And what about x-rays? Dad was taking upwards of 16 prescription drugs a day when he died. Heart, renal, pulmonary, and primary care were just some of the doctor’s prescribing to manage his Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and its complications. (Jump to Lessons Learned) In the article (Three Tips for Taking Control of Medication), I talk about the complex process of … [Read more...]
Get Help Paying for Prescription Drugs
Financial help is available if you can't afford your medication. Grant monies are one way in which our aging loved ones can receive financial help for medication. In a recent blog, I shared how upset my father was when he could not remember if he had re-applied to fund the co-pay for his macular degeneration shots. (Caregiver Burnout: When your parents become like … [Read more...]
Treat Your Aging Parents As Adults, With Love and Respect
When Parents Become More Like Your Child Not long after dad's hospital release, he looked at me panicked and almost in tears. He could not remember if he had re-applied for the grant that paid for his macular degeneration shots. Seeing my strong father scared, overwhelmed and so quickly reduced to tears broke my heart. Jump to Lessons Learned Coping with Problems Physical … [Read more...]
Suddenly Mom Is Confused. Is It Dementia or Dehydration?
Conditions of dementia such as confusion could be a sign of early stage Alzheimer's. But confusion caused by Alzheimer's does not come on quickly, it is a slow progression. If your loved one suddenly displays confusion, memory problems, delirium, dizziness, agitation or even hallucinations, look for other sources first, such as dehydration or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). As … [Read more...]
Personal Care and Home Care Services – What are the Differences?
Home Care services can be the solution to aging-in-place When dad was released from the hospital, it was clear he was not going to be able to continue doing the grocery shopping, housekeeping and caring for my mother at the level he had previously. So now what? Home Care was the answer. NOTE: This is the final of three installments on this topic. Jump to: Lessons … [Read more...]