When it comes to Caregiving you may have questions regarding the options like where to live, type of facility or helping your loved one remain at home. Questions like Government benefits, health insurance, home care, and the never-ending questions that continue as your loved one ages. Please welcome Author Harry Cline of The New Caregiver’s Comprehensive Resource: Advice, Tips, and […]
I follow 49 charities and organizations on Twitter to get a close-up view affecting the people and issues closest to me. The National Center on Elder Abuse is a great resource to learn the laws elders have and don’t have. Pressing issues like medical and housing concerns. The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources […]
Granny it’s hard to believe it’s your 98th birthday, I celebrate the memories in my head. You were on my side from birth, making unannounced house visits, questioning where I was and making sure I had clothes. You made my clothes until fifth grade, how did you find the time with all the hard work you did? Times were so […]
Second Stage Dementia As dementia progresses, the symptoms first experienced in the early stages of the dementia generally worsen. The rate of decline is different for each person. A person with moderate dementia scores between 6–17 on the MMSE. For example, people with Alzheimer’s dementia in the moderate stages lose almost all new information very quickly. People with dementia […]
Ideas.TED.com Oct 4, 2018 / Alan D. Castel While overall memory declines as we age, that’s far from the end of the story. In fact, there are certain things older people continue to remember quite well, says researcher Alan D. Castel. Our memories are our identities, and at my lab at UCLA, I’ve worked to understand how we remember what matters to us, especially as we age. Memory decline is one of the first things that concern people about growing older — it can start after the age of 20, so being more forgetful when you are 60 or 70 is often normal. And while a vast amount of research has shown the deficits that accompany aging, it’s far too simplistic to say that the elderly have impaired memories. In fact, there are many things older adults remember quite well. Here’s a look at a few of them: 1. Older people tend to remember the essentials. A great deal of memory research focuses on what might be considered by some of us to be mundane — word lists, face-name pairs, studying and being tested on pictures — and it’s unclear why this might be important to remember. But how about things that are of real concern or interest? Imagine you’re packing for a trip. You want to make sure you’ve put in the most important items, the ones that would be extremely costly and/or inconvenient if you forgot them (e.g., your passport, your credit cards). While […]
Knowing my grandparents wanted to die at home was the easiest part of caring for them. The conversation was a common in my gramps family partly because of time the period, the late 1800’s early 1900’s and money. I now understand the difficulty of making decisions as a caregiver, it’s the decisions on the fly you can’t prepare for. Heartbreaking […]
Jan 4, 2018 / Joseph F. Coughlin By joining the Beacon Hill Village in Boston, older people commit to helping each other while they stay in their own homes. And they have plenty of fun while doing it, says MIT AgeLab director Joseph F. Coughlin. Joan Doucette was sipping coffee in a small café at MIT, her bicycle resting next […]
The information is from the DEA.GOV website. It’s important to know the Schedule of the prescriptions you take, they may have Government regulations. According to CVS all Class II prescriptions are kept in a safe and only the pharmacist can open. Did you know the local pharmacy reports usage to DEA if your “RANDOM” name shows up on monthly list. It’s interesting […]
All we need is LOVE. M
Addiction to Opiates Rise to Alarming Rate. by John Rosengren, AARP Bulletin, June 2017| The Opioid Menace – AARP AMERICANS OVER 50 are using narcotic pain pills in surprisingly high numbers, and many are becoming addicted. While media attention has focused on younger people buying illegal opioids on the black market, dependence can also start with a legitimate prescription from a doctor: A well-meant treatment for knee surgery or chronic back troubles is often the path to a deadly outcome. Consider these numbers: • Almost one-third of all Medicare patients — nearly 12 million people — were prescribed opioid painkillers by their physicians in 2015. • That same year, 2.7 million Americans over age 50 abused painkillers, meaning they took them for reasons or in amounts beyond what their doctors prescribed. • The hospitalization rate due to opioid abuse has quintupled for those 65 and older in the past two decades. From pain to addiction Behind the numbers are the shattered lives of many who never dreamed they’d become drug abusers. Cindy Thoma, 63, who owns and operates a bookstore in Muskegon, Mich., became addicted to opioid pain pills after being injured in a car crash with a drunk driver who ran a red light. “I was running away from my pain,” she says. “I did well at first. But I began to take them sooner, which meant I needed more. I needed more because my body got used to […]
My first blog started in 2005 and hosted by Blogger. I was caring for my dying grandmother. I had to write and let it go. Her death was devastating, as you’ve read in many post. She’s never left my side. Granny was the strongest woman I ever met, she knew how to keep her mouth shut. Something I did not inherit. I could let out steam, cry by myself, recharge for next day. Yesterday WordPress sent an Achievement notice. Time does fly, in sickness and health. You are the reason I’ve stayed. You followed me, left good and a few bad comments, you lifted me up when I was down. Most importantly your Blog has entertained, made me cry and lifted my spirits to the sky. I am blessed to talk with each of you. Thank you for standing by me these crazy eight years. M ACHIEVEMENT Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 8 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.
Minneapolis ranks 4th among U.S. cities in percentage of gay, lesbian and bisexual residents. Approximately 12.5% of Minneapolis identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Transgender was not a category in analysis. (UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law & Public Policy) There are an estimated 48,000 LGBT older adults living in Minnesota. Many LGBT older adults do not have the same support networks that are available to heterosexual peers. LGBT older adults are five times less likely to access senior services than heterosexual peers. By not accessing these services, LGB&T older adults are more susceptible to experiencing increased isolation, depression, substance abuse, and institutionalization. M http://www.trainingtoserve.org/lgbt-aging-resources
Our population is in a large up swing as “Baby Boomers” reach Social Security age which indicates the potential increased need for Caregivers. There are many stages the elderly and dying go through until death. The books below helped me maneuver the invisible line we have to cross based on their capabilities. ” Each of the books made a profound difference in understanding which I needed Actions I needed to potentially help with and understand the root cause of certain actions. I found with my Grannys the time frame was at breakneck speed due to her Dementia. With my Gramps we had more time together and for him to participate in his affairs which caused conflict as we transitioned over to me making decisions. The 36 hour day by Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. Rabins Elder Rage or Take My Father Please !, How to Survive Caring For Aging Parents by Jacqueline Marcell The Savvy Senior, The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family, and Finances for Senior Citizens by Jim Miller The Complete Eldercare Planner by Joy Loverde I hope one of the books or all help you if you find yourself at a crossroad. Xx M
My best girlfriend and I practiced hard on dance moves, it was so funny. Get ready for a The one and only Micheal Jackson,”Boogie..or Dance the Night Away” M
Granny today is a special day. Today is your 96th Birthday, time for a well deserved Big Party. Gramps cooking of the grill, everyone lining up for the brisket. I attend to your needs and help you around to socialize and know when the conversation ran dry. Let’s go all out, it’s just money, money you never spent on yourself. It’s your Special day. I hold you’re hand so you can dance with Gramps. He’s happy if your happy, he just can’t say it in words. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since you left us. I have so many questions. I talk to you or about you everyday. Our bond was not broken in death. Hold my hand as I battle this disease. I need your strength, more than ever. I watched you suffer daily as you slipped away and no longer knew me. I think of your last minutes, my hand under your head, giving you a Morphine stick. Saying granny you’ll be in Heaven, the pain is gone. You can let go, let go of the pain, Take Gods hand. I felt her pass and knew she was in the right place. As I lose my memory, I pray for your strength and dignity. I love you, cry for you and miss the great times we had. My childhood memories as clear today. Nothing like being Speed Racer in your wheelchair and taking over the mall. You got […]
I’m praying for good health to you and your family . Drinking something hot, I’ll take a Starbucks any day 🙏🌎🇱🇷 😎 M You see the problem, Downloads are not working. The laptop hijacked me as an answer to silence, no talking during Football. I heard Gwen Stefani can sing, JUMP, Dance, gives every fan a great show. One more try, if nothing else, play your fav and Dance the night away. Happy Thanksgiving, sending Blessing for you, family and friends. a healthy and happiness. Enjoying your friends and family, it’s a Blessings share with others.
Gramps loved playing scratch off Lottery Tickets. Looking at photo, this was shortly after Granny died. Emotions sent me to the highest high, I saw the smallest smile. He loved my Granny until the end. Gramps grew up in a time, large parts of the USA where out of work and hungry. Focusing on making money or food for a meal. Gramps mother had sixteen children. Gramps, you set the bar high, I reach for you everyday to feel your strength. Fort McArthur – Became Tactical base-in 1939
PUBLISHED ON February 6, 2006 The caregiver posts were my first attempt at blogging. I needed an outlet to avoid dumping all in husbands lap. My grandmother passed away in 2005 from Dementia related to Strokes. I’m reposting for caregivers who give freely every ounce to keep loved one comfortable in their last hours. Just one piece of advice if […]
I celebrate my 7th year blogging anniversary and turn 53 in four days. Neither occasion are important on their own. What make this year so special is I’m alive. So many of you prayed , sent well wishes yet never treated me different. I started my first blog to help grieve my granny’s death. Flash forward, I’m blessed learning other cultures around the world. Blogging with millions of people at WP there are opportunities to learn, share and clarify the misunderstood. The most important lesson learned is people are generally good. I’m free to write my thoughts, some will not agree, others will not. We need different perspectives to broaden our mind. Thank you for making every year a good one. I appreciate the kind thoughts, asking how I’m doing and treating me normal. I hope to see you in the years to come. Party On!!!!! Pass the milk please! Hugs Melinda
In a piece of irony, the CDC originated from a 1940s agency called the “Office of Malaria Control in War Areas”, and during the summit’s opening session, organizers showed a 70-year-old short movie about its work targeting Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that now spreads Zika. “We were the first ones because we were really proactive in getting the virus and really pursuing and working hard to get the structure”, said Richard Kuhn, head and professor of biological sciences as well as the director of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease. Zika is a mosquito-borne illness now plaguing South America, with pregnant women and their babies being the most vulnerable to the virus. But officials warned the 300 people attending the summit – along with an estimated 2,000 more who took part online – to prepare for possible local clusters of Zika disease, once the warmer weather arrives and the mosquito season starts. DCHHS advises individuals with symptoms to see a healthcare provider if they visited an area where Zika virus is present or had sexual contact with a person who traveled to an area where Zika virus is present. Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If you would like to read the entire article follow the link. Tri-County Sun Times http://thevillagessuntimes.com/2016/04/02/pregnant-woman-among-new-florida-zika-cases/
Have a Blessed weekend Celebrating with family and friends. ON THE THIRD DAY, JESUS AROSE FROM THE GRAVE Church of the Spilled Blood St. Petersburg, Russia
Sharing Data in a Public Health Emergency The case for sharing data, and the consequences of not doing so, have been brought into stark relief by the Ebola and Zika outbreaks. In response, the New England Journal of Medicine has become a journal signatory to the following statement. “In the context of a public health emergency of international concern, it is imperative that all parties make available any information that might have value in combatting the crisis. As research funders and journals, we are committed to working in partnership to ensure that the global response to public health emergencies is informed by the best available research evidence and data. Journal signatories will make all content concerning the Zika virus free access. Any data or preprint deposited for unrestricted dissemination ahead of submission of any paper will not preempt later publication in these journals. Funder signatories will require researchers undertaking work relevant to public health emergencies to establish mechanisms to share quality-assured interim and final data as rapidly and widely as possible, including with public health and research communities and the World Health Organization. We urge other journals and research funders to make the same commitments.” The New England Journal of Medicine has substantial files available at the link below. http://www.nejm.org/page/zika-virus?emp=marcom&query=NEW I have additional information to verify, once completed a new post will share new information. I urge you to visit The New England Journal of Medicine for extensive data on […]
03/14/2016 The FDA MedWatch-February 2016 Safety Labeling Changes includes 21 products with safety labeling changes to the following sections: CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, or PATIENT PACKAGE INSERT/MEDICATION GUIDE. The “Summary Page” table provides a listing of product names and safety labeling sections revised: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm489329.htm The following drugs had modifications to the CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS sections: Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) Tablets Atacand HCT (candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide) Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets Avalide (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) Lyophilized Powder and Solution for Subcutaneous Use Complera (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets Depacon (valproate sodium) Injection Depakene (valproic acid) Capsules Depakene (valproic acid) Oral Solution Depakote (divalproex sodium) Delayed Release Tablets Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) Extended Release Tablets Depakote Sprinkle Capsules Fluorescite (fluorescein injection) Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate) Chewable Tablets and Oral Powder Gilenya (fingolimod) Capsules Invirase (saquinavir mesylate) Capsules and Tablets Stribild (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) Capsules and Oral Suspension Complete and submit the report Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report. Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form. Then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
FDA MedWatch – Eye Drops: FDA Statement – Potential Risk of Loose Safety Seals 03/15/2016 Eye Drops: FDA Statement – Potential Risk of Loose Safety Seals AUDIENCE: Consumer, Eye Care ISSUE: FDA is warning the public about eye drop bottles that have loose plastic safety seals or tamper evident rings below the bottle cap that may fall onto the eye when the product is used. See Safety Statement for example photo. FDA has received reports of six adverse events associated with loose safety seals on eye drop bottles. FDA is in the process of identifying all relevant products and will require a change in the packaging design. BACKGROUND: The plastic safety seal or tamper-evident ring, also known as a collar, or band, should stay connected to the bottle neck. However, some eye drop bottles are losing the safety seals or rings when consumers tilt or squeeze the bottle to place eye drops into their eyes. A loose safety seal or ring presents a safety risk as it may cause eye injuries. RECOMMENDATION: Consumers and health care providers who have these products should not attempt to remove the ring or seal because there is a potential to contaminate the tip of the dropper. FDA strongly recommends when using tamper-evident rings, the bottle/cap design include a positive-retention mechanism similar to those on disposable plastic beverage bottles to prevent the rings from coming off while using the product. FDA is continuing to investigate […]
Reblogged from 2005 Being a caregiver to a dying loved one can leave you drained of emotion, exhausted and frustrated. All normal feelings. I felt quilt mixed in my bowl of emotions. I grew up knowing my grandparents wanted to die at home. I would grant the wish if possible. They inspired me, saved me from parental abuse and […]
Written 12/23/2009 The post may get confusing, in one paragraph I may be talking to you and next I’m talking about what I did. If you have a questions, please drop me a line. Many people are finding themselves in caregiver roles. I worked harder than imagined and so glad I did. The memories of being there out weights lack of […]
Granny is little girl in front, curly hair, cross eyed, gather around her siblings. Her life was shattered when her father died in 1930. Her mother could not manage the money, it must have been hard on the kids. Back in the old days the snake oil, fuller brush and many more stopped by. She would buy everything. Her oldest brother joined the Circus and traveled around the world. He returned home starting a career as a Concierge at upscale restaurant. Two of her brothers wanted money and fast. One became a bank robber, He and wife spent several years in prison.The day he walking out of jail, it was business as usual with eyes to cover his back. The older joined the local Mafia. At the time slot machines were the way to the money.The tragedy is he was murdered with cyanide. I am totally fascinated buy the Mafia. I tried not to think about him dying in what became my bedroom. Granny had tragedy through out her life. A lesser person might have crushed under the pressure. My father wasn’t even 2 years old when they where abandoned buy here husband. Granny worked hard labor to care for her son. She remarried my gramps when my father was 10 years old. My grandmother never gave up. She never said I don’t know, it was learn as you go. Granny was shy by nature and passive aggressive at time. […]
I subscribe to The New England Journal of Medicine to stay informed with projects and successes. The link takes you to The Most notable document. I smiled seeing the number of projects dedicated to Mental Health. I think you will find a topic of interest Xx M http://cdn.nejm.org/pdf/NEJMNotable2015.pdf
Spam is continues to devastate individuals and corporations daily. I have seen several horror stories on the news. Seniors are an easily target. I think we’ll all learn something about spam and what happens after you click the link. Xx M
Reblogged from 3/24/10 As the population ages many will take on the role of caregiver. One of the most challenging for me was the transition from granddaughter to caregiver. Gramps was stubborn as an Ox and felt he didn’t need any help. **************** My grandfather died in 2010 at 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 […]
Each day was a roller coaster by how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I prayer for strength everyday. My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting. My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for […]
Reblogged from 2009 I care for my 92-year-old gramps and have been here five weeks. He had three surgeries in seven days. Without Caregiving 101 training, I learned the hard way. *Ask the doctor what happens if the procedure does not work. *If a second procedure does not work, is there a third option. *What is the recovery time and type of […]
My grandmother passed away from Dementia from two strokes in 2005. I’m reposting for the caregivers dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For those who have not been a caregiver, these post may help you down the road. For the caregivers who give every ounce of energy, just one piece of advice if I may. Take time to clear your head, 10 or 30 minutes whatever you can for yourself each week. I did not have any one to offer suggestions and had brain drain after both of their deaths. My body was physically broken down. Due to the nature of the illness it’s hard to take an eye off them, 24/7. I was fortunate we had hospice care for both of my grandparents. My grandfather was healthy enough to help with my grandmother. I don’t know how to turn my brain off. I’m Morning and She’s Still Alive As the caregiver for my grandparents my hands are full yet my mind runs at a high level by switching to what I call “caregiver mode”. I can manage tons of information about what drugs they take, schedule appointments, discuss test results or anything else needed to take care of two people who are dying and “switch back” when at home. Before the fall and broken hip my grandmother knew me. Our conversations limited yet sharing memories with her made my day. She really enjoyed a photo book I put […]
Being a caregiver to a dying loved one can leave you drained of emotion, exhausted and frustrated. All perfectly normal feelings. I felt quilt mixed in my bowl of emotions. I grew up knowing my grandparents wanted to die at home. I would grant the wish if possible. They inspired me, saved me from parental abuse and blessed me with […]
We Are The World Blogfest: Spreading Stories of Positivity and Compassion in Social Media
