Recently I presented at the Care Years Training Academy's, "The Caring Conference: Our Courageous Acts." When I started to think about caregiving and courageous acts, I struggled with deciding if I would submit a proposal. It felt like a courageous act needed to be something big, even momentous. Then I realized caregiving is a series of courageous acts because every time … [Read more...]
It Takes Courage To Help Someone Let Go.
Letting go is a process that begins long before someone passes. So often when we talk of someone “letting go” we are talking about their dying. But there are many stages that our seniors and family caregivers go through before this final one. It takes courage on the part of your elder and yourself to be honest about when it is time to change a life plan. It is hard and … [Read more...]
When Healthcare Policies And Procedures Are Unreasonable, Family Caregivers Pay The Price.
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...]