, making it a dangerous time for our elderly loved ones. Extreme heat and high humidity are exacerbated by a tough economy, as some seniors cut back on cooling their homes, or even on buying medications, in order to save money. Folks age 65 or older are more prone to heat stress than younger people because they don’t adjust as well to sudden temperature changes and may have medical conditions or take medications that change a body’s response to heat. Take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses and recognize the signs and symptoms.
Aging in Place: 3 Important Considerations to Make a Bedroom Safer for Seniors
Seniors have unique needs when it comes to home design and safety features.
For seniors choosing to remain in their homes, the bedroom can be an unsafe place. Lighting, heating sources and the ability to contact someone in case of an emergency are three important considerations to help make a bedroom safer.
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| Design a bedroom around safety and accessibility. |
Aging in Place: Tools to Help Your Loved One Stay at Home
Home design considerations, safety technology and support help seniors remain in their homes.
Aging in place is the ability to live at home safely and comfortably, controlling our quality of life and independence. As we age, it also means finding the right tools and support network to make living at home a success. By incorporating certain design principles, telecare and monitoring, and assistive tools and support, our loved ones can enjoy the health and well being that come with having a choice in care and living arrangements.
Aging in place is the ability to live at home safely and comfortably, controlling our quality of life and independence. As we age, it also means finding the right tools and support network to make living at home a success. By incorporating certain design principles, telecare and monitoring, and assistive tools and support, our loved ones can enjoy the health and well being that come with having a choice in care and living arrangements.
Bladder Control Basics
Understanding your body makes it easier to take control
Following is helpful information about:
- The urinary process
- Kegel exercises to strengthen your bladder muscles
- Common causes of bladder leaks
- Types of bladder leakage
- Voiding diary - instructions and printable form
Helping Elderly Patients Live at Home With Ease
Elderly patients that are living at hoe often have a hard time taking care of themselves as they are unable to bend and move around the way they used to. Caretakers of elderly patients are often spouses, children, or close family members. Taking care of an elderly person is not an easy task by any means and it can cause you to suffer from depression and other problems like backaches. Here are some tips to help elderly patients live at home with ease:
Home Safety Makeover: Tips for Preventing Falls
Prevent falls and tripping hazards by assessing your home for dangers and equipping it with safety tools.
Bathroom hazards
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in an elderly person’s house. The combination of slippery surfaces and physical instability requires special attention to safety. To make tubs and showers as safe as possible, install safety bars and textured mats. Is standing in the shower uncomfortable? Include a bath bench and a showerhead with detachable hose. Check water heater settings to help avoid the risk of scalding. For those who find it difficult to get in and out of seated positions, raised seats on toilets may be more comfortable.
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| Keep lamps and phones within easy reach |
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in an elderly person’s house. The combination of slippery surfaces and physical instability requires special attention to safety. To make tubs and showers as safe as possible, install safety bars and textured mats. Is standing in the shower uncomfortable? Include a bath bench and a showerhead with detachable hose. Check water heater settings to help avoid the risk of scalding. For those who find it difficult to get in and out of seated positions, raised seats on toilets may be more comfortable.
New, Easy Shopping Tool for Automatic Delivery of Goods and Services
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| New, Easy Shopping Tool for Automatic Delivery |
The CareGiver Partnership was granted Patent Pending status for its unique Never Run Out (SM) online shopping process in November 2009 and has now filed a non-provisional patent. The invention addresses consumers’ primary reason for not taking advantage of automatic shipping by e-commerce retailers.
Automatic-shipment programs have been offered by retailers and manufacturers for years, with varying levels of end-user usefulness, thus resulting in limited usefulness. Over the past four years, The CareGiver Partnership carefully researched those consumers who elected not to take advantage of its convenient Never Run Out automatically scheduled delivery service. These insights led to the development of a unique patent-pending solution. This solution applies to any consumer product, commodity or service in any industry where automatic shipment provides a convenience benefit for the end user.
High-Tech Resources for Caregivers
The fast-paced world of technology can make the job of caregiving a bit easier.
Today’s caregiver may be juggling a career, family and personal interests, in addition to being responsible for an elderly loved one’s health, safety and well being. Fortunately, advances in technology are making it easier to manage information, schedule appointments and medication reminders, and monitor the whereabouts of family members. All these tools will help a loved one remain in his own home longer. Whether you use a smartphone or prefer a home computer, there’s something for every caregiver.
Today’s caregiver may be juggling a career, family and personal interests, in addition to being responsible for an elderly loved one’s health, safety and well being. Fortunately, advances in technology are making it easier to manage information, schedule appointments and medication reminders, and monitor the whereabouts of family members. All these tools will help a loved one remain in his own home longer. Whether you use a smartphone or prefer a home computer, there’s something for every caregiver.
Establishment of Customer Service as a Core Business Driver
This is one of 12 Success Criteria found in Tom and Lynn Wilson's book, "Negotiate Anything!" In it, the authors teach businesses how to differentiate themselves through excellent customer service.
There are 12 Success Criteria needed to establish customer service as a core business driver. This article presents Success Criteria No. 1: the establishment of customer service as a core business driver.
All businesses seek to invest time and money in developing a sustainable advantage vs. their competition. Two obvious choices are in product innovation and price. Both require investment in different areas. We’d all love to have our products or service locked up with long-term patents. However, after 30 years of working in consumer products with two world-class companies, this is difficult to nearly impossible to accomplish. There are simply too many smart competitors that can figure out how to design around your intellectual property. Having said that, occasionally companies do develop strong protection.
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| "Negotiate Anything!" offers 12 Success Criteria. |
All businesses seek to invest time and money in developing a sustainable advantage vs. their competition. Two obvious choices are in product innovation and price. Both require investment in different areas. We’d all love to have our products or service locked up with long-term patents. However, after 30 years of working in consumer products with two world-class companies, this is difficult to nearly impossible to accomplish. There are simply too many smart competitors that can figure out how to design around your intellectual property. Having said that, occasionally companies do develop strong protection.
Diabetes Wound Care: 10 Must-Haves
Tips on maintaining healthy skin as we age
Keeping these wound care basics on hand can help a loved one with diabetes avoid skin disorders and serious complications.
A diabetic’s skin has two seemingly opposite enemies: dry, dehydrated skin, and moist, sweaty skin. Dry, cracked skin allows germs to enter the body, putting an individual at risk for infection. Skin that is too moist can lead to problems such as skin fungus and necrobiosis lipioidica, a rare skin disorder that causes painful lesions. Because of reduced circulation and problems with sensation, people with diabetes are at risk for complications from everyday cuts and scrapes. This is where a wound care kit can help.
How Eating Pizza Daily Can Save Your Life
Jean Wilson, is an 82 year old woman who lives alone. Like thousands of other seniors she has may have had difficulty getting out to purchase groceries or the ability to prepare a healthy diet alone in her home.
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| A pizza a day... |
In her case, Jean ordered a pizza and two diet cokes from Dominoes every day -- for the past three years. When she didn't order for a few days, her normal delivery person (Susan Guy) took it upon herself to check on Mrs. Wilson. She discovered that Mrs. Wilson had fallen three days earlier and couldn't get to a phone.
Achieving Peace Of Mind For Elderly Who Live Alone
There are two major factors, when it comes to the issue of achieving peace of mind for the elderly who live alone. You certainly want your loved one to maintain their independence, with the highest degree of security and peace of mind that is possible. In addition if you are the caregiver, or concerned child of a senior, you want to have peace of mind for the times that you are not available to care for your loved one. However, as life progresses the reality is that independence becomes harder and harder to maintain, often leaving children and friends of elderly people, feeling lost about what to do for their loved ones. But the bottom line is that just because a person has grown older does not mean he is ready to give up his hard-won independence. You can both have peace of mind, while allowing your elderly loved one to keep as much of his independence as possible. Here are some steps to take for achieving peace of mind for elderly who live alone.
A Basic Food Guide For Diabetes
Food you eat is broken down into glucose, allowing your body to have energy to perform its daily functioning requirements. The pancreas produces the hormone known as insulin that allows the body to absorb glucose and convert it to energy.
Your body must have insulin in order to allow the nutrients from the food you eat to get into the bloodstream and to help your body function properly. Individuals with diabetes tend to have insulin problems and they need to take medications and shots to help their glucose levels. Without insulin in the body, your glucose levels will spike and this can cause severe problems for you.You will need to purchase a blood glucose monitor if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or hyperglycemia. A quality blood glucose meter can be found here: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/category/11/.
Your body must have insulin in order to allow the nutrients from the food you eat to get into the bloodstream and to help your body function properly. Individuals with diabetes tend to have insulin problems and they need to take medications and shots to help their glucose levels. Without insulin in the body, your glucose levels will spike and this can cause severe problems for you.You will need to purchase a blood glucose monitor if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or hyperglycemia. A quality blood glucose meter can be found here: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/category/11/.
Depend Boost Pads? What Happened to Them? Where Can I Find Them?
This is a question we've heard from so many customers. Why does any company discontinue a product? Its usually because it does not sell well, they have other uses for the space the equipment is taking up or they feel they can't offer a real difference versus competitors.
Regardless what the reason is for Kimberly-Clark discontinuing Depend Boost Pads, there are thousands of consumers who appreciated the extra protection and cost savings they provided.
We have been fielding calls from frustrated consumers for over six months now who can no longer find Depend Boost in the stores.
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| Now Discontinued by the manufacturer |
Regardless what the reason is for Kimberly-Clark discontinuing Depend Boost Pads, there are thousands of consumers who appreciated the extra protection and cost savings they provided.
We have been fielding calls from frustrated consumers for over six months now who can no longer find Depend Boost in the stores.
The Critical Importance of Family Caregiving
Excellent discussion of family caregiving by the Rev. Gregory Johnson of Emblem Health with Adrienne Berg as moderator. Greg discusses healthcare as a 3 legged stool - professional (paid) caregiver, the unpaid family caregiver (65.7 million of us). Much, much more.
Rev. Gregory Johnson
Rev. Greg Johnson on Family Caregiving - Radio Interview
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wis. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.Publish Post
Rev. Gregory Johnson
Rev. Greg Johnson on Family Caregiving - Radio Interview
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| Call us. We're here to help. |
Foot Issues That Are Common With Diabetes
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| Diabetes attacks the feet |
First Baby Boomer Turned 65
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| Kathleen Casey-Kirschling. (Courier Pos |
Born one second after midnight on New Year’s Day 1946 in Philadelphia, Kathy was the first of approximately 76 million American children born between 1945 and 1964 Everyday we wake up, 10,000 boomers have turned 65. This will continue for the next 20 years.
These baby boomers are the children of what journalist Tom Brokaw termed “The Greatest Generation” — those who grew up in the United States during the deprivation of the Great Depression, then fought in World War II or made contributions to the war effort on the home front.
Caring for the Caregiver: Four Roads to Better Health
“You need to take care of yourself first. If you don’t care for yourself, you can’t take care of someone else.” — Kathleen O’Brien, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago
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| You can't burn the candle from both ends |
Aging in Place: Important Considerations to Make a Home Safer for Seniors
While we often resolve to make small changes to our health habits at the start of a new year, this year look at the bigger picture and think about how you (or a loved one) want to live.
Think about your ideal lifestyle; chances are it involves living comfortably in your own home. As we age, this requires a focus on home safety, tools that promote independence and finding a support network to help make it a success.
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| Live comfortably and safely |
Living Safely at Home With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, which affects about one-third of older adults, can make life difficult for seniors as well as their caregivers and family members. Some with hearing loss often feel isolated and confused, while their family and friends may tire of repeating themselves or even feel like their loved one is ignoring them.
If you or your loved one experiences signs of diminished hearing, such as difficulty understanding a conversation, muffled speech or mumbling, withdrawal from conversation, or unexplained anger or embarrassment, schedule an appointment with a doctor for a hearing test. But do not be alarmed — we have many options today for coping with hearing loss and making daily life easier for seniors and their caregivers.
