Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Caregiving

Passages -- Caring For An Aging Parent

Paul Allen, an editor and pastor, shares his reflections on that unexpected passage in life when the responsibility for caring passes from parent to child. It is challenging for everyone, and Paul offers us an invitation to personal growth and deeper faith.

Facing Age 80 And Caring For Minnie Mae

Don Murray reflects on the wisdom of middle age .. at 80! .. and on renewing his life. Each passing day, he learns new lessons as he helps care for his wife of 53 years .. and here he shares some of the hard-won wisdom he has gained.

Protecting Loved Ones From Scams

Aging parents and family members can take steps to protect themselves from being scammed. Sometimes those who are close to aging relatives need to help them. Here are some ideas for protecting your family from financial scams and losses. Life and the aging process are complicated and challenging nowadays. But here's some helpful ideas and resources.

Tsunami Catastrophe-- 150,000 Dead; Relief Agencies Focus On Helping Survivors

In what is the most serious natural disaster in recent history, more than 150,000 are dead, the United Nations is reporting. Relief agencies, now on the scene, have found a devastation they had not expected. An earthquake in the ocean near Sumatra set off a series of tidal waves, tsunamis, that have devastated Sri Lanka, the coast of India, Thailand, Malaysia, and as far away as Somalia in Africa and the Maldive Islands off the African coast. Earthquake aftershocks in India, Sumatra and Sri Lanka have sent thousands of terrorized survivors racing for higher ground in fear of more tidal waves. Relief agencies are on the ground, but are facing difficulties in getting aid to remote areas because of washed out bridges and roads. Within days, nations around the world pledged more than $1 billion in aid, and aid agencies have hourly been adding to the total. Britain's Disaster Emergency Committee has raised £50 million. Read how you can help.

Adopted Grandpa .. Lonely No More

When 80 year old Giorgio Angelozzi was feeling particularly overcome by loneliness, he resorted to a classified ad .. and shook up Italy. It wasn't your usual personals ad. He asked for a family to adopt him as their grandfather, and he touched the heartstrings of people all across Italy and around the world.

Doctor and Nurse Establish Unique End of Life Care Program in Virginia Hospital

A Virginia oncologist and nurse, after teaching end of life care in Tanzania in 1992, decided a new approach was needed in the US… and began a project at the Medical Center of the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross Has Died

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, psychiatrist and author of the ground- breaking book, On Death and Dying, revolutionized the way Western society understands and talks about death and the process of dying. She was proudest of the way her efforts brought the hospice movement from obscurity to mainstream. She died Tuesday evening, August 24, 2004, of natural causes. She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Elisabeth was 78. [David Ross photo]

German Charity Helps Pregnant Women Have Choices

In Germany, abandonment of newborns happens again and again. The charity Sternipark is providing options for pregnant women and pressing German lawmakers to give women the option of anonymous birthing.

The First Salvation Army Shelter

Bramwell Booth, son of Salvation Army founder William Booth, recalls how his father was moved by the plight of the homeless.. and how he was sent to do something about it!

Iowa Said 'Lighten Up!' ... And Thousands Are!

Participants in 16 states from Maine to Hawaii are shedding pounds and learning how a few changes in lifestyle can really help them feel better. It all began when Iowa started an innovative program to get Iowans moving .. and healthier. 23-and-a-half tons of weight-loss later ... cities and states are adopting the idea and are saying "Lighten Up!" What's the secret? Read on ...

Seeing Life Through Alzheimer's Eyes

Joanne Koenig Coste was 32, and pregnant, when her husband developed Alzheimer's. She found a way to cope that has helped thousands of patients and caregivers.

Alzheimer's Caregivers Thrive With The Right Support

An NYU social worker, 91, started offering informal advice to caregiving spouses of Alzheimer's patients. It seemed to help them avoid depression and deal better with the physical demands and behavioral difficulties caused by the disease. Now a formal study suggests ways for these caregivers to better cope and thrive.

Medicare's May 2004 Changes: Help With Prescription Costs

**UPDATED** Before the 2006 prescription benefit for Medicare recipients kicks in, there are Medicare sponsored discount cards. Depending on your situation there may be better solutions.

Steps For Healthy Helping: Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

One of the hardest things for caregivers to do is to take care of themselves. Here are 7 ideas that can help you to preserve your resources of body and spirit ... so you can keep on caring.

3 Steps To A More Accurate Blood Pressure Reading

With concern about high blood pressure becoming a focus among the medical community, getting an accurate reading is crucial. Here's how to keep from raising your pressure in the doctor's office and ending up with more medication.

More Moms Use Internet To Find Information

According to recent findings of a study, Moms believe that the internet is now an integral part of their everyday lives. 77% of Moms use the internet to gather information, plan purchases and find information helpful to family life.

Need Caregiver Resources? Dial 2-1-1

In 25 States People Who Need Information Know The Three Digits To Dial: 211. It's a simple idea that has tremendous possibilities.

For 9.6 Million US Cancer Survivors: What Do You Do Now?

With nearly 2/3 of those diagnosed with cancer living at least 5 years, new strategies are being developed for facing the health challenges of survivors.

Beware! Fake Insurance Companies Are Multiplying Everywhere

People are being taken in by fake insurance companies ... and it has cost some people not just their coverage, but their lives.

Elder Orphans: When All Your Relatives Have Died

There is a growing new challenge in Elder care: those with no living family to help. New ways to serve this growing group will need to be found.

Universal Health Care: The Maine Experiment Leads The Way

Maine plans to extend affordable health care coverage to the state's uninsured starting July, 2004 ... with coverage for them all by 2009.

Specialized Care Improves Lives of the Elderly

A Veterans Affairs' study shows that specialized care for the elderly improves quality of life while addressing issues of pain and emotional health.

What To Do ... If Someone You Know Seems Suicidal

Vital Information and Resources