American nonprofit caregiver support organization
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Every client has a unique set of needs. In this episode, we're looking at how to work with clients who have a power of attorney or are under a conservatorship. Listen to learn how these circumstances affect enrollment, and how you can assist the process! Read the text version Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/ Elder Abuse Prevention & Resources Resources: How to Help Clients Navigate ACA Marketplace Subsidies & Taxes: https://lnk.to/Lw5Dmc How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales: https://lnk.to/41gE4C Where It All Begins: Obtaining Permission to Contact for Medicare Sales: https://ritterim.com/blog/where-it-all-begins-obtaining-permission-to-contact-for-medicare-sales/ Why Are Part D Prescription Drug Plans So Different? https://ritterim.com/blog/why-are-part-d-prescription-drug-plans-so-different/ References: “Authorization to Disclose Personal Health ...” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “Britney Spears's Conservatorship Terminated after Nearly 14 Years.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/nov/12/britney-spears-conservatorship-terminated. “Conservatorship and Guardianship.” Family Caregiver Alliance, https://www.caregiver.org/resource/conservatorship-and-guardianship/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025. Kenton, Will. “Conservatorship Definition, How It Works, Types, Alternatives.” Investopedia, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/conservatorship.asp. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “Elder Abuse Statistics.” Justice.Gov, U.S. Department of Justice, https://www.justice.gov/file/970666/dl?inline=. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “Financial Exploitation Resources.” Financial Exploitation Resources | Department of Aging | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/aging-programs-and-services/advocacy-education-protection/financial-exploitation-resources.html. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “GAO-10-1046 Highlights, Guardianships.” GAO.Gov, United States Government Accountability Office, https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-10-1046-highlights.pdf. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “Get the Facts on Elder Abuse.” NCOA, National Council on Aging, https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse/. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “New California Law Limits Conservatorships after Britney Spears Saga.” Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC, Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC, https://www.ocestateplanning.net/law-blog/2023/january/new-california-law-limits-conservatorships-after/. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “Power of Attorney.” AmericanBar.Org, American Bar Association, https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate-planning/power-of-attorney/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025. “Rules and Model Language for Proof of Representation Vs ...” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/por-vs-ctrpdf. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “Using a Power of Attorney to Enroll a Beneficiary in a Medicare Drug Plan.” ElderLawAnswers for Attorneys - Affordable Content Marketing for Busy Elder Law Attorneys, ElderLawAnswers for Attorneys, https://attorney.elderlawanswers.com/using-a-power-of-attorney-to-enroll-a-beneficiary-in-a-medicare-drug-plan-6414. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. “What is a medical power of attorney.” FreeWill, https://www.freewill.com/learn/what-is-a-medical-power-of-attorney/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025. Firm, The Karp Law. “Your Power of Attorney Is Not Enough for Medicare, Social Security.” Karp Law Firm, https://karplaw.com/your-power-of-attorney-is-not-enough-for-medicare-social-security/. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X (fka) Twitter, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/ Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
In this episode of "Gather Darlings," host Carrie, known as Dementia Darling, honors National Family Caregivers Month by shining a light on the incredible work of dementia caregivers! Carrie shares a comprehensive list of essential resources for dementia caregivers, including the Alzheimer's Association, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, and the Family Caregiver Alliance, among others. These organizations provide vital support, educational programs, and community connections that can make a significant difference in caregivers' lives. The episode also addresses mental health and self-care, encouraging caregivers to join support groups, seek professional help when needed, and practice mindfulness techniques. Carrie highlights the importance of respite care as a crucial support system, outlining various options such as in-home services and adult day centers that allow caregivers to recharge. Additionally, practical tips for daily caregiving are shared, including establishing routines and utilizing tools to enhance communication and quality of life. Tune in to this episode to gather insights, resources, and encouragement as we celebrate the dedication of dementia caregivers everywhere. Essential Resources for Dementia Caregivers 1. **Alzheimer's Association** - [alz.org](https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources): Offers a 24/7 helpline, support groups, and educational programs. 2. **Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care** - [teepasnow.com](https://www.teepasnow.com): Provides innovative dementia care training and resources. 3. **Be Light Care** - [belightcare.com](http://www.belightcare.com): Offers dementia care consulting and education. 4. **Roon Dementia** - [roon.com](http://www.roon.com): A platform that provides resources for dementia care. 5. **Family Caregiver Alliance** - [caregiver.org](https://www.caregiver.org): Provides comprehensive support and information for family caregivers. 6. **AARP Caregiving Resource Center** - [aarp.org/caregiving](https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/): Offers tools and information to help navigate the caregiving journey. Mental Health and Self-Care Resources 1. **Zen Caregiving Project** - [zencaregiving.org](https://zencaregiving.org): Offers mindfulness-based support for caregivers. 2. **Steadii App** - [steadii.com](https://www.steadii.com/): A mobile app designed to help caregivers manage their responsibilities. 3. Leeza's Care Connection for support groups https://leezascareconnection.org/home Respite Care Resources 1. **ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center** - [archrespite.org](https://archrespite.org): Provides resources to help find respite care options in your area. 2. Area Agencies on Aging in your local area (google this for your location) 3. HFC www.wearehfc.org for respite grants and support groups Practical Tools and Engagement Resources 1. **Care Mobi App** - A mobile app for caregiver organization and reminders. 2. **Zinnia TV** - A platform for engagement activities tailored for seniors. 3. **Nana's Books, Mirador, SingFit, Music with Alexis**: Various resources for engaging activities with individuals living with dementia. Zinnia TV- www.zinniatv.com Nana's Books- www.nanasbookseries.com Mirador Magazine- www.miradormagazine.com Singfit http://www.singfit.com Music with Alexis- www.musicwithalexis.com CareMobi app https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi Additional Support **Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast** - Hosted by Nicole Will, this podcast empowers older adults and caregivers with insights throughout the aging journey. More information can be found at [willgatherpodcast.com](http://www.willgatherpodcast.com). We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. Come as you are! We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Meg is joined by Shruti Kothari, Director of Industry Initiatives at Blue Shield California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 4.7 million members, 7,800 employees, and $22.9 billion in annual revenue that provides health care service plans to residents of California. Shruti is also the founder of Women of Community, an organization focused on increasing representation of women of color in healthcare leadership, as well as the co-founder of the start-up Crown Society. She serves as a Board Member/Advisor for several organizations, including the Family Caregiver Alliance, Reverence, and Asian Pacific Fund. In this episode, Shruti dives into her role as an equitable health care transformation advocate with experience working as a health educator, community mobilizer, quality improvement leader, early stage startup operator, and in venture capital. Meg and Shruti explore topics ranging from scaling transformative concepts, such as value-based payment models, to her career path and experiences as a woman of color in the healthcare sphere.Further Reading:Blue Shield of California Annual Mission ReportRock Health's 2023 Honoree - Shruti Kothari — Top 50 in Digital HealthNamed a US Best Managed Company for the fifth straight year and as a Gold Standard honoree for the second time (Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal)Recognized as one of the most #CommunityMinded companies in the U.S. by Points of Light, the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change. This is the third time we have been honored for our commitment to Stand for What's Right.New Advisory Council Member Spotlight: Shruti KothariIndustry Initiatives Director Shruti Kothari Named to Business Insider "30 Under 40" Transforming Health CareFounder | Women of CommunityWhy Health Data Sharing Needs To Be A Priority For LGBTQ+ AdvocacyCalifornia's homelessness crisis highlights need for optimized data sharing - Capitol WeeklyDebunking Misconceptions: Health Plans Play A Crucial Role In Data SharingWhat Health Plans Wish the Healthcare Innovation Ecosystem KnewOpinion: We Need to Balance Innovation with Equity in the Rush to Reimagine Primary CareThe Exec: Blue Shield's Kothari on Co-opetition and Intersectionality | HealthLeaders MediaEpisode Credits: The Game-Changing Women of Healthcare is a production of The Krinsky Company. Hosted by Meg Escobosa. Produced by Meg Escobosa, Calvin Marty, Chelsea Ho, Medina Sabic, Markala Comfort, and Wendy Nielsen.Edited, engineered, and mixed by Calvin Marty. All music composed and performed by Calvin Marty. ©2024 The Krinsky Company
Welcome to Call For Caring presents the Empowerment Hour with Host Michelle Bolden and Special Guest Dr. Fayron Epps. Topic: ALTERnative Dementia Care Conversation with research expert Dr. Fayron Epps about alternative forms of support for Family Caregivers supporting loved ones with Dementia. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, is a nurse with over 20 years of experience creating culturally relevant programs to reduce health disparities for underserved populations. She is a Professor and the incoming Karen and Ronald Hermann Distinguished Chair in Caregiver Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Nursing. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Southern Gerontological Society, and Gerontological Society of America. She is a 2022 recipient of the Innovations in Alzheimer's Caregiving Award from the Family Caregiver Alliance. Dr. Epps's goal is to place culturally tailored, evidence-based programs and interventions in the hands of those who need them. We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment and subscribe to the show at www.up2meradio.com/call-for-caring-presents-the-empowerment-hour/ Like and follow us on Facebook at Up2Me Radio and Instagram at Up2Me.radio. Thank you for tuning in!
Join us for a special NRSRN Lunch that will explore Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), sometimes called frontotemporal dementia.While the most common form of dementia among all age groups is Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common for those diagnosed before age 60. It can occur as early as 21and as late as 80. FTD differs from other types of dementia in that memory loss is not a hallmark symptom. A group of related, heterogeneous disorders, initial symptoms bring progressive changes to personality, behavior, decision making, communication or movement. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration will present the signs and symptoms of FTD, the importance of early diagnosis and person-centered care, and highlight current research opportunities and support resources for those living with FTD and their care partners.Presented by Will Reiter, AFTD Education Program Manager and Jen Morabito, AFTD Ambassador, you'll hear both the family experience of this challenging disease and learn how it differs from other dementias as far as symptoms, support and care.Objectives:Learn how Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) differs from other types of dementiaIdentify the common signs and symptoms of FTDLearn how this younger onset dementia impacts familiesDiscover helpful resources provided by The Association for Frontotemporal DegenerationPresenters:Will Reiter, MA | AFTD, Education Program ManagerWill joined AFTD in May 2021 as Education Program Manager. He works to expand AFTD's relationships with healthcare providers in order to support early FTD diagnosis and comprehensive person-centered FTD care. He has worked in the dementia field for more than 30 years. In a variety of local and regional settings, he has provided direct support and education to those living with dementia, care partners, and healthcare providers. William previously worked at the Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco as well as the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Most recently, he served as the Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region, initiating and strengthening connections to clinicians and regional health systems.Jen Morabito | AFTD Ambassador, MarylandJen first learned about AFTD after her mother was diagnosed with FTD in 2014. She began hosting events for AFTD's Food for Thought campaign, and became known for her Cindy's Cakes fundraiser. Soon after, she became a liaison to assist other Food for Thought hosts. Jen has been in close contact with volunteers and staff at AFTD, and has found a strong sense of community and support, which she wants to share with others. As an Ambassador, Jen is looking forward to working with individuals, groups, and agencies to support AFTD's mission of awareness, education, support, and advocacy.
Do you know a caregiver or are you one yourself? Per the Family Caregiver Alliance, approximately 39.8 million caregivers provide care to adults 18+ with a disability or illness. Women are more likely to be caregivers than men, with 25.4% of women being caregivers compared to 18.9% of men. The average age of family caregivers is 50.1 years. Our guest, Barbie Hall began her journey as a caregiver at the age of 18 and has cared for her mother for over 10 years. Although she is a dedicated and devoted caregiver, she has also been able to accomplish her personal dreams as well. Barbie is a wife, mother of two, Christian author, and the assistant pastor at The War Center in Homewood Pittsburgh, PA. She is an aspiring worship singer and songwriter, and a Christian comedian. Comedy is her ministry and she loves to help people heal with laughter playing Cheryl the Saint. Join the conversation as we discuss the topic of Self-Care for Caregivers. Barbie shares her journey as a caregiver, how speaking life helped her on her journey, and practical tips to help caregivers implement self-care in their lives. Barbie is a powerful example of what it looks like to care for your loved one and yourself. Tune in to learn more! This episode was recorded live on Facebook on September 15, 2023. Follow Barbie Hall on Facebook. Follow Sherry on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @SherrySpeaksLife Email Sherry at sherry@sherryspeakslife.com with any questions and to let her know your thoughts about the show. Book a free consultation for Sherry's PUSH Coaching program at sherryspeakslife.com/coaching Enroll in Sherry's Overcoming Self-Sabotage Course at bit.ly/overcome-sabotage
Caregivers get stressed out for many reasons and in many ways. Some of my information this week is from personal experience caring for my grandma, and also from stories my clients have shared with me over the years. Most comes from the Family Caregiver Alliance, who provides Caregiver Connections as well as resources to help family caregivers find answers to questions they don't even know to ask. Far too many people become caregivers, whether gradually or suddenly, not because they asked but because someone has to do it when there is no plan for care of a loved one. Listen and learn some common emotional stresses that most caregivers endure, and sometimes for many years. When we have a plan, we can lessen these stresses on those we love most. We can set things up so that we can help our family help us better and longer, without getting worn out. If you are a family caregiver, look for support at the Family Caregiver Alliance. When you are ready to design a plan to prevent overburdening your family, ask me for help and guidance. There are many ways to design and fund a plan, and I work in all 50 states. Find me at
When you're a caregiver, you have twice as many reasons to get enough sleep. You and the one you care for both need to be well-rested.However, that's easier said than done. Up to 70% of caregivers report sleep issues, and 41% say they are awakened during the night by the person to whom they provide care, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.However, sleep deprivation can cause health issues for you and reduce the quality of care you provide for others. You may even need to place a loved one in a facility if you're unable to keep up.Fortunately, there are many effective techniques to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Start with these suggestions, including some tips, especially for caregivers.Register for our FREE marketing webinar series "Half Hour Of Power" for small, local businesses. Short, sweet, and packed with tons of value (No Sales Pitch). A great place to learn marketing strategies and network with other small business owners. Each month we cover a new topic that is relevant to small business owners.Register here: https://www.thorntononlinemarketing.com/hhop-webinarGrab your FREE copy of @Russell Brunson - ClickFunnels "Traffic Secrets by clickinghere https://bit.ly/tchstrafficsecrets==ABOUT THE ST. LOUIS HUSTLE PODCAST==The St. Louis Hustle Podcast is a platform to showcase the talents of the brightest movers and shakers in the Lou, and the impact that they are having on our beloved city. We're introducing everyone from entertainers, social activists, political/religious leaders, and of course entrepreneurs that you should know and share their stories. So, subscribe and stay tuned.ps...if you know movers and shakers in the Lou that we should be talking to, let us know in the comments.iTunes: Click HereStitcher: Click HereSpotify: Click HereGoogle Podcast: Click Here+++HOT NEW OFFERS - BUILD WITH H CORTEZ+++Check out MWR Financial, my primary opportunity. If you're NOT afraid of MLM this is the company to join. With just 12 people on your team and 1 customer, you lock in $600 per month in GUARANTEED RESIDUAL INCOME (I know, insane right?)Click here http://myperfectmoneyplan.comAlready in MLM and you love it? Cool, learn how to recruit online with this AMAZING Digital Marketing Platform. This is the platform that I've used personally to help me recruit over 400 people in the last 6 years and 95% of them reached out to me. http://bit.ly/digitalmarketingmlmWant to turn your intellectual capital into an intellectual property with info products but don't know where to start? Get the Digital Marketing Platform to create and sell your products plus the training to put it all together. http://bit.ly/digitalmarketinginfoprod=====================================================MICHELLE AAYEGrab Michelle's Debut Book http://michelleaaye.comemail: michelle.aaye@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tha_real_michelleaayehttps://www.facebook.com/AayegirlCORTEZ HUSTLEEmail: hcortez@thorntononlinemarketing.comWebsite: http://myperfectmoneyplan.comhttp://facebook.com/financialhealthmentorhttp://instagram.com/financialhealthmentorhttp://twitter.com/finhealthmentorDISCLAIMER: H Cortez aka Financial Health Mentor is NOT afinancial advisor/planner or CPA. The information shared on this channel is not financial advice but instead examples of actual experiences of H Cortez and the guests of the channel. Also, any mention/reference to income is NOT a guarantee but merely an example of potential income that could be made if one puts in the work required. Always see a certified professional assist you in your financial matters. Any links referenced on the show are in the description are likely to be affiliate links which means if you click through to buy one of the products or services, the St. Louis Hustle Podcast, Michelle Aaye, or Cortez Hustle will earn a small commission. That's how we finance the podcast and another way that you can support the show.
Our Host, Lori La Bey talks with Roberto Velasquez, the President & CEO and Martha Rañón, Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center. Both have unique skills developing programs that target family caregivers of individuals with chronic and disabling conditions; along with serving the underserved and culturally diverse populations. We are live today so call in and ask your questions (323) 870-4602 Contact California Caregiver Resource Centers Website: www.CaregiverCalifornia.org to receive services if you live in California, or to access information from anywhere Website: www.Caregiver.org to access resources if you live anywhere else in the United States Contact Lori La Bey or visit www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sounds news, not just sound bites since 2011.
Resources: https://iwaichlerwpengine.com/ https://twitter.com/IrisWaichlerhttps://www.choosingtherapy.com/iris-waichler/ Family Caregiver Alliance:https://www.caregiver.org/ Senior Living options:https://www.aplaceformom.com/Welcome to today's bonus episode “The Joys and Challenges of caregiving and how best to take care of YOURSELF as a caregiver”. There is a saying when boating in areas with shifting sand and shoals. “Local knowledge necessary to navigate safely”. The same can be said for life. When we come up against major issues that we have never experienced, it is smart and helpful to have someone who has been there before to guide you through the unknown territory. Iris Waichler, a licensed Social Worker, specializes in doing just that. Iris has over 35 years of experience working with hospital patients, and their families, who are going through catastrophic health issues. Her mission is to educate and empower people who feel overwhelmed by their own health challenges, and to support the caregivers of others.Ms. Waichler found herself in the role of a patient when she battled infertility for many years. The feelings of loss and helplessness she personally experienced were profound. She promised herself if she was successful in having a child, she would do everything she could to help other people fighting infertility.Seeing the struggles of others as well as her own, she knew that people needed to have a voice when they enter these unknown waters. Iris then found herself in yet another personal area of uncertainty. That of caregiver to her own beloved father. This experience led her to write a book “Role Reversal: How to Take Care of Yourself and Your Aging Parents. In the book she tells of different obstacles that came up and how she handled them. The book is unique in that the first half is a memoir of her dad's life which she wrote with him to chronicle his experience of being cared for coupled with that of her being a personal as well as professional caregiver. In the second half she covers universal themes and challenges for caregivers as well as giving information, resources, and tips.Some of the topics include:-Caregiver mistakes-Pre-planning-Building a support network-Burnout-Respite care-Finding assisted living and understanding the levels of care-What questions to ask-Legal advice-Caregiving conversations with your loved ones-Planning a funeral. -Saying goodbye-What happens afterwards. It is in Iris's heart to help people. The three award winning books she has written make her a leading Advocate for Health Awareness & Caregiver Support. They are available on Amazon or by ordering from your local bookstore. BOOKSPatient Power: How To Have a Say During Your Hospital StayRiding the Infertility Roller Coaster: A Guide to Educate and InspireRole Reversal: How to Take Care of Yourself and Your Aging ParentsDirection Not Perfection Resources:www.healthaccountabilitycoach.comwww.facebook.com/houselifestylesIG: @houselifestyles
Finding a caregiver for a loved one can be stressful. There are several different types of caregivers to choose from that all provide different levels of care at different price points. Today we are going to be talking about the many types of caregivers and the differences between the types of care they provide. We'll begin with the 5 types of in-home caregivers before moving on to the other 5 types of caregivers. Now let's move on to the rest of the show. Before we jump into the types of caregivers, let's briefly talk about what a caregiver is. Hopkins Medicine tells us, in simple terms, a caregiver is a person who tends to the needs or concerns of a person with short- or long-term limitations due to illness, injury or disability. The term “family caregiver” describes individuals who care for members of their family of origin, but also refers to those who care for their family of choice. This could be members of their congregation, neighbors, or close friends. Family caregivers play a significant role in health care, as they are often the main source of valuable information about the patient. Most people will either be caregivers or need care at some point in their lives, and oftentimes they will experience both sides. According to Family Caregiver Alliance, family caregivers, particularly women, provide over 75% of caregiving support in the United States. In 2007, the estimated economic value of family caregivers' unpaid contributions was at least $375 billion dollars, which is how much it would cost to replace that care with paid services. Family Caregiver Alliance says that caregivers tackle a wide range of tasks. They may do household chores like buy groceries, cook, clean the house, and do laundry. They may also help with personal care, like helping a family member get dressed, take a shower, and take medicine. They can provide medical-related assistance, like helping transfer someone in and out of bed, help with physical therapy, injections, feeding tubes, and other medical procedures. They can also help a loved one make medical appointments and drive to the doctor and drugstore. Many caregivers are the go-between for their loved one and are the ones that talk with the doctors, care managers, and others to understand what needs to be done. They also spend time at work handling a crisis or making plans to help a family member who is sick and is often the designated “on-call” family member for problems. Now that we've had a refresher on what a caregiver is and the importance of a caregiver, let's move on to the types of caregivers. There are 5 types of in-home caregivers: family caregivers, informal caregivers, independent caregivers, private duty caregivers, and professional caregivers. Each of these types provide in-home care, but the way they provide care differs. Caregiving can be expensive and many families are more comfortable doing at least a portion of the caregiving their loved one needs themselves. According to Jevs Care at Home, family caregivers are usually unpaid family members who take care of a spouse or loved one. These caregivers are almost always related to the person receiving care in some way. We are often asked if it is possible to have some of your caregiving expenses reimbursed and it is, but on average, about 21% of all caregivers work is unpaid. That said, you may become a paid family caregiver by working with a home care agency. You may also find local resources to help with the cost of caregiving. According to Family Caregiver Alliance, sometimes, caregiving families may obtain financial relief for specific purposes, such as for respite care or to purchase goods and services, and in some cases, pay for caregiving. In some states, there are programs that pay family members to provide care to those receiving Medicaid and in very few states there are programs available to those who do not qualify for Medicaid. It is important to note, however, that these programs vary widely, often with complicated criteria for eligibility. The second type of in-home caregivers are informal caregivers. According to Jevs Care at Home, informal caregivers provide similar services to those of family caregivers, but in most cases, they aren't related to the person receiving care. Usually, these caregivers have some connection or relation to their clients, which is helpful for creating the companionship many seniors seek. According to Family Caregiver Alliance, about 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, “informal” care each year for adult family members and friends with chronic illnesses or conditions that prevent them from handling daily activities such as bathing, managing medications, or preparing meals on their own. Many people act as informal caregivers without even realizing that's what they are doing. Neighbors, friends, and family members provide informal care through tasks like meal prep, transportation to appointments, and errand assistance. They may see these tasks as just helping out when they are really providing care. The third type of in-home caregiver is an independent caregiver. According to Jevs Care at Home, an independent caregiver gets hired directly by the person's family needing care and is not affiliated with a home care company. They provide all of the necessary caregiving services and work with the family to determine their loved one's care needs. This also means there are higher risks and liabilities when choosing this route. Independent caregivers can often be 30 to 40 percent cheaper than a home care company and have fewer restrictions than a professional caregiver does. Paying for Senior Care says that as of 2019 if an independent caregiver is paid more than $2,100 per year, they are considered a household employee, and not an independent contractor. Thus, the family hiring the independent caregiver takes on all the responsibilities of being an employer, which includes payroll and taxes and all other requirements. As the employer, you would write a job description for a potential independent caregiver that covers the level of care and all care tasks they will be expected to perform. Paying for Senior Care suggests listing tasks such as driving or accompanying the senior to and from appointments, running errands, providing supervision and companionship, managing medication, assisting with bathing and grooming, preparing meals, and housecleaning. The personal qualities one is seeking in a caregiver should also be covered, such as a patient individual with a cheerful, upbeat personality. Independent caregivers can provide medical care, but they often only provide personal care. The fourth in-home caregiver, a private duty caregiver, is similar to an independent caregiver. According to Jevs Care at Home, Private Duty Caregivers typically work for a home care company or independently and alleviate the difficulties of everyday life for a senior to allow them to continue living independently in their home. Depending on their level of training, a private duty caregiver is able to provide medical, nursing, cleaning, personal, domestic, and transportation services. The last type of in-home caregiver is a professional caregiver. According to Jevs Care at Home, professional caregivers are career caregivers, so their primary occupation is caregiving. These caregivers work with a care recipient either in their home or in a facility to ensure they receive proper care. Professional caregivers work for professional home care companies, so they are typically assigned when you hire the company. They provide everything from homemaker services to medical care if necessary. Professional caregivers work through licensed companies and oftentimes provide more care than the other four types of in-home caregivers. Because of this, a professional caregiver costs more than other caregivers do, roughly 30 to 40 percent more. Using a home care company means that you would not have to take responsibility as the employer like you would for an independent caregiver. Now that we've covered in-home caregivers, let's move on to the other types of caregivers you should know. Hospice caregivers are up first on our list. Hospice caregivers can provide care both at home and in a facility. Hospice caregivers can be family members or professional caregivers. According to the National Institute on Aging, hospice care focuses on the care, comfort, and quality of life of a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. A hospice caregiver provides the necessary care for your loved one, while also making sure they are as comfortable as they can be. A hospice caregiver is often part of a team. Compassus says that the hospice team arranges for the delivery of medical equipment and medications. They work with you on a schedule for visits from nurses, therapists, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers. The schedule adapts to your needs. According to Compassus, the responsibilities of a hospice caregiver include helping patients with the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, feeding, and going to the bathroom. Ensuring your loved one has their prescriptions and that all medicines are given at the correct dose and time. Hospice nurses and aides can also teach proper techniques and provide basic medical care, including changing dressing, taking temperatures, and blood pressure readings. Hospice caregivers also understand how to use medical equipment, which may include oxygen machines, wheelchairs, lifts, and hospital beds. However, depending on the hospice provider and even state that you reside in – most hospice caregiver's will visit 1-2 times a week and for a short duration of time. Many times, for families receiving hospice at home the hospice provider will recommend hiring a home care company to help with a loved one's care needs. If your loved one is receiving hospice care at home and needs to be transferred to a facility for pain management or any other reason, the hospice team will schedule transportation to the facility and will continue to provide care for your loved one and your family. There may be times when your loved one is home alone and needs care and it may be unsafe for a caregiver to come to the home or a caregiver may be unable to visit. According to Jevs Care at Home, that's where virtual caregivers come in. By using a tablet or other type of screen, caregivers interact with their clients through Skype or another form of video call to ensure their health is monitored. This type of caregiving should be supplemental to in-home caregiving but still, help in caregiving like with medication reminders or health screenings. It's also helpful for companionship. There are also technologies available that allow a virtual caregiver system to monitor your loved one in their home, like Addison Care. According to Addison Care, Addison, the virtual caregiver, is a state-of-the-art, 3D animated, connected caregiver designed to transform a residence into a digital Smart Health Home, providing chronic care management, rehabilitation, aging in place, behavioral health, and care coordination, for patients of all ages. With a virtual caregiver system, you can connect devices, such as glucose monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers. The system can send alerts to you and your loved one and provides 24/7 support. Similar to life alert, if your loved one falls, a virtual caregiver system will notify emergency services. Virtual caregiving, even a system such as Addison Care, should still only be used as supplemental care and should not replace an in-person caregiver. Companionship is an important aspect of the caregiving relationship and it can be supplemented with virtual visits, but cannot be replaced by it. Another caregiving option for your loved one that cannot be home alone is adult daycare. According to Jevs Care at Home, Adult Daycare offers the opportunity for seniors to have stimulating social, cognitive, and physical activity outside of the home for a portion of the day. If it's possible your loved one may be unsafe alone, can't perform daily activities, and is alone for most of the day, adult daycare may be a good option. These programs typically supplement an in-home caregiver, usually in situations where a family member, who is also the caregiver, has another job. Not all daycare centers are the same. According to AARP, most offer therapeutic exercise, mental interaction for participants, social activities appropriate for their condition, and help with personal care such as grooming and using the toilet. Adult daycare centers differ in the specific areas of care they offer. Social centers concentrate on meals and recreation while providing some health-related services. Medical and health programs provide more intensive health and therapeutic services in addition to social activities. And specialized centers take participants who have only a particular condition, such as those diagnosed with dementia. Depending on the type of care you are looking for and the length of time your loved one will be staying at a center, prices can vary. On average, adult daycare costs $70 a day. Medicare does not normally cover the costs of Adult Daycare, but you may find financial assistance in your area. Some veteran services may help cover the costs and local and state programs may also help pay for adult daycare. AARP suggests looking into daycare when you start seeing signs that an older loved one is unable to structure their own daily activities when a loved one feels isolated and lonely and wishes for interaction with other older people, or experiences anxiety or depression and needs social and emotional support. You may also want to seek daycare services when your loved one has difficulty starting and focusing on an activity whether it's conversation, reading, or watching TV when they seem to be no longer safe on their own or feel uncertain and anxious about being alone. Family caregivers also might consider adult daycare services when they need to work or be away from home for most of the day or if they are themselves experiencing ill effects such as anxiety, frustration, depression, or health problems. Your loved one may be mostly independent and able to live alone, but still, need a caregiver to stop by for things like medication assistance. Assisted Living may be a good choice if this is true for your loved one. According to Jevs Care at Home, Assisted Living Facilities come in all shapes and sizes but are typically designed to provide a very basic level of care and assistance to their residents. These facilities offer social activities, a community setting, and other services to enrich the lives of those living there. Outside of these services, care is provided periodically and as needed, like in the case of administering medication. The assisted living staff provides care as needed and not constantly like in the case of a caregiver. In addition to standard assisted living facilities, there are also specialized facilities, or sections of the facility, that work primarily with those who need more care. These sections are typically for those with injuries, chronic conditions, or diseases like Alzheimer's or Dementia. Many families choose assisted living facilities in order to help with daily living activities. Daily living activities are things that you do every day, like eating, bathing, and walking. For elderly loved ones that need help with a few of these activities every day, but do not need help with the rest of their activities, assisted living would be the perfect option. For example, if your loved one needs help walking around and getting in and out of the tub, but they can make their own meals, eat alone, and dress themselves, assisted living would allow them to maintain their independence while still having a caregiver's help. Medicare doesn't usually cover any of the costs with assisted living, but just with the other types of caregiving we've talked about today, local agencies and services may be able to help cover some of the costs of care. Visit your local senior center to find out what programs are available in your area. Assisted living facilities do not provide full-time care for your loved one. If your loved one needs full-time care outside of the home, a nursing home, or a skilled nursing facility, may be the type of care your loved one requires. According to Where You Live Matters, in a skilled nursing facility, residents receive full-time care by a specially trained medical staff. People who require a higher level of medical care, either short-term or long-term, need what's known as skilled nursing care, extended care, or long-term care. These facilities are licensed by Medicare and/or Medicaid and are focused on short-term rehabilitation and long-term medical care. According to the National Institute on Aging, nursing homes focus on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available. Some people stay at a nursing home for a short time after being in the hospital. After they recover, they go home. However, most nursing home residents live there permanently because they have ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision. When choosing a nursing home, make sure you know what type of care your loved one needs and find a place that specializes in that care. Nursing home staff have many patients they are taking care of and, especially with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it's important to make sure your loved one is getting the care they need. We've talked about the importance of advocating for your loved one before, and that still remains here. When your loved one is receiving care, not at home, there is always the possibility that their care needs are not being 100 percent met. Being an advocate for your loved one in a facility means regularly visiting your loved one and staying updated on their care plan. Having a relationship with their care team can also make it easier to stay up to date on any changes that happen with your loved one while they are in the facility. When choosing a nursing home, you should look at reviews, talk to friends and family members that have experience with the nursing home, take a tour of the facility, and ask about waitlists for the facilities in your area. Nursing homes can be difficult to get into, especially with the continuing rise in the aging population. When touring nursing facilities, the National Institute on Aging suggests looking for Medicare and Medicaid certification, handicap access, residents who look well cared for, and warm interaction between staff and residents. They also suggest visiting a facility a second time without calling ahead. Try another day of the week or time of day so you will meet other staff members and see different activities. Stop by at mealtime. While you are there for this second visit, you should see if the dining room is attractive and clean and if the food looks tempting. We've now covered all the various types of caregivers. Choosing the right caregiver for your loved one is an important task that shouldn't be taken lightly. If someone you know is currently looking into types of care for their loved one, share this episode with them. Knowing what types of caregivers are available can help you make a more informed decision when it comes to the type of care your loved one needs. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, visit our YouTube channel and our dedicated Caregiver Support playlist for episodes to help the caregiver. We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you. Sources: https://jevsathome.org/types-of-caregivers/ https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiving/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/community_health/johns-hopkins-bayview/services/called_to_care/what_is_a_caregiver.html https://www.caregiver.org/faq/can-i-get-paid-to-care-for-a-family-member/ https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/homecare/hiring-independent-caregivers https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/homecare/agency-or-independent-caregiver https://addison.care/ https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2017/adult-day-care.html https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/assisted-living-defined/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-choose-nursing-home
Nakin, Freddy and Joe sit down live in San Diego before their presentation at MGMA to bring in the sixth episode of BYOB: The Healthcare Podcast. The team speaks to Shruti Kothari on Innovation and Insurance, Shruti is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Blue Shield of California. Throughout her career, Shruti has had stops as a health educator, in venture capital and at a prominent healthcare provider. She discusses how her experience working in county hospitals highlighted the disparities within healthcare and why she decided to jump into the healthcare space to try and make a change. Shruti shares great perspective on what early careerists should think of when they are looking to pursue a new opportunity, start a new organization/company and what she learned from working in the Venture Capital space. Additionally, Shruti shares how striking statistics in early seed funding compounded by events that affected the entire nation, moved her to elevate the voices of women of color and call attention to the staggering low number of executives who are women of color. Shruti Kothari – Blue Shield of California Shruti Kothari is a healthcare transformation advocate. She leads Industry Initiatives for Blue Shield of California, focusing on industry alignment, collaboration, and policy movement that drives the change needed to scale BSC's Innovation and transformation agenda. Prior to BSC, Shruti led Strategic Engagement for Kaiser Permanente's venture capital fund, integrating early-stage startups into the Kaiser Permanente ecosystem. She also worked as an early-stage startup operator for Honor, healthcare system quality improvement leader for Kaiser Permanente, and a health educator and community mobilizer for the American Cancer Society. Shruti is on the board for Family Caregiver Alliance, as well as an Advisor for the End Well Foundation. She is the founder of Women of Community which engages in advocacy efforts to increase representation of Women of Color in healthcare leadership. You can follow Women of Community (WOC) on Instagram and LinkedIn. The crew asked Shruti the following questions: Serving as Director of Industry Initiatives, Health Care Reform at Blue Shield of California. What does your work entail? In your career you made a couple of stops at Kaiser, first as a principal in the continuum of care experience and later as the director of KP Ventures. What was your experience like each time and what brought you back? You founded an organization called Women of Community. What was the genesis of the organization and how do you see its role moving forward? Outside of your day job and WOC, you also serve as a board member for the Family Caregiver Alliance, an advisor to End Well, and a steering committee member at Scale Health. How did you get involved with these organizations and how has working with each helped you evolve as a healthcare leader? If you didn't work in healthcare, what job would you be doing now? Your work thus far has been wide ranging, what are you most proud of in your career? What was the hardest part of moving from one organization (where you had a lot of success) to another? Talking with Nakin – Merck Antiviral COVID-19 Treatment Nakin speaks with the group about a new treatment by Merck to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death once an individual has contracted the COVID-19. The groups discuss the effect of introducing an antiviral treatment for COVID-19 into the mix of current treatment options and what that means for patients here in the United States along with the rest of the world. We'd be interested to know from our listeners how they view the ongoing dynamic of the availability of vaccines and treatment options for COVID-19. Would you be willing to take a pill to treat the effect from COVID-19? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/byob-health/message
On today's episode, we are talking about what you should and shouldn't do while visiting a loved one with dementia. Dementia can take so many things away from us and our loved ones, but we shouldn't let it take away time. Today we will be discussing how you can ensure you have a successful visit if your loved one is in a facility, as well as what you should and shouldn't do when visiting. We will also be focusing heavily on the importance of visiting a loved one with dementia. Now let's move on to the rest of the show. Visiting a loved one with dementia may seem scary to you and to others that have been close to your loved one. Visiting doesn't have to be scary, though. It is often a rewarding experience for both the visitor and the person with dementia. It is our hope that this episode, as well as our podcast as a whole, can help give you the tools to have a successful visit and end the stigma around dementia. If you have been listening to our recent episodes, you will have noticed that we have been talking a lot about dementia and Alzheimer's. That is because we believe that the more educated people are on the subject, the closer our society and communities will be to becoming dementia-friendly. As the aging population increases, we are also going to be seeing an increase in dementia cases. As of the release of this episode, there is no cure for dementia. There are treatment plans, but dementia isn't something that is going to go away in the near future. Taking the steps to establish dementia-friendly spaces in our communities now can help our loved ones, and even ourselves when the time comes. Whether you are planning on visiting a loved one in a care facility or having visitors come to you, it is best to be prepared. Preparing for a visit is the first step of having a successful visit. Learning about dementia is a good first step before visiting a loved one with dementia. Our recent series on the seven stages of Alzheimer's is an excellent place to start your learning, too. You can find all of our current and past episodes of our podcast on our website, our YouTube channel, or on any of your favorite podcast streaming platform. If your loved one has recently moved into a care facility or is going to make the move to a care facility soon, there are a few things you can do to make their transition easier. The Family Caregiver Alliance says that during the first two weeks, visit often and stay as long as you want. If the facility has a policy of not allowing visitors for the first two weeks during the adjustment period, consider whether this is the right facility for you. In some cases, visiting may make the transition harder on someone with dementia, so make sure you talk to your doctor and the facility staff to determine what the best course of action is for your unique situation. After you have chosen a care facility for your loved one, get to know the staff. They are the ones that are going to be caring for your loved one on a daily basis. They are also going to be the ones you will need to talk to for updates on your loved one and if any problems arise. Having a good working relationship with the staff can lessen some anxieties you may have about your loved one being surrounded by strangers. Moving into a facility can be scary for your loved one. If they seem nervous or upset about the move, try to cheer them up by decorating their space, because this is their space. Putting up familiar decorations, pictures, blankets, and other comfort items they own can help them feel more at home in their new environment. Family Caregiver Alliance also says that if your loved one is agitated about the move, have a story you use consistently about why he or she has to stay there “for a little while,” such as: “The house is being painted and I don't want you to smell the fumes.” “I need to have a minor medical procedure and I can't take care of you while I am recovering.” “I am having some termite work done on the house, or” “The city is fixing the sewer.” This is to help with diverting their agitation away from the situation and refocus on something else. If you are unable to divert your loved one's attention with these fiblets, change the subject and discuss the latest ball game, the weather, politics, the grandchildren, etc. When you first come in for a visit, introduce yourself to your loved one. For example, I would say, “Hi, Dad, it's me, Lance.” Saying your name instead of your relationship can help avoid unnecessary confusion for your loved one. If calling them Mom or Dad upsets them, address them by their name, instead. It's not unusual that your loved one will tell you that they want to go home during your visit. Usually, when your loved one says they want to go home, they are really conveying that they are not yet comfortable in their new environment, and that's totally normal. It can and it will take your loved one some time to adjust to their new place of residence. To avoid fighting about not being able to go home, ask them what they like about their home or ask them to tell you about their home. After about two weeks, you can start decreasing the amount and length of visits. Instead of visiting every day, visit every other day and so on. Bring treats and things to do with you on your visits. You can bring their favorite dessert, a favorite game, or even a few photo albums. Your loved one will be excited to have gifts and it will give you a purpose for your visit. It can also be helpful to have a list of things you want to talk about, as your loved one most likely will not be able to give you conversation topics. Once your loved one is settled in their new environment, you can go for a walk around the facility. Getting out of their room can help improve their mood even after your visit has ended. If the facility allows it, and if your loved one will not become confused or experience an outburst of negative emotions, you can even go on an outing outside of the facility. Many people enjoy going to a favorite lunch spot or park. Make sure you clear any outings with the facility first, though. Every facility will have their own policies and procedures and can be dependent on the type of facility they are living at. You can continue to shorten your visits after the two week adjustment period. According to Family Caregiver Alliance, the person with dementia usually doesn't remember if you have been there for five minutes or five hours. Ultimately it's better to visit three times per week for 20 minutes and eventually once a week for an hour. Once your loved one is adjusted to their new residence, encourage others to visit them. Bring one of your loved one's friends along with you if they are nervous to visit by themselves. Limit visits to two people per visit to not overwhelm your loved one. You can also start a visitor's book for everyone to sign if the facility allows items to be left in your loved one's room. The Alzheimer's Society says that it can become difficult for a person with dementia to remember all the comings and goings in their day. By creating a visitor guest book, you can help the person you're visiting to remember who has come to visit and how they spent their time together. Guest books can also be good conversation starters for other visitors and for the person with dementia to remember everything that has happened in their day. A guest book can be an inexpensive notebook or a journal that is kept in a central, obvious location in the home where visitors will easily locate it (such as by the front door). Though it is best if the guest book is made so the person with dementia can enjoy it to the fullest, the following information should always be included: the date of visit, the visitor's name, how you spent your time together that day, and when you will come again (try to be as specific as possible). The Alzheimer's Society also has two examples of what entries in a visitor book can look like. The first states the date on the first line. The first example is from a service worker or caregiver. Dear Joanne, This is your home care worker, Anthony. Today, I came around 3:00pm to do the laundry and I made your favorite, mashed potatoes with broccoli and chicken for dinner. It was nice talking to you today about your husband, Jerry, and your dog, Pepper. I will be coming back on January 26th, at 3:00pm. See you in a few days. Anthony The second example is from a friend or family member. Date: April 12, 2015 Hi Dad, This is your daughter Aisha; I've had a nice visit with you today at 1:00pm. We shared a tasty lunch together and had a good walk around the neighborhood. We passed the convenience store where you told me that you used to buy your lottery tickets every weekend. I will come on Wednesday, April 15th, for lunch time at 12:00pm. I will bring lunch so we can eat together at home. See you then. Love you! Aisha You can find a link to these examples in our show notes if you would like to see how they are written out. We have done a few episodes on ways to talk to a loved one with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia in the past. There are tips and tricks in those past episodes that we don't mention today and vice versa. You can check out our Dementia and Alzheimer's playlist on YouTube for a complete list of episodes we've done covering dementia and Alzheimer's. Minimizing distractions can help you have a more productive visit. Try turning off the tv or any music that's playing. Completely removing distractions in a facility may be an impossible request, but you can reduce distractions as much as you can. If you are visiting your loved one in a common area, make sure your loved one is facing away from any walkways so they will be less distracted by people moving around them. If you are visiting your loved one in their room, it is much easier to limit distractions. Make sure to notify staff that you are visiting with your loved one so that they may avoid unnecessary interruptions. You should also learn your loved one's schedule and come at a time when they are less likely to be distracted or busy. Try to visit during free time and not during an activity, as well. DailyCaring has a few essential do's and don'ts for visiting someone with dementia. Do keep your tone and body language friendly and positive. Don't speak too loudly. Do make eye contact and stay at their eye level. Don't say “do you remember?” as this can cause anger or embarrassment. Do speak slowly and in short sentences with only one idea per sentence. For example: “Hi Mary. I'm Jane, your friend.” or “What a beautiful day. The sunshine is nice, isn't it?” or “Tell me about your daughter.” Don't argue. If they say something that's not correct, just let it go. Do give them extra time to speak or answer questions and use open-ended questions because there are no right or wrong answers. Don't point out mistakes. It just makes them feel bad and doesn't help the conversation. Do be ok with sitting together in silence. They may enjoy that just as much as talking. Don't assume they don't remember anything. Many people have moments of clarity and assuming they don't remember something when they do it can hurt their self-esteem. Do follow their lead, don't force conversation topics or activities. You should come prepared with an activity, like something to read out loud, a photo album to look at, or some of their favorite music to listen to, though. They may enjoy whatever you brought with you, but make sure you listen to what they are telling you through your time together. Don't take mean or nasty things they say personally. The disease may twist their words or make them react badly out of confusion, frustration, fear, or anger. At the same time, make sure you validate their feelings. Allow them to express sadness, fear, or anger. Do enter their reality. Go with the flow of the conversation even if they talk about things that aren't true or don't make sense. If there are other people in the room with you, don't talk about your loved one with them as if they're not there. Most of the time, your loved one knows when you are talking about them, even if you don't realize it. Always honor and respect their dignity. Lastly, Do share and discuss memories of the past. Your loved one is more likely to remember things from long ago than they are things that happened recently. You can also show affection by giving hugs, gentle touches, or massaging their arms or shoulders, with their permission of course. A simple touch can be a great way to convey feelings of fondness and is a good way to communicate without talking. If your loved one has trouble making conversation, which they may during the later stages of Alzheimer's, they may still be able to communicate through touch. Touch and feeling is often a form of communication that outlasts the ability to comprehend conversations and words. As we mentioned earlier and is reinforced by HealthCentral the most important thing to remember before you visit is dignity above all. If you keep that in mind you really can't go wrong. Put yourself in this person's place. How would you like to be treated if you had lost your ability to find the right words to communicate, make sense of what others say, swallow whole food and use the toilet? Before you visit, give this serious thought. Your instincts should guide you with the rest. According to Alzheimer's.net, a recent survey found that 42% of the public think it's pointless to stay in contact with loved ones who have Alzheimer's after they are unable to recognize the faces of family and friends. Alzheimer's advocates and researchers caution against this line of thinking, saying that even as the disease progresses, people with advanced dementia can still hold an emotional memory, meaning that they remember how something made them feel long after they have forgotten the event that brought those feelings. Another survey found that more than 50% of people with Alzheimer's were not participating in social activities and 64% said they felt isolated after receiving their diagnosis. VeryWell Health tells us that research has demonstrated that it's not just the memory that matters here; it's also the emotion created by a positive visit. What's important to note is that the positive emotion from an encouraging and supportive visit can last much longer than the specific memory of that visit. You may have impacted that person's whole day by changing her feelings and behavior. Although she might not be able to recall that you visited her, the feelings you created in her can change how she interacts with others and improve her mood. Next time you think it doesn't matter, think again. The benefit of your visit might last long after you've gone. The holidays can be a time of dread for some when it comes to visiting our loved ones, but it is very important to visit our loved ones with dementia. As we get closer to the holiday season, make a plan to visit your loved one and include them in any festivities you can. Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Jeremy Hughes, states “After spending time with friends and family over the festive period, New Year can be a bleak and lonely time for people with dementia and their caregivers. It's so important for people with dementia to feel connected throughout the year. Spending time with loved ones and taking part in meaningful activities can have a powerful and positive impact, even if they don't remember the event itself. We're urging people to get in touch with us and find out how we can help you stay connected.” The holidays can be stressful for your loved one, just as they can be for you. Not being able to participate in traditions they used to be able to can be upsetting and make them feel left out. These feelings can cause them to have outbursts and you and other visitors may feel less inclined to visit with them if you are constantly on edge and expecting a burst of anger. Next Avenue and Caring.com both tell us not to be overly afraid of outbursts, either. Sometimes we are so afraid of a person with dementia having an outburst that we shut down ahead of time and miss the opportunity to connect. According to Korner, a dementia care specialist, “Don't be afraid of listening to their negative feelings. It doesn't necessarily mean things will escalate. You can empathize. If the conversation makes the visitor uncomfortable, then redirect the conversation. Ask permission to talk about something else. Say, ‘I'm hearing this is upsetting to you, so would you mind if I change the subject and we talk about an issue I'm having?'” “Or get up and physically move, and make up a reason if needed,” says Korner. “Say, ‘I have a cramp in my leg, would you mind if we walked a little?' Sometimes a quick change of scene or allowing time for the person to calm down if they get angry can quickly change the person's mood. The good news is that even if they get angry, they may not remember it a few minutes later, so why should you hold onto it?” We have already talked about not judging your loved one, but Korner also says not to “judge yourself too harshly, either. It's not like any of us are prepared for the challenges you face trying to connect to a loved one with dementia. It's not like you go to school for this. But you need to accept it and get up to speed as fast as you can when you're faced with the situation.” We hope this episode has helped you see the importance of visiting a loved one with dementia, even after they may no longer recognize who you are. You can use the do's and don'ts we discussed today to ensure you have the best visit possible with your loved one. And you now know that if your visit doesn't go the way you have planned, it's okay. You will try again next time and not worry about the previous visit. Send this episode to those who wish to visit your loved one so that they can properly prepare for their visit, as well. We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode please make sure to share it with them. Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you. Sources: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/residential-care-options-visiting-someone-dementia-care/ https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/i-have-friend-or-family-member-who-lives-dementia/making-meaningful-visits https://dailycaring.com/visiting-someone-with-alzheimers-dos-and-donts-for-visitors/ https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/7-pitfalls-avoid-when-visiting-someone-dementia https://www.alzheimers.net/2-24-16-loved-ones-with-alzheimers-benefit-from-visits https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-visiting-people-dementia-97960 https://www.nextavenue.org/visiting-someone-dementia/
Thank you for joining us for another Quick Tips episode of All Home Care Matters. If your loved one has Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, they may need help in the bathroom. On our last Quick Tips episode, we discussed mealtime tips for loved ones with dementia. Today, we are talking about the difficulties your loved one faces with bathing and how you can help them while allowing them their independence and dignity. We also will be giving you a few helpful items and products to use in the bathroom. Now let's move on to the rest of the show. According to the Alzheimer's Society, as a person's dementia progresses, they will need more help with everyday activities such as washing, bathing, and dressing. For most adults, these are personal and private activities, so it can be hard for your loved one to adjust to this change. You can support a person with dementia to wash and dress in a way that respects their preferences and their dignity. Personal care activities, including washing and bathing, can be a source of anxiety for people with dementia and their caregivers. Needing help with something so personal can be difficult to accept, and the person you care for may feel self-conscious or embarrassed. It is important to respect their privacy as far as you can. In the early stages of Alzheimer's, your loved one may only need a reminder to bathe. As they progress, they will need more and more assistance, eventually needing your help to do the simplest of hygiene tasks, such as brushing their teeth. Daily Caring says that it's important to keep your loved one's body clean to prevent skin infections, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, and avoid unpleasant body odor. But trying to get them to take a bath or shower often results in arguments, hostility, crying, or screaming and ruins everyone's day, skyrocketing your stress level, as well as your loved one's. Before you remind your loved one to bathe or tell them it is time to bathe, prepare the bathroom for them. Preparing everything for them in advance can help lessen their anxiety over the event and can help them do more on their own. You can put any shampoos and body washes they use in order, have towels out and ready, and any chairs or benches already in place. Making the room a nice temperature can also help your loved one be more comfortable during this time. Daily Care recommends that you make sure there are no surprises or guesswork needed during bath time. Bathing takes so many steps, it's no wonder that it's overwhelming for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. But even if your loved one doesn't know what to do next, they'll likely still remember how to do it. At every step, let them know what's going to happen and coach them through it so they can do as much as possible on their own. This gives them control and improves self-confidence. Plus, if they know what's going to happen at every step, they won't be as scared or anxious. For example, you could say “Let's rub the soap on your arm now. That's great. Now we'll rinse the soap away with the water.” When bathing a loved one, don't change the way they bathed before they needed your assistance. If they prefer taking showers, don't try to give them a bath instead (unless they are now a fall risk). And the same goes for baths. If they like baths more, don't try to give them showers. Using a shower chair and a transfer bench can help make bathing safer for your loved one. If they take showers, a handheld showerhead can also help reduce your loved one's anxiety, as well as help them clean themselves easier. If bathing is a constant battle, remember that your loved one doesn't need to bathe every day, unless they are incontinent. Bathing twice a week is enough for most older adults. You can also help them bathe with sink baths in between bathing times if they have a lot of anxiety or anger during bath time. They can use no-rinse products during sink baths, as well. Family Caregiver Alliance says that a fear of bathing may be related to a number of factors such as fear of falling, fear of the water, fear of being cold, loss of dignity in being naked in front of you, or feeling vulnerable in the coldness of a bathroom. Your loved one may not know how to voice their fears, but you should try to listen when they tell you they don't want to bathe. There is usually a real reason, at least to them, as to why they shouldn't bathe at that specific time. Daily Caring suggests that you use positive reinforcement and don't try to argue with your older adult about how many days it's been since their last shower, any body odor they may have, or why good hygiene is important. Logic and reason don't work with Alzheimer's. Instead, keep sentences short and simple and focus on the positive, fun activities that come after the bath. For example, when the bathroom is warm enough, go over to your loved one, make eye contact, and smile. Extend your hand so they'll take it, get up, and let you escort them as they walk (toward the bathroom). After they've started walking, say something like “Let's go shower now and then we'll have a yummy snack (cookies, juice, etc.) and do something fun.” As you walk, keep the conversation focused on the snack or fun activity to avoid discussing or arguing about the shower. “Those chocolate chip cookies are your favorite, aren't they? And we can put together that puzzle with the beautiful birds.” If you consistently take this type of approach, taking a shower becomes associated with positive things like their favorite snack or activity. If they refuse to bathe and start to argue, drop the subject and move on to something pleasant. This avoids a fight that will create negative feelings that often linger. Wait and try again in a little while. After-bath care is just as important as bathing. Having a bath time routine that includes after-bath care can make bath times go smoothly for everyone. The Alzheimer's Association says that you should check for rashes and sores, especially if your loved one is incontinent or unable to move around. Have your loved one sit down while drying and putting on fresh clothes. Make sure they are completely dry. Pat them dry instead of rubbing and use cotton swabs to dry between the toes. Once they are dry, gently apply lotion to keep skin soft and use cornstarch or talcum powder under the breasts and in the creases and folds of skin. If your loved one will not use deodorant, you can use baking soda, instead. After bathing and dressing, help your loved one get ready for the day. This may include helping them style their hair, shave their face, or put on make-up. If they need help with any of these activities, always ask first. Don't ever try to automatically do something for someone with Alzheimer's. Doing something for them without asking them takes away their autonomy and can embarrass them. The Alzheimer's Society says that you should be aware of the likes and preferences of the person with dementia, and not make assumptions about how they would like to look or what others think they should wear. Outfits, accessories, or make-up that they choose may have religious, cultural, or sentimental importance to them and be an important part of their identity. As long as they are not at risk of harm, it is important that you allow your loved one with dementia to express their identity through choices about their appearance. For more information on Alzheimer's and how you can support a loved one with Alzheimer's, visit our YouTube channel, where we have an entire playlist dedicated to Alzheimer's and dementia. We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them. Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you. Sources: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/bathing https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/washing-dressing#content-start https://dailycaring.com/7-tips-to-get-someone-with-alzheimers-to-take-a-bath/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bathing-dressing-and-grooming-alzheimers-caregiving-tips https://www.caregiver.org/resource/bathing-dementia/
Are you burning out? Are you exhausted, fatigued, or just plain tired?What's your stress level? What about your anxiety level?Are you sad or depressed?How do you feel about your health? Are you taking care of yourself? Are you losing weight? Or are you gaining weight? These are just a few symptoms of caregiver stress and caregiver burnout? I want to talk today about the ONE thing you can do. The ONE thing you can take control of. I'm here to give you some tough love and hard talk. It's time . Let me say it again. It's time. Time to move! I'm here to tell you that you have to move. You have to even if you don't feel like it. Even if you're tired. Even if you don't think you have time. Start small - just 20 minutes a day is all you need. Or even if it's 15 minutes. A study from Harvard says: “Exercising as little as 15 minutes of physical activity a day can increase your life span by 3 years." Here's another stat from caregiver.org and the Family Caregiver Alliance: 35% of female caregivers report high levels of stress. Those symptoms go from headaches to high blood pressure to weight gain. Think of movement and exercise as an outlet. A place to go to recharge, think and take care of yourselfLet me share my story. Pre-caregiving, I was very active. I went to the gym 5-6 days a week. Prior to my Dad and Spouse getting their cancer diagnosis in Sept 2017, I was training for my 9th half marathon. It was a habit and routine I stuck with since I felt better. I watched what I ate. Don't get me wrong, there were days I didn't want to get up and move my body. But when I did, I was happier. Then Sept 2017 came and I thought I didn't have time. I told myself I was too tired.By Summer of 2019, I was 30 pounds heavier. I had digestive issues and was clinically depressed. I looked in the mirror at me and decided enough was enough. I knew I had to move each day. It was hard to start again. I knew what to do but breaking the caregiver life routine without exercise was harder than I could ever imagine. But I'm working on moving 20 minutes each day. Even with the pandemic, I knew I could still move.What about you? Can you find just 20 minutes each day? YOU Can. You have to!!! It's just 20. Let's talk about what you and I can do in these 20 minutes. It has to be fun or you won't stay with it. So if you hate running - don't run. But if you don't mind walking - walk. Walk - make it fun by putting on your ear buds and listening to your favorite music or a podcast. Walk with a friend. Take the dog for a walk. Find a trail or window shop downtownBike - Last summer I would schedule my break time and go for a bike ride. Yoga DancingElliptical / TreadmillWeights / bands VaccuumingGardeningIt's just about getting your heart rate up which then can lower your stress, anxiety and improve your moodJoin me this week LIVE on Facebook or Instagram this week. Share my movement time. Do me a favor and sent me a message or DM and comment what you are doing?Let's do this!!You can control your stressYou can control your fatigueYou can control your joyYou can improve your healthIt starts with taking 20 minutes daily. NO EXCUSES!
The Family Caregiver Alliance is a great resource if you’re one of the 42 million personal caregivers across the U.S. Whether you need information on caring for someone with dementia, resources for advance care planning, or patient advocacy, the FCA website can help you. According to the FCA website, “The mission of Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. For over 40 years, FCA has provided services to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our services include assessment, care planning, direct care skills, wellness programs, respite services, and legal/financial consultation vouchers.” You can find free webinars and videos in the FCA Learning Center. If you’re a hospice professional, the FCA website is a great tool for you to share with your patients and families. Check out https://www.caregiver.org/ to see the full listing of the services FCA provides. You’ll find more caregiving resources at theheartofhospice.com. If you’d like to book Jerry or Helen as a speaker for your hospice agency memorial service or conference, send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com. Your hospice journey matters and The Heart of Hospice is here to help. No matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice!
Our guest on the podcast today been called one of the most powerful women in finance. Sallie Krawcheck started her career as an equity analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, where her reputation for impartial advice and criticism of conflicts of advice in the financial-services sector prompted Fortune magazine to call her the last honest analyst. She later moved to Citigroup, where she served as CEO of the firm's Smith Barney unit, Citi's chief financial officer, and CEO of Citi's, Wealth Management Business. In the latter role, she was an early advocate of a fiduciary standard for the brokerage industry. She went on to Bank of America where she served as president of the firm's wealth management unit. Sallie is currently the CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advisor for women launched in 2016. She is also owner and chair of Ellevate Network, a global network of women committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace. In the spirit of full disclosure, Morningstar Inc. invested in Ellevest in 2015 and 2019, and Morningstar Investment Management LLC, a subsidiary of Morningstar Inc. provides consulting services to Ellevest for their core portfolios. BackgroundSallie Krawcheck bio Ellevest Ellevate Network “In Search of the Last Honest Analyst,” by David Rynecki, Fortune, June 10, 2002. “BofA’s Krawcheck Backs a Fiduciary Standard,” InvestmentNews, April 20, 2010. “When Citi Lost Sallie,” by Geraldine Fabrikant, The New York Times, Nov. 15, 2008. “Sallie Krawcheck Wants to Take Women to the Top of Business,” by Abigail Jones, Newsweek, Dec. 23, 2014. Gender Pay Gap/Lifetime Earnings“The Narrowing, But Persistent, Gender Gap in Pay,” by Nikki Graf, Anna Brown, and Eileen Patten, Pew Research Center, March 20, 2019. “How a Common Interview Question Hurts Women,” by Claire Cain Miller, The New York Times, May 1, 2018. Salary History Bans: A Running List of States and Localities That Have Outlawed Pay History Questions, HRdive.com, 2020.“Unlocking the Full Potential of Women in the U.S. Economy,” McKinsey & Company, 2011. Education and Lifetime Earnings, Social Security Administration. Women and Caregiving, Facts and Figures, Family Caregiver Alliance. “The Trickle-Down Effect of Caregiving on Women,” by Kathleen Fitfield, AARP.org, Nov. 29, 2018. “Older Women Workers and Economic Security,” U.S. Department of Labor Issue Brief. “How to Stand Up for Paid Family Leave,” Ellevest.com, May 14, 2018. “How to Afford Parental Leave and Some Time Off,” by Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest.com, Oct. 10, 2016. Diversity in the Workplace/Gender Lens InvestingGender lens investing definition “Gender and Diversity Funds: Intentional Or Not?,” by Madison Sargis, Morningstar.com, April 15, 2019."2 Options for Gender-Lens Investing," by Jon Hale, Morningstar.com, March 2, 2017. Pax Ellevate Global Women’s Leadership Fund “Why Diverse Teams Are Smarter,” by David Rock and Heidi Grant, Harvard Business Review, Nov. 4, 2016. “Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable—And That’s Why They Perform Better,” by David Rock, Heidi Grant, and Jacqui Gray, Harvard Business Review, Sept. 22, 2016. “New Research: Diversity + Inclusion = Better Decision-Making at Work,” by Erik Larson, Sept. 21, 2017. Women and Investing“Why Women Invest 40 Percent Less Than Men (and How We Can Change It),” by Jean Chatzky, Nbcnews.com, Sept. 25, 2018. “Boys Will Be Boys: Gender, Overconfidence, and Common Stock Investment,” by Brad Barber and Terrence Odean, The Quarterly Journal of Economics, February 2001. “What Does It Mean to Invest Intentionally?” by Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest.com, Nov. 19, 2019. “Women Reach Their Peak Salaries 10 Years Sooner Than Men,” by Patricia Nilsson and Hannah Murphy, Financial Times, Sept. 19, 2018. Benefits Planner/Life Expectancy, Social Security Adminstration. “Do Women Take As Many Risks As Men?,” by Doug Sundheim, Harvard Business Review, Feb. 27, 2013. "Sallie Krawcheck: The Retirement Crisis Is a Gender Crisis, Too," Morningstar.com, July 11, 2015. “For Some Widows, Breaking Up with An Advisor Is Easy to Do,” by Ilana Polyak, Oct. 11, 2014. “Women Put Financial Security at Risk by Deferring Long-Term Financial Decisions to Spouses, UBS Research Reveals,” UBS.com. “What Women Want in a Financial Advisor,” by Kerry Hannon, Forbes.com, May 13, 2018. “Female Fund Manager Performance: What Does Gender Have to Do with It?” by Madison Sargis and Kathryn Wing, Morningstar.com, March 8, 2018. “Fund Managers By Gender: The Global Landscape,” Morningstar. Fiduciary definition “Let’s Demand Better from the Financial Services Industry,” by Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest.com, Sept. 20, 2019. “How Wall Street Keeps #MeToo Claims Out of the Spotlight,” by Rob Copeland, Liz Hoffman, and Rachel Louise Ensign, The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 19. 2018. “Wall Street Has Been Unscathed by MeToo. Until Now,” by David Gelles, The New York Times, March 16, 2019. “My Best Career Advice ... Isn’t Career Advice,” by Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest.com, Nov. 12, 2019.
When it comes to caring for aging parents, women — daughters — are twice as likely to take on the responsibility (physical, stress and financial) than sons. In this episode, Amber sits down with the Executive Director of Family Caregiver Alliance, Kathleen Kelly, to talk about the role and life of a female caregiver. Produced by: Kai-Saun AndersonMusic by: Podington Bear, Soft Driver and Aitua, Wings II Animato
Paul Mattessich talks with three guests about the friends, family, and communities providing informal caregiving to Minnesota’s older adult population, the need for culturally responsive support services, and how we can improve how we support Minnesota’s informal caregivers. Guests include: Maureen Kenney, director of Aging Services at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation; Dorothea Harris, program manager of Volunteers of America – Minnesota’s Culturally Responsive Caregiver Support and Dementia Consultation; and Christin Lindberg research scientist at Wilder Research. More information and resources: MINNESOTA: Wilder Foundation Healthy Aging & Caregiving Services: https://www.wilder.org/what-we-offer/healthy-aging-caregiving-services Wilder Research Older Adults and Aging research: https://www.wilder.org/wilder-research/research-topics/older-adults-and-aging Volunteers of America Caregiver Support: https://www.voamnwi.org/caregiver-support Culturally Responsive Caregiver Support and Dementia HELPLINE (available in 4 languages): 952-945-4034 Minnesota Board on Aging Senior Linkage Line: http://www.mnaging.org/advisor/SLL.htm MNHelp.Info - https://mnhelp.info/SpecialTopics/Seniors NATIONAL: National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/ Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/ AARP: https://www.aarp.org/ Next Avenue: https://www.nextavenue.org/
Bhandari, Smitha, MD, editor. "Caring for a Person With Dementia." WebMD, 17 Aug. 2017, www.webmd.com/palliative-care/caring-for-a-person-with-dementia#2. Accessed 30 Jan. 2019. Caregiver's Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors. Family Caregiver Alliance, 2004, www.caregiver.org/caregivers-guide-understanding-dementia-behaviors. Accessed 8 Jan. 2019. "Dementia." Health & Wellness Resource Center, Gale, 18 Jan. 2017, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/MJMYRU150564113/HWRC?u=mlin_n_burlhs&sid=HWRC&xid=b79b3499. Accessed 4 Jan. 2019. "Dementia." UXL Encyclopedia of Science, edited by Amy Hackney Blackwell and Elizabeth Manar, 3rd ed., Farmington Hills, UXL, 2015. Science In Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CV2644300327/SCIC?u=mlin_n_burlhs&sid=SCIC&xid=ea16672a. Accessed 30 Jan. 2019. Meyer, Renee. "Dementia." LILIPOH, vol. 23, no. 92, Summer 2018, p. 8+. Academic OneFile, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A553627499/GPS?u=mlin_n_burlhs&sid=GPS&xid=4400f832. Accessed 2 Jan. 2019. "Reducing Dangers for Seniors in the Home." Narrated by JoAnn Westbrook and Valerie Feurich. Dementia Caregiver Talkshow, season 1, episode 21, 4 Nov. 2018. Gedick, Sean. Interview. 27 Feb. 2019. Marino, Peter. Interview. 27 Feb. 2019. Milne, Sharon, Dr. Interview. 27 Feb. 2019.
In a society where adult children commonly live at a distance from their parents, being a remote caregiver is becoming the norm. This episode provides some helpful ways to make this experience easier for the patient and the caregiver. There are several ways a remote caregiver can provide good care, even from a distance. Take advantage of technology. Apps and services such as Caring Village, and Caring Bridge are helpful in keeping everyone informed about the patient's condition. Request an authorization disclosure with the patient's physicians so you can be advised of changes in the plans of care, etc. Use the resources provided by organizations like Family Caregiver Alliance, AARP, & ALZ.org. They have free resources that you can download from their websites. To learn more, please visit our website at www.theheartofhospice.com for more resources about hospice, caregiving, self care, and advance care planning. Please like our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
If you're a personal caregiver to a family member you need to know about Family Caregiver Alliance. FCA has been around for over 40 years providing support for caregivers of adult loved ones. Resources they provide include: A “Family Care Navigator” section - assists in locating services in your area. Easy to access by clicking on your state. Features FCA Care Journey - a service for info, support, and resource for caregivers of Alzheimer's, stroke, Parkinson's and other chronic physical or cognitive conditions. Sections for legal help and advocacy, government programs, service for family caregivers, and resources on living arrangements for care recipients. To visit FCA simply follow this link. Help us connect with others. Please share this episode on Facebook or Twitter, and if you leave a rating or a review about the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Spotify it helps others connect with our resources and information.
An estimated 44 million #Americans age 18 and older provide unpaid assistance and support to older people and adults with #disabilities. Evidence shows that most #caregivers are ill-prepared for their role and provide care with little or no support, yet more than one-third of caregivers continue to provide intense care to others while suffering from #poorhealth themselves. A substantial body of #research shows that #family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk. #Emotional, #physical, and #mentalhealth problems arise from complex caregiving situations and the strains of caring for frail or disabled relatives (Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org). Back for another episode is #TheEmeraldCouch fan favorite, Ms. Amanda Jackson, who will share her experiences of being a caregiver and discuss the rewards and challenges that accompany such an immense task. Tune in now!
Family dynamics, disagreement, and old wounds can make the process of caring for an ailing parent very complicated between family members, especially siblings. This episode focuses reducing friction and caregiver stress between family members for the good of the cause by examining caregiver equity, putting aside differences and gaining new perspectives. Resources: “What to Do about Mama?” by Barbara Matthews & Barbara Trainin Blank, published by Sunbury Press www.amazon.com/What-Do-about-Mama-Members/dp/1620063158 “The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer ’s Disease, Related Dementia and Memory Loss” by Nancy Mace M.A and Peter Rabins, M.D. M.P.H. published by The Johns Hopkins University Press. www.amazon.com/36-Hour-Day-Alzheimer-Disease-Dementias/dp/1455521159 Or visit the Family Caregiver Alliance at www.caregiver.org
The vast majority of care recipients are exclusively receiving unpaid care from a family member, friend, or neighbor. The rest receive a combination of family care and paid assistance, or exclusively paid formal care. Whether you're a paid home care provider, or rely on personal assistance to meet your daily needs, or a family member caring for a loved one, the nature of the working relationship depends on mutual respect and dignity. On this edition of Making Contact, we'll explore the dynamic and complex relationship of care receiving and giving. Featuring: Camille Christian, home care provider and SEIU member; Brenda Jackson, home care provider and SEIU member; Patty Berne, co-founder and director, Sins Invalid; Jessica Lehman, executive director, San Francisco Senior and Disability Action; Kenzi Robi, president, San Francisco IHSS (In Home Supportive Services) Public Authority Governing Body; Rachel Stewart, is a queer disabled woman who is passionate about disability and employment issues; Alana Theriault, disability benefits counselor in Berkeley, California; Ingrid Tischer, director of development, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF); and Alta Mae Stevens, in-home caregiver. Credits Host: Laura Flynn Producers: Laura Flynn, Monica Lopez, and Jasmin Lopez Contributing Producers: Alice Wong and Stephanie Guyer-Stevens Executive Director: Lisa Rudman Web Editor: Kwan Booth Photo Credits: Alice Wong Stephanie Guyer-Stevens Music Credit: Dexter Britain: The Time To Run (Finale) Gillicuddy: Adventure, Darling Steve Combs: March Jason Shaw: Running Waters Jared C. Balogh: BRICK BY BRICK DAY BY DAY Jared C. Balogh: INCREMENTS TOWARDS SERENITY Nheap: Crossings Cherly KaCherly: The Hungry Garden Trio Metrik: Vogelperspektive Kevin MacLeod: Faster Does It Resources: UCSF: UCSF Study Projects Need for 2.5M More Long-Term Care Workers by 2030 SEIU: Longterm Care Workers Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund Disability Visibility Project Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network National Disability Leadership Alliance Senior and Disability Action Sins Invalid San Francisco In Home Supportive Services Public Authority Family Caregiver Alliance Segment Descriptions: Choreography of Care Community Storytelling Fellow, Alice Wong asks, how do people with disabilities who rely on personal assistance negotiate their relationships with the people that assist them? And how does that inform their sense of independence or interdependence with others? In this next story from the San Francisco Bay Area, Wong searches for answers. http://www.prx.org/pieces/176039-choreography-of-care A Lifetime of Caregiving: Mom and Uncle Harold Most often family members are the ones that step up and provide care when a parent or loved one needs it. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 78 percent of care beneficiaries receive assistance from a family member, friend, or neighbor. Alta Mae Stevens is 87 years old. From the moment she married she's been caring for one person or another. Her daughter Stephanie Guyer-Stevens talks to her about what a lifetime of caregiving has meant to her. http://www.radioproject.org/sound/2016/MakingCon_160413_a_lifetime_of_caregiving.mp3 http://www.prx.org/pieces/176040-a-lifetime-of-caregiving-mom-and-uncle-harold The post Caring Relationships: Negotiating Meaning and Maintaining Dignity ENCORE appeared first on KPFA.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, there are more female caregivers than male caregivers. In fact, 66% of caregivers are women. Why are the caregiving responsibilities unequal across genders? What are the expectations within genders as to who should do what? This week’s guest, Nira Rittenberg, occupational therapist and co-author of Dementia – A Caregiver’s Guide and I will be … Read more about this episode...
Christina Irving is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Family Caregiver Alliance, providing individual, supportive counseling to family caregivers in their various caregiving roles. Christina discusses some of the innovative technology available to assist caregivers in caring for their loved ones. She even provides websites to go to learn more!
Christina Irving is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Family Caregiver Alliance, providing individual, supportive counseling to family caregivers in their various caregiving roles. Christina discusses some of the innovative technology available to assist caregivers in caring for their loved ones. She even provides websites to go to learn more!