Topic: Are You Prepared When a Loved One Dies? Photo by Ann on Unsplash Are you prepared when a loved one dies? This question is an introspective pause after losing a friend and one of Houston’s finest, Sylvester Turner, a U.S. representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district who passed away March 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., far away from his Acres Home roots in Houston, Texas. His death was untimely and unexpected. Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and it’s natural to feel unprepared for the moment. While it’s impossible to be fully ready for the emotional impact ..read more

Topic: Social Workers Can Support Eldercare Needs! Photo: teepublic.com It’s Social Worker Month, and boy, do we need to applaud social workers for their work. Social Workers provide services in various locations, from hospitals to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, military and penal institutions, group homes, and homes. Caregivers who care for loved ones often encounter challenging situations and need social workers’ knowledge to advise and guide them. It is no secret that caregiving has many twists and turns, and navigating them can create stress and worry. Social workers can b ..read more

Topic: Elderly Loved Ones Need Proper Nutrition Photo by Sam Moghadam on Unsplash March is National Nutrition Month. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors National Nutrition Month, which is intended to encourage healthy eating habits in society. You may ask, what are the nutritional needs of our elderly loved ones? Many health choices align with nutritional health standards. You must consider your loved one’s medical condition. The common thread is always to consider the four food groups, even if some may need to be limited. The four food groups are based on their nutrition ..read more

Topic: Ways to Alleviate Caregiver Stress Photo by Francis Odeyemi on Unsplash Caregivers must never dismiss the interests and passions they once had before becoming caregivers. Stress is a reality when caring for another person. Caregivers must have a way to escape to refresh themselves. Caregivers often get lost in their duties and forget about themselves. This creates a dangerous circumstance. Having activities and hobbies helps relieve the stress that can happen as a consequence of being a caregiver. It would be fun to discuss ways to stay alert and engaged. Remember that while caregi ..read more

Topic: Addressing Care Regardless of Location Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash Last evening, I attended a discussion with individuals who were social workers, case managers, and registered nurses. They examined the many challenges older adults face when admitted to the hospital from nursing homes. Many are black and brown elderly patients with minimum to no family interaction(out of sight, out of mind). The first discussion that caught my attention was the admission of elders from nursing homes to the hospital. The report of the stated conditions(foul smells, bedsores, dirty fingernai ..read more

Topic: February: A Month to Display Love Photo by Johnny Brown on Unsplash In the season of affection, we are reminded of the countless forms love can take and how it has enriched our lives. Whether it’s the constant bond of family, the connection of companionship, or the sacrifices of a relationship, love is an underlying thread that constructs the fabric of our existence. In today’s world, family caregivers face unprecedented challenges; many are often thrust into roles, learning to manage complicated care routines with little or no training, but they do it because they love ..read more

Topic: Caring for Loved Ones with Heart Disease Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash February is Heart Month, and we, as a society, focus on ways to care for the pump called “The Heart.” Many caregivers are caring for loved ones diagnosed with many heart conditions. Some conditions can be acute(meaning they occur suddenly), while most are chronic, meaning they manage a heart condition daily. It is hard to admit that heart disease is widespread. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death in most racial and ethnic groups( Centers for Disease Control and Preventi ..read more

Topic: It’s Cold Season: Keeping Your Elderly Warm Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash We finished a prolonged cold spell in Houston. Were you prepared? Your elderly loved ones need special attention during cold weather. We have a misconception that just because the sun is shining in winter means we can let our guard down. Ways to avoid getting sick in cold temperatures is to…be prepared. When caught unprepared, respiratory conditions come knocking… pneumonia, asthma, obstructive airway exacerbation, colds, flu, and worse. We are still in the winter months, so let’s stay ready so we ..read more

Topic: A National Caregiver… Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! As a national caregiver, Dr. King put humanity over self and sought injustice and peace amid violence and conflict. That was the definition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy. He became the caregiver of nonviolence. He preached that negotiation could resolve disagreements. He cared enough to put himself in arm’s way to solve aggression and bloodshed. He cared enough to form the principles that show his caring nature as he sought ju ..read more

Topic: Loved Ones and Glaucoma Awareness Photo by David Travis on Unsplash January brings awareness to an eye-related condition like glaucoma. Hundreds of national and international health observances are presented monthly to raise awareness of health-related conditions that affect communities. Bringing attention to topics that impact the Black community is one of many goals of the Your Practice Caregiver Advocate platform. There are many challenges that the Black community faces because of health disparities, gaps in access, transportation, and affordability of care. As complex and multi ..read more