Topic: Caregivers- Know Loved One’s Insurance Plan Photo Credit: Unknown As a case manager for many years, I have had to stay current on insurance and all it provides to my patients. As a proactive caregiver advocate, insurance knowledge is still very much required as I help families navigate the community side of caring for loved ones. Many caregivers do not understand their loved ones’ health insurance coverage. Medicare insurance (both original and Medicare Advantage), the coverage that most elderly carry has benefits that should be utilized when needed. Education is necessary to provi ..read more

Topic: Making Use of Time Using Memories and Storytelling Photo by Rain Bennett on Unsplash As our loved ones age, they often have more time on their hands. Since we can never get back our time, caregivers can help by taking advantage of the time granted to our elders. One of the best ways to use time is by engaging elders in stimulating discussions with friends and family on current and past events. Keeping our loved ones’ minds sharp is essential to the aging process. Topics of Consideration Research suggests that the topics most beneficial to our elderly loved ones should lean tow ..read more

Topic: Concerns for Exercise and Multiple Medications Photo Credit: Unknown Caring for a loved one on multiple medications can be a challenge, especially when understanding how these medications might react during exercise. It’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of medication reactions. There comes a time when it’s necessary to step in and discuss long-term medications with the healthcare team. Any warning signs in an elderly person should be considered a side effect until proven otherwise. Medication evaluation should be a regular part of the caregiver’s responsibility. At least o ..read more

Topic: Dementia Support and Reality Orientation Photo Credit: Unknown The role of the caregiver is pivotal for loved ones with dementia who have lost time, space, orientation, and familiarity with life and family. They need cues to keep them engaged as much as possible, regardless of their reaction or awareness. While some remembrances may be lost forever, the caregiver’s role in engaging with loved ones living with dementia is essential and should never be taken lightly. Let’s dig into an idea that may be unfamiliar to some of you, but it’s worth understanding. Reality orientation h ..read more

Topic: The Heat and Older Loved Ones-Caution Required Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash Hot weather can pose risks for elderly individuals. Why? This is because older adults do not adjust to elevated temperature changes. They are more likely to have chronic medical conditions affecting their body’s heat response. Medications your loved ones take may also influence their ability to regulate temperature. High temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions, and immediate action is required. Prepare by listening to weather reports for extreme heat alerts, especially if air conditio ..read more

Topic: Eldercare Abuse Hiding in Plain Sight: Beware! Photo Credit: Unknown Caring for an elderly loved one is an act of love. Did you know the act of love can sometimes become a problem that centers on abuse? We are a trusting nation mostly, and attending to the needs of loved ones can be challenging if unprepared. Not being prepared for the countless unknowns can turn into elder abuse. If elder abuse is ever suspected, it must be reported. What is Elder Abuse, and Why Talk About it? Elder abuse is simply the mistreatment of an elderly person in many ways: physical, psychologic ..read more

Topic: Caregivers: You Have a Bill of Rights! Credit: EvolveMentor.com Today I had an in-depth conversation with a client about the reality of burnout caring for a difficult family member. There is no shade here, but her loved one was in the military, a career of giving orders, and now he is dealing with a life-altering illness that is out of his control. While I understand what she is facing, I quickly shifted the conversation to …did you know that Caregivers have Rights? Have you heard that we, as caregivers, have rights? They are called Your Boundaries! Let us talk about it ..read more

Topic: Senior Participation at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Boule 2024! Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash I have safely returned from my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Grand Boule, in the capital and largest city in Indiana, Indianapolis. Indeed, it was a beautiful site to see the blue and white Sorors here, there, and everywhere. Every generation of age attended the Boule that took place from July 23 to July 28, 2024. The event showed the Finer Women of the sorority a week of fun, fellowship, celebration, networking, and learning about leadership. As an eldercare advo ..read more

Topic: Aging in Place Requires Exercise Photo Credit: Unknown Many loved ones aspire to stay in their homes as they age — known as “aging in place.” According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 6 people will be 60 or older by 2030(World Health Organization, 2020). Your careful regard and provision are a substantial part of helping loved ones remain in their familiar environment. Caregivers, your role is crucial in understanding the physical, mental, and emotional state of our loved ones, with safety being the #1 priority. This understanding will help us incorporate exercise ..read more

Topic: Care of Loved ones with Parkinson’s Disease Photo Credit: IStockphoto.com Parkinson’s disease in the African American community is not discussed but is seen daily in the lives of many caregivers. With information and awareness, families with Parkinson’s can be enabled to advocate for the quality of life they deserve. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and complex neurological disease, not an acute illness. Symptoms vary widely, and disease can vary considerably. Parkinson’s disease presents as a slow, progressive disease, and often, loved ones can live well past their sixties. Because thi ..read more