Category: Caregiver Resources

Do My Senior Parents Need Immediate Help?

family smiling and sitting on chair drinking tea

My sister, usually helps out Mom and Dad, because my husband and I live out of state. Although we try to visit during holidays, my sister is the one who takes care of my parents on a regular basis. When we visited at Thanksgiving, I was appalled by my parents’ condition. Both Mom and Dad… Read more »

6 New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

fireworks

As we head toward the start of a new year, weary caregivers may be struggling to find ways to lead healthier lives. The demands of caring for a senior loved one can take a toll on both the physical and emotional health of the caregiver. What can you, as a caregiver, do to start off… Read more »

Open Enrollment: Who, What, Why and How

hands holding wooden cutouts of medical equipment and a stick person

Many find that working your way through the Medicare Open Enrollment process for the first time can be very daunting! Seniors are bombarded with information by mail and even on television commercials but what information is actually necessary for open enrollment? Here’s a quick overview of what you should know to help make the most… Read more »

Is the Medicare Observation Stay Costing You Money?

piggy bank and calculator

My father was admitted to the hospital twice in one year for the same type of illness. The second bill was a little more than half the amount of the first one, but Medicare paid hardly any of it. And although his doctor recommended he go to a rehabilitation center after the second hospital stay,… Read more »

Is it Time to Give Up Driving?

image of car keys

My father suffered a stroke three months ago. While he is doing remarkably well, I’m not sure how safe he is driving. My mom won’t really talk about it, but I sense she is afraid of his driving since the stroke. I took a look at their car when I visited their home last week,… Read more »

Helping a Senior with Medicare Open Enrollment

image of book that has the words planning

Every fall we receive questions about Medicare open enrollment from adult children in the area. Because many of them are not yet eligible for Medicare, they need advice on how to help their aging parent navigate through the yearly open enrollment process. What is Medicare Open Enrollment? For those unfamiliar with the open enrollment period,… Read more »

Flu Shot and Seniors

female getting a vaccine from doctor

My 87-year old mother moved in with us this past summer. She is still fairly active and independent but just wasn’t safe on her own any longer. I’m trying to convince her to get a flu shot. Since she had it last year, she doesn’t want to get it again. Mom thinks if she gets… Read more »

Holiday Decorating with Dementia

Christmas ornaments

When a loved one who lives with you has Alzheimer’s disease, the holiday season can present more than a few unique challenges. One of those challenges is decorating. Decking the halls for Christmas or Hanukkah is a tradition many families enjoy doing together every year. The tinsel and twinkle add to the festive nature of… Read more »

Alzheimer’s Wandering Kit for Winter

senior man walking on a road in the winter

As winter begins to make its return, caregivers who have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease should be prepared. One way to do so is by developing an Alzheimer’s Wandering Kit. If the unthinkable happens and your loved one wanders on a cold and snowy winter day, this kit can help rescue workers launch… Read more »