We don’t give our elders enough credit. Gramps was mom’s dad. An active, debonair ladies’ man, who buried two wives and a girlfriend during his 91 years. And by example, he taught me some important life lessons. Let me tell you a story about my grandfather that makes me smile and sums him up well. The last years of his life he lived in cooperative affordable housing near … [Read more...]
A Dementia Caregivers’ Journey is Long. What if YOU need help from 911?
Ingrid and Pete. I’ve known Ingrid for three years. We met through the United Way of Northern NJ Caregiver Coalition. Initially I knew Ingrid as caregiver to her beloved husband, a person living with dementia. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Ingrid – a smart, funny, compassionate woman who is a terrific poet and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Despite caring for her … [Read more...]
Seniors Do You Want to Stay In Your Home? A Simple Improvement Will Help.
For safety, look to more than just the bathroom. I speak at senior centers, churches, and synagogues about what it takes to “age-in-place.” You know, the ability to live out your life at home, in familiar and comfortable surroundings? I use mom as an example, touching on what we did to make it work financially, what we learned in hiring caregiver help, and what we modified and … [Read more...]
Caregiving includes responsibility for moms finances. And it’s tax time.
The right resource can be a free tax preparation service. If your parents need help filing taxes or you are now responsible, here are some great tips from the United Way of Northern New Jersey. Free Tax Preparation Services The IRS has supplemental tax programs offered by non-profit organizations. These programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assessment (VITA) and Tax Counseling … [Read more...]
How Would You Respond In An Emergency If You Knew Someone Had Dementia?
How Emergency Medical Technicians Responded. I recently had the privilege of helping to put first responders from the Magnolia Ambulance Corps through the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®). The VDT® is a scientifically proven, experiential learning experience that uses patented sensory tools which alter your senses. You are then given instructions to complete common everyday … [Read more...]