Category: Caregivers

“Slow Medicine” and the Geriatric Care Manager An Interview with Dennis McCullough, MD

by Betsy Evatt One highlight of the incredible NAPGCM Conference in Albuquerque was Dennis McCullough’s introduction to “Slow Medicine.” The audience was moved by both the content and the inspiring presentation, mixing poetry and philosophy into a captivating whole. We came away from the conference wanting more. This interview continues the dialogue with Dr. McCullough. …

Continue reading

Choosing a home care provider

Frank knows they need help at home. His wife’s dementia is getting worse, and he has his own health problems. She can’t be left alone anymore. Doing all the cooking and cleaning, and now helping with bathing … it’s just too much. Frank needs to take breaks. But a Google search reveals a dizzying array …

Continue reading

WORKING SONS AND DAUGHTERS

What happens to your business or work when you get the call Mom or Dad is at the hospital? Are you ready? What are important documents you need before you go racing to the hospital. What happens to your own business and how long will you be absent? Not earning income.  First, breath when you get the call …

Continue reading

How to Help a Grieving Parent When They Lose Their Spouse

There are few things in life more devastating to a senior than losing their spouse. Whether the spouse is your natural parent, step-parent, or your parent’s partner, it’s important to understand the level of despair and grief your  parent is experiencing. Understand that there is no definite mourning period, nor is there an amount of …

Continue reading

The Nutritional Needs of the Elderly

Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age. You know that as you get older your appetite has changed, your taste buds have changed and you prefer foods today you may not have cared for when you were younger. The same is true of your elderly parents. And while personal preferences …

Continue reading

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring Caregivers For Your Elderly Relative

You and your family have decided that it’s time to hire a caregiver for your elderly father. The decision came after much discussion that included a few arguments and tensions from a couple of crises involving your father and a family member. At this point, it may feel like the hard part is over and …

Continue reading

Why Do Older Adults Resist Giving Up Their Car Keys?

You’ve had “the talk” with your aging parent about driving and that it’s time to give up the car keys. You’ve had “the talk” a few times and it always resulted in angry shouting with them accusing you of trying to control their lives or reminding you that they are the parent and you are …

Continue reading

When Do You Have “The Talk” About Driving?

  Dents on the car that can’t be explained.   Being startled when the tires run onto the warning strips when driving on the highway.   Needing to be reminded about the stop sign in the neighborhood.   Braking too hard and fast because of not slowing down soon enough when in traffic.   All …

Continue reading

Safety Checklist for the Aging Senior

Staying home as you age is a wonderful thing. You’re surrounded by familiar objects and memories and overall are very comfortable in your own space. Something to remember, though, is that you are still aging. And with age comes physical changes that you can prepare yourself for, and you can prepare your home for as …

Continue reading

In-Home Care vs. Home Health Care

As a Geriatric Care Manager, I have had the privilege of having first-hand conversations with many seniors and their family members. I know the issues that are top of mind for seniors and I know the recurring questions about options available to them as they age and experience health issues. One question in particular that …

Continue reading