Happy 4th of July weekend! Mom and I have been reminiscing and retelling family stories this weekend. My favorites come from the letters my dad sent to me my freshman year of college - 45 years ago- and still one of my most treasure possessions. … [Read more...]
The Conversation Caregivers Dread the Most – Convincing an Elder to Stop Driving.
An objective third party can help. Giving up driving is a tangible loss of independence for your elder. It’s no wonder they resist the topic. If you are truly worried about not only the safety of your elder, but everyone else on the road, then understanding what motivates them can help initiate the conversation. If finances motivate them, talking about how much you pay for … [Read more...]
Pandemic Tipping Point: Family Caregivers ARE Essential Caregivers.
How do we get recognized as essential? I first wrote about essential caregivers in a collaborative article with Laurie Facciarossa Brewer, NJ Long Term Care Ombudsman: Pandemic Tipping Point: Allowing Family Members Into LTC Facilities. In response to the physical and mental decline of residents in long term care facilities, several states. NJ included, created a new … [Read more...]
I Can’t Believe I Have To… Caregivers, how many times have you said this to yourself?
When caregiving tasks feel illegitimate. I am surprised by how often a concept from the business world applies to caregiving. I don’t know why it surprises me. Caregiving IS the business of running a small business; project management, budgeting, delegation, time management, resolution conflict, etc. The list goes on and on. Denise Brown of the Caregiving Years Training … [Read more...]
The Critical Role the State Ombudsman Plays in Advocating For Your Elder.
What exactly IS an Ombudsman? I had the pleasure of meeting Laurie Facciarossa Brewer, NJ Long-Term Care Ombudsman, when she presented for the United Way of Northern NJ Caregivers Coalition. I knew there was an office of an Ombudsman in every state, but I did not understand the function of the office and the critical part it played during COVID-19. If you or a loved one is … [Read more...]