My dad died three years ago today and this anniversary has me re-thinking a lot about what he might have wanted me to embrace. His love of learning? His "never give up" attitude? His endless spirit for life?
Doctors are trained to help people extend life as long as possible, but the question some people are now raising is, “What kind of life are they prolonging?” More questions need to be asked about whether this is really what all people want. And we need a greater emphasis on palliative care to mitigate pain and other symptoms.
We’ve never been great about cleaning out the garage, but we were tackling it early last month when my wife, exasperated again, asked what I wanted to do with the scrappy black garbage bag filled with “my accident stuff.”
Giving thanks at Thanksgiving is a respected and time-honored tradition, but at LeanOnWe, we not only talk about thanks, we try to show our thanks year 'round with support, volunteering, and philanthropy.
Whatever your needs, there’s an in-home caregiver that’s right for your family. But finding that person depends on clearly understanding your aging parent’s condition or disease, and defining the specific care he requires. For instance, in addition to specific daily care skills, Alzheimer’s caregivers should possess an extra dose of patience and compassion.
Before you begin interviewing Alzheimer’s caregivers, here’s what you should know:
Perhaps your mom is having surgery next week in New York, but you live in L.A. How will you make sure she’ll get the right home care upon discharge from the hospital? And what about the high cost of your dad’s caregiver from an agency? Every month there’s another bill, and his savings seem like they’re going right out the door. Should you find more affordable help?
Bone and joint health doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Musculoskeletal diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis affect nearly three out of four Americans over age 65. They’re the most common cause of long-term pain and physical disability worldwide, yet they receive fewer research dollars than many other health conditions, including some that are more easily treated.
Finding care for your aging parent is a huge responsibility, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Can your mom age in place, or do you need to consider a residential facility? Should you hire a private caregiver or a licensed home health aide? How will you finance care?
Two of the biggest advantages of hiring a private caregiver are control and choice. You and your caregiver simply agree to the terms of work – including services, hours, and pay rate – and get started. If the two of you can’t agree, you look for someone else.