You can’t survive or thrive on this caregiving journey without them. I agree with Elissia Lewin of Nancy’s House, isolation and exhaustion are head on, the two biggest issues for caregivers. If not addressed, disease and depression are often the result. I can’t help you with exhaustion, but I can tell you that one antidote to isolation is a caregiver support network. Without … [Read more...]
Confessions of a Cranky Caregiver
It happens and I have to own it. Typically, I’m a glass-half full person, able to let many things roll off my back. Until I can’t. Then I get cranky. By the way, being cranky isn’t a bad thing, we all have those moments (or days). But my attitude affects mom’s attitude, and it can turn into a downward spiral quickly if we’re not careful. I’ve given a lot of thought to … [Read more...]
Why We Chose a Reverse Mortgage to Keep Mom at Home
Managing finances is an important piece of your care plan. Keeping Mom in her home for as long as possible is the foundation of her care plan. You see, the good news is mom is in relatively good health for for her age, the flip side? She will most likely outlive her money. Figuring out finances meant looking for ways to ensure enough monthly income to pay for upkeep on a … [Read more...]
Getting Access to Medical Records
What challenges might you enounter, given HIPAA regulations? [Part 2 of 2] Part 1 of this blog described when you might want to get copies of your, or your parent’s, health records. It also discussed the critical federal law, HIPAA, and how the resulting privacy rule assures that patients have appropriate access. Part 2 gives you the practical details about getting … [Read more...]
HIPAA Rights Go Beyond Talking To Your Parent’s Doctors
As your parent's advocate, with HIPAA you have the right to obtain records. [Part 1 of 2] Managing your own health care, much less a parent’s care, can quickly become complicated as health problems arise. When we’re young and healthy, an annual physical checkup, a few screening tests, a dental cleaning, and an eye exam are easy to manage over a year. But as I recently … [Read more...]