Friday, March 4, 2011

Avoiding Financial Scams with Your Aging Parents

One of the scariest things you might not even consider as a risk in caring for an aging loved one or friend is the ramifications of financial scams. The elderly are so very vulnerable. And so many of them still believe in get rich schemes.

Too often we easily dismiss this because our aging parents or loved ones are intelligent, strong individuals who won't fall for some hair brained scheme. But look at all the people who have been hurt by the likes of Bernie Madoff! That set off a world of trouble for almost everyone.

So here are 10 Scary Financial Scams That Target the Elderly. I hope this article gives you good food for thought and opens a healthy discussion with your aging parents and loved ones so that you can avoid financial scams with your aging parents and loved ones.



Friday, January 14, 2011

New Fall Prevention Guidelines

The American Geriatric Society has published new guidelines to help prevent falls.

Falls are a leading cause of death in the elderly. Prevention can be a huge compliance issue especially if it entails a lifestyle change such as removing throw rugs. One of the proposed ideas here includes adjusting medications. This can be another issue especially for those who depend on sleeping medications, anxiety and anti depressant meds. Slow progressive changes may be needed in order to accomplish the goal and achieve compliance.

Monday, January 10, 2011

A Senseless Murder

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of the recent Tuscon AZ shooting. We wish for a speedy and full recovery for those who were not fatally wounded, and for compassion and empathy for the families who lost loved ones in this senseless murder. May they be laid to rest in peace!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

It's 1/1/11

•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
╔╗╔╦══╦═╦═╦╗╔╗ ★ ★ ★
║╚╝║══║═║═║╚╝║ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
║╔╗║╔╗║╔╣╔╩╗╔╝ ★ NEW YEAR ☆ 2011
╚╝╚╩╝╚╩╝╚╝═╚╝ ¥☆★☆★☆¥

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Holidays! Resources for Caregivers

Take time for you!! Don't forget to spend some quality time with YOU over the next couple of weeks. The holidays can be very stressful for anyone, add in caregiving responsibilities and you might find yourself over the edge with caregiver burnout or caregiver fatigue. So take time to recharge your own batteries and relax!!

On January 11, you might like to tune in to an online chat sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. They will be chatting with the authors of The Care Organizer. It looks interesting, I haven't had time to review it yet, but might me a good present for yourself!!

Add it to your shopping list along with The Everything Guide to Caring for Aging Parents.

Happy and Safe Holidays!!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Enjoying the Holidays with Loved Ones

The holidays are almost upon us and they can be stressful in the best of times. If you're also caring for aging parents, there are many other things to think about such as how to safely get them to and from your celebrations. They may tire out quickly and have to be taken home early. Be prepared. If they have diaper issues, you'll need to make sure you have plenty and bring a change of clothing along-- just in case.

Make sure you plan for toileting every couple of hours and if someone has to assist, add that to the to-do list to enlist someone to help. Perhaps they will need some assistance with eating or need their food cut up, chopped or even pureed. Allow time for this and assign someone to assist with this. Make sure you have any medications that need to be taken during their outing. And plan for bad weather causing you to get shut in.

The holidays can also be a time to reminisce and make sure that stories and traditions get handed down. Ask them about their childhood, where they lived and went to school. When did they marry? What kind of work did they do? Where did they live? what did they do for entertainment (before television, video games and the internet!!)?  Maybe have a video camera running in the background to capture some of these moments. And be sure to always take lots of family group photos. Make lots of memories, as they help keep loved ones alive in our hearts when they are gone.

Take time for yourself, and remember that there is NO SUCH THING as a perfect holiday. Being with the ones we love and enjoying their company and a few laughs is the perfection you can expect. The best holidays are the ones that everyone remembers, and they often stand out for their imperfections! So relax and enjoy!!

Photo by monmart