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Free Sample Articles
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Sample Articles
Here are a few sample articles to give you an idea of the kinds of things you'll find in the Members Area of this site. These articles are reprinted as they originally appeared in the members only section.
These articles are just the tip of the iceberg. Why not register for your free membership now so you can participate in everything?
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How to Enroll in Hospice
My father has heart disease, Parkinson's, and macular degeneration. He is now almost blind. He now faces kidney failure, and his doctors are talking about dialysis. I believe him when he says he is ready to go. His doctor doesn't want to talk about Hospice, but my father does. I support my father with whatever decision he makes. How can I enroll him in Hospice? . . . keep reading
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Combative Dementia
What can you do when someone with dementia becomes dangerously aggressive and combative? Home workers aren't trained to manage aggression, and care facilities will refuse to expose their other residents and their caregivers to potential danger . . . keep reading
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When Resentment Builds Up
It just does not seem right to resent caregiving, but the truth is that many of us have days when we resent the disease of the care receiver, having to take on the task of caregiving, the health care system, lack of or over-involvement of siblings, step children who don't help with their own parent, or even resenting the person that we care for. If we don't find ways to cope, resentment can take a heavy toll . . . keep reading
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Drugs Not Recommended For Seniors - The Beers List
In 1991, after years of research, a geriatric physician by the name of Mark Beers published a list of medications that were most likely to cause serious side effects when used by elderly patients. The list below, now known as the "Beers List" or the "Beers Criteria," has been adopted by physicians and pharmacists as the authoritative list of drugs determined to be potentially inappropriate for seniors . . . keep reading
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Hopes, Dreams and Care
Hopes and dreams become the guiding light for the tough choices that you and your loved ones face. No matter how desperate the situation, there is always room for hope and dreams. It is the magical salve for the suffering of caregivers and their loved ones. . . . keep reading
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Improved Nursing Home Quality Ratings
On December 18, 2008 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the "Five Star Quality Rating System." Nursing homes are given an easy-to-understand overall "star" rating based on facility performance on three types of performance measures: Health Inspections, Staffing, and Quality Measures. . . . keep reading
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Talking to Medicare
As a caregiver there will almost certainly come a time when you will need to talk to someone with Medicare about a bill, or an incorrect ID number, or who knows what. If you are relying on the Medical Power of Attorney form your loved one signed, you will be out of luck. In it's infinite wisdom, Medicare will not accept a standard Power of Attorney form. . . . keep reading
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Bonding Hired Caregivers
We hear it all the time: "Caregivers should be licensed, insured, and bonded." "Licensed" is easy to understand. "Insured" is a little more complicated, because there are so many different kinds of insurance, but still it's a concept we understand. Just what is "Bonding," and why do we want it? . . . keep reading
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Geriatric Care Managers: What They Haven't Told You
Hiring a GCM for advice and help with senior care is often the best thing a caregiver can do for an aging relative. Knowing what to watch for and what to ask a prospective GCM will put you on the fast track to finding the right Geriatric Care Manager for your particular needs. . . . keep reading
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Informal Senior Activities
Most activity suggestion lists are targeted toward adults with dementia who live in group care. Pass the ball, name that tune, and sing-alongs do work to some degree in these environments. Talk to many of the residents, however, and you'll hear from the more alert that these activities are demeaning, degrading and juvenile. Many would give their eye teeth for something mentally challenging and novel to do. . . . keep reading
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When Pets Can't Go to Residential Care
When seniors have to move to a care facility, worry about what will happen to beloved pets is often their biggest concern. Panic about what will happen to "Rover" or "Muffet" can make a difficult situation intolerable for a senior who needs assisted living or nursing home care when the facility can't accommodate a pet. If family and friends can't take a senior's pet in, there may be other resources: . . . keep reading
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Alzheimers Disease
