During the last year, mom used a home health agency several times for wound care, OT and PT. Her last hospital visit restarted these services, but we were unable to use the same agency. The original agency is closing the home visit part of their business, moving to working in facilities only. There is no way to know if they will resume home visits. I am disappointed because … [Read more...]
A Technology Tool That Doesn’t Require Your Senior To Have Any Technical Ability.
Sociavi, a simple way to communicate, share and engage with your loved one. The pandemic amplified the importance of technology and its ability for us to stay connected to our elders. It also showed us the pitfalls of technology when our loved one is not technically savvy. I want to introduce you to Paula Muller, founder of Sociavi. Paula is a colleague and friend who … [Read more...]
What Are The Most Common Mistakes New Professional Caregivers Make?
Surprisingly, they are not related to issues of safety or health. This week we started with a new agency and caregiver. I spent two and a half days at mom’s helping our new live-in aide get acclimated to her schedule, routine and the house. She is a lovely person who wants to get everything right and has a deep respect for elders that is culturally based. That is good and … [Read more...]
The average person makes 35,000 decisions every day.
What is the real number of decisions you make daily if you are a caregiver? As a caregiver, I’m willing to bet the number is higher than 35,000. Hopefully, most of them are harmless, like “What should I make mom for breakfast?” Or "Should I bring an umbrella when we go to the doctor appointment today?" The truth is, the decisions we make for and with our caree often don’t … [Read more...]
Why Do Institutions Make The Bereavement Process So Painful?
"We need to make the grief process a humane, kind one for everyone who mourns and everywhere they mourn — the bank, the workplace, the community." True and insightful words from colleague and friend, Denise Brown, founder of the Caregiving Years Training Academy. Denise, like many of us, is a caregiver for aging parents. She began helping them after her father’s bladder … [Read more...]