By Carrrie Hill, PhD Receiving a Dignified Diagnosis in Geriatric Care If you are caring for parents and you are concerned about the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease, seeking geriatric care that results in an accurate diagnosis is paramount. Smart Homes Could Revolutionize Eldercare I just read an intriguing article about “Smart Homes,” a new idea…
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Top Ten 2009 EldercareABC Posts by Mary Beth Sammons
by Mary Beth Sammons Caregiving Is Eternal This morning, I went for the 5 a.m. run with my group of girlfriends who have become my lifeline and support crew during the last several years caregiving, supportwhen I have been called on to care for my mother and father. Senior Redefines “Care” in Eldercare From 4:30…
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Social Entrepreneurs for Seniors
by Mary Beth Sammons Social entrepreneur" seems to be the new buzzword in the world where many are reinventing themselves - not always by choice, but because of job loss and uncertain times. Certainly, I praise the idea of reinventing oneself to champion the cause of those who have little or none, to help make…
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Finding an Elder Law Attorney to be Your Medicaid Advisor
Many Medicaid advisors are elder law attorneys. When your parent owns property and has investments then a Medicaid advisor can guide you and your parent through options to preserve your parent’s estate. In a recent post, I discussed the importance of planning for your parent’s smooth transition to Medicaid. A Medicaid advisor will guide you…
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Here if you need me
by Mary Beth Sammons Always looking for “the meaning” of what life presents, I found a great book I would like to recommend to caregivers: Here If You Need Me: A True Story (Little, Brown and Company, 2007) by Kate Braestrup. The theme that I found most useful for caregivers is the idea of “the…
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Too Many Lies about Healthcare Reform and Medicare
by Mary Jane Stern Have you been watching all of the statements being made about the changes in Medicare if healthcare reform is passed? Do you believe them? Some of the statements being made are just cruel and inhuman. It’s like what Sarah Palin, Senator Grassley wrote and said about how President Obama is going…
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Finding the Best Nursing Home Care after the Hospital
by Janice Wallace Watching over your parent in the hospital is stressful. You’re there as much as you can be while keeping all the plates in your life spinning. When it’s time for your parent to come home it can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. Your endless hours at the hospital are…
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Things to Remember When They Forget Part II
From Mary Beth Sammons Recently, a friend sent me this lovely essay on how she is coping with her mom’s dementia. She invited me to share. Part I was earlier this week, here is part II: By Ann Mehl I’m back to share a few tips I’ve learned that have helped my siblings and I…
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Things to Remember When They Forget Part I
From Mary Beth Sammons Recently, a friend sent me this lovely essay on how she is coping with her mom’s dementia. She invited me to share. I hope it inspires you: By Ann Mehl My mom hides her purse behind her pillow at night. Inside her bag is a roll of pencils, a set of…
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What To Do With Early Alzheimer's Symptoms
by Christy Cuellar-Wentz My friend's heart is breaking. She came to me with tears welling up in her eyes. "When Dave asked what I would like to do last Saturday, I told him I wanted to have a special picnic outing. We planned out all the details, choosing his favorite foods, and I started getting…
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