How to Deal with a Difficult Sibling in Decision-making for an Aging Parent

by Dale on February 2, 2010

It seems that every day I have a similar conversation with friends and colleagues.  “I can’t get our family on the same page about our elderly parent.  It’s like my brother came in from another planet.”  I laughed the first time I heard that statement but realize that’s exactly how I felt about my brother!
Why [...]

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Top Ten List to Help an Elderly Parent Before Crisis

by Dale on January 27, 2010

If you missed my BlogTalkRadio show yesterday, you missed an information-packed session with a wonderful lady, Julie Hall (”The Estate Lady”).  As an estate expert and certified personal property appraiser, Julie has spent her life helping families deal with their “parents’ lifetime accumulation of stuff”.    At the end of this post are links to [...]

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Dementia – Poem by a Grandson

January 21, 2010

Thanks to Alzheimer’s Reading Room for sharing the following poem by Max Wallack whose great-grandmother suffered with Alzheimer’s.  Max went on to found the non-profit, Puzzles to Remember, providing puzzles to care facilities with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.  (Links are at the end of this post)
Turning true-blue loyal friends into treacherous strangers…..

Dementia
by Max Wallack
It [...]

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How to Help when Both Elderly Parents are Ill and Declining

January 18, 2010

Paul Moseley joins me on my BlogtalkRadio show, Tuesday, January 19th, 11 am Eastern time.
Paul will share his personal story, challenges and rewards as he cared for two aging and ill parents at the same time.  His parents spent the last 4 years of their lives in separate facilities.
For many of us, caring [...]

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Preventing Polypharmacy Problems in your Elderly Parent

January 12, 2010

This week’s blog is based an on excellent article from MDSCentral (and an excerpt from HCPro’s book, The Long-Term Care Nursing Desk Reference.) While the book was written for nurses working in a long-term care setting, this information is valuable to family caregivers, as well.
What is polypharmacy? Quite simply, it is the use of multiple [...]

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Preventing Falls in the Elderly with Tai Chi

January 5, 2010

A new year!
Many of us are thinking of incorporating new or different exercise programs into our everyday life. Do not overlook the value of various exercise programs for your elderly parents. Yes, even if they have limited strength and mobility.
I read a report recently that summarized the positive effects of Tai Chi as [...]

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Top Five 2009 ‘Transition Aging Parents’ Posts

December 26, 2009

1.  My 15 Minutes of Dementia
I immersed myself for 15 minutes in using a new kit called the “Virtual Dementia Tour”.  Ok, so it was just a simulation and only for 15 minutes, but it totally changed my perception of dementia.  In fact, I can’t get the experience out of my mind.  I believe that’s [...]

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“Medicare D – What Your Aging Parent Should Do (Before Dec 31)

December 20, 2009

I posted this article in my November 15th ezine.  But, just in case you’re not a subscriber to my list yet, here is very important information.  Time is running out for the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period.  It ends December 31 for 2010 plan coverage.  Take a few minutes now to read my tips below [...]

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5 Tips for Better Communication with Your Aging Parents

December 17, 2009

Many long-distance caregivers are preparing for visits with our aging parents during the Christmas holidays. We all want to make the most of the time with our parents.
But do you sometimes end your visit and
* realize you wished you had broached some important topic?
OR
* sensed there was something your parent was not sharing with you?
Before [...]

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Gift Ideas for Your Aging Parent

December 12, 2009

If you’re like me, you’re trying to wrap up your shopping.  I’m buying for 3 elderly people, my mother and the two ladies I visit weekly in their nursing homes.  In my mind, I’ve been all over the place with gift ideas.  I know none of these folks have a lot of room for items [...]

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