Elder Care ABC

By Martha Paulson When families feel that caring for a loved one has become overwhelming, when families feel that Mom or Dad can no longer manage daily activities on their own, families make the choice of placement in an assisted living facility for their loved one. Many children feel that this is their only option [...]

By Eleanor Strickland Your father is now a senior citizen, Father’s Day is on the horizon and you need to find a gift for dad. These are a few suggestions: Don’t give him ties, shirts, pants, robes, coats, jackets, suits, belts, hats, pajamas, slippers or shoes. Sure, his clothes may be worn and out-of-style but [...]

With the recent passage of The Affordable Care Act passed by Congress and Signed by President Obama in 2010, one of the new benefits for Medicare Part D beneficiaries will be more affordable prescription drugs and over the next 10 years the bill closes the “donut hole.” As I have said before Medicare Part D [...]

by Joy Loverde You’ve probably heard the expression, “timing is everything.” That statement is especially true when it comes to talking to aging parents and elderly loved ones about sensitive subjects. A well-timed conversation enhances the likelihood of being heard and reaching consensus. Otherwise, trying to open a dialogue at a time and place that [...]

Welcome to the June 9, 2010 edition of EdercareABC Blog  Carnival! Edie Dykeman presents Caregiving: Physical Signs of Stress posted at Elder Care Cafe, saying, “Caregivers do not always recognize the signs of stress. Hopefully this list will help them understand their level of stress so that they can seek help.”

by Joy Loverde How much more can this 84-year old woman take?  As if a long-distance relocation was not enough to put someone over the edge at any age, the fact that Bill is now physically and mentally unstable may just do her in. Most people spend their energies watching the person who is sick [...]

Have you been prescribed a diagnostic test and found out that Medicare disallowed the test and the laboratory is holding you responsible for payment? Do you know how to prevent this from happening again? What Medicare Pays Part A covers the cost of inpatient laboratory services when you are admitted to the hospital and the [...]

By Martin R. Sabel Taking care of an elderly parent can be a Jekyll and Hyde experience for family caregivers. On the one hand providing care to an aging parent can be very rewarding. It brings the caregiver adult child and their parent closer together. On the other hand, increasing responsibilities ramp up caregiver stress [...]