Caregiving Connect

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! AARP's New Military Caregiving Guide: Essential Resources for Veteran Caregivers. Navigate challenges and find resources, step-by-step. By Amy Goyer, AARP. Published November 12, 2024. In the 1980s, I cared for my grandfather, C. V. Goyer, a veteran of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, and more than 20 years later, I cared for my dad, Robert Goyer, a WWII and Korean War veteran. Throughout both experiences, I often struggled to find support. When caring for my grandfather, resources were limited. By the time I was caring for my dad, there was more support, especially from the VA, but I spent countless hours navigating his benefits, applying for them and managing them — often an arduous and frustrating process. Since Dad’s passing in 2018, support for veterans and their caregivers has expanded even further. That’s why I felt so passionate about updating AARP’s Military Caregiving Guide for Veterans, Service

I'm so overwhelmed and hoping someone can point me in the right direction. My parents are at the point where they need either in-home care or assisted living options, and while I can certainly research local assisted living options on my own, I have no idea where to even begin to look for other programs or options that could help them. I'm not sure if a home aid is better, and how to find someone who isn't going to take advantage, steal from them, or treat them poorly. In addition to VA benefits, is anyone familiar with any Florida programs that can assist with expenses, anyone that can help me ensure that they will not being taken advantage of when it comes to any contracts they need to sign, and any direction or insight or a step-by-step for how to help them in general? Is there a program that helps explain options to me so that I can explain it to them?

  October 28, 2024 I am a senior, living alone in Philadelphia. I am scheduled for Cataract Surgery at Wills Eye Hospital, on Nov 25. The hospital requires me to have a pickup after surgery. If I don't have anybody to pick me up, the hospital will not allow the surgery!  I need help. I am willing to pay for the service.

As I mentioned, we knew this was coming. Husband has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, meaning he has extreme weakness in his limbs and can't stand unassisted. He also has epilepsy, is legally blind and has macular degeneration plus other eye issues. All of this has been ongoing and worsening in the 26 years we've been married. We married late in life -- I was 38, he was 45 -- and lived alone before then. Now I'm facing living alone again, while also worrying about finances, and helping him as best I can from a distance of sorts. One thing in the facility's favor is that it's only about 10 minutes away by bus, so we can see each other fairly frequently and of course we can talk by phone as necessary. My problem is that I am having a very hard time managing by myself. Without having someone else to care for, it's really difficult for me to care about taking care of myself. I am trying to stay fairly positive by saying some costs will go down -- he won't be at home all day so the electri

Does anyone have any information on similar organizations that exist outside the USA?  I'm looking for help for a mother in Spain that refuses to come back to USA.

Hey everyone!I'm taking the initiative to start a conversation about something we all love and use: the bathtub! Now, I'm not just looking for tips on how to relax with a good book in the tub. I want to dig deeper and learn from your experiences. We all know that sometimes, despite our love for a long, soothing bath, we encounter a few hiccups. So, I'm turning to you, our community of bathers, to share your stories.Bathtub Design Dilemmas: Have you ever struggled with a bathtub that's too small or too awkwardly shaped for a good soak? Let's talk about those design flaws!Water Temperature Woes: We've all been there—adjusting the temperature over and over, only to end up with a lukewarm bath. How have you dealt with finicky faucets or temperature control issues?Slippery Slope: Safety first, right? But what do you do when your bathtub turns into an ice rink after just a few minutes of use? Any tips on how to stay safe without sacrificing comfort?The Drain Game: We've all been there: the w

I'm in a really tough spot. I'm 24 years old and I'm my dad's caregiver. My mom got diagnosed with brain cancer when I was 19 and I was her caregiver for a year up until she passed away. This really did a number on me mentally since I had to watch my mom deteriorate each day until she passed away. I had to drop out of college at the time, but was happy to do so to take care of my mom.My dad got a heart attack about 1 year after my mom passed away and was just doing awful at the time. I dropped out to work full time to help out. My dad ended up getting a severe second heart attack a couple months later and ended up in the hospital in a coma with most of his organs failing. The doctors thought he wouldn't even make it the night, but thankfully fought through one very tough year in the hospital. I was in a long distance relationship at the time and my boyfriend ended up moving to my state and living with me(we ended up having to move apartments since my rent was insanely high) to help me

We knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but I wasn't fully prepared for this. It all started on August 6, when his usual power chair lost power twice, and could only be restarted from the main switch in the back. We'd been having issues with the powerbox for months, but the repair facility has done nothing about fixing it. (That's another story). Meanwhile, we were renting a loaner chair, but it didn't have the raise/lower or tilt functions. On August 12th I tried transferring him from the loaner chair to the toilet, only for his knees to buckle and down we both went. Since I'm not strong enough to lift him, we called the EMT's for a lift assist. Once they came, they suggested he go to the hospital at least until Monday when his Medicaid caseworker could figure out what to do. Because his caseworker and the hospital social worker couldn't coordinate very well, he ended up in the hospital for nearly two weeks. Finally, on Thursday the 24th they said he was ok to go home wit

Im a caregiver and the the person I’m taking care of is already under hospice care since last year, she’s stable and all her vital signs are good , she’s not in any pain and still have a very good appetite. She contracted aspirated pneumonia and the family decided not to have the water in her lungs removed so the family put her under hospice . The patient is non verbal and has Alzheimer’s so she cannot decide on her own . Family is not providing food except for eggs, yoghurt , milk , oatmeal and once in a while soup . I have to spend my money to buy food for my patient. My patient is not declining, her condition is stable and she’s still strong . I’m worried about my patient because the family told me not to give her maintenance medication anymore , family said the doctor said not to give but I’m wondering why would the doctor tell not to take medication when he hasn’t seen the patient in a long time . I checked online what will happen if my patient stop taking her medication and

Hi everyone, We recently launched a simple and flexible daily check-in service that uses text messages to check-in with a loved one. The loved one has an hour window to check in for the day and we automatically alert their designated care circle of friends/family if a check-in is missed. The weekly schedule and check-in time can be customized to suit your needs. We provide a no hassle two week free trial (no credit card needed) and then the service is $14 per month.  www.checkinbee.com We're always here for any questions or concerns. Thank you,Adam

Hello, I read of fraudulent cases on dead persons without family or close friends to see that things were done honestly.  So I wonder if anyone here happens to have an estate lawyer that you trust so you can recommend her/him to me?  I'm what they call now an "Elder Orphan" who has no family of any type or close friends as I had when younger.  Hope to hear from someone with a good recommendation?   Thanks so much in advance!  🙂   P.S.  I wish AARP's website were less difficult to navigate to find the different topics and other pages... This will probably be my last time on this site.   😞

The Parkinson's Foundation presents a free program featuring an introduction and basic overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD varies from person to person and changes over time. Discover its causes, common symptoms and available treatments. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD. To register for FREE, click here. Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm ET Speaker:Christopher Tolleson, MD, MPHClinical Associate Professor of MedicineDivision of Neurology Director of University of Tennessee Medical Center's Cole Center for Parkinson's and Movement DisordersDirector of University of Tennessee Medical Center's Huntington's Center of Excellence

I am looking for a group I can go to to MAKE complaints ABOUT caregivers. Does anyone know of a facebook group that is specifically devoted to this topic?

Parkinson's Foundation Wellness Wednesday: Exploring Next Steps in CareCare needs in Parkinson’s change as symptoms progress. Join the Parkinson's Foundation next Wednesday, July 17 to learn what you need to know to find the right kind of caregiver to meet your needs and discuss next steps to consider for care as Parkinson’s advances. This program will provide you with tools to help you decide when it’s time to ask for outside help.   To register for FREE, click here. Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm ET Speaker:Joan Miravite, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANPAssistant Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiDirector of Interdisciplinary Clinical Care for Movement DisordersMount Sinai Beth Israel, Department of NeurologyStrauss Movement Disorder CenterParkinson Foundation Center of Excellence

Hi I have my mom living with me since May, 2021; her fourth time living with me over the years. She was a California resident living in her own house, I had increased concerns of her decline. Mama is 90, I am 61 and work remote in telehealth (gratefully). Mom has stage 6e Alzheimer Dementia. I am now her legal guardian (after needless legal issues and a family from hell). I provide 24/7/365 care on all levels. We have had recent PT, OT, and ST. I am just now venturing out to look into day programs for her social needs and maybe someone to help with light grooming (brushing teeth, bathing). She does go to the store with me, we go walk at the park at least three days/week, light picnics, and sit down restaurant (though that may be ending). I do her mani/pedi, help her soak her feet and keep the skin nice.  Though I do online ordering for groceries and supplies I still need to go get oil changes, go to my annual medical appointments, take a walk by myself, etc. I guess

FROM ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! "Her living will takes over now,” the nurse practitioner said the morning after my mother slipped into a coma. I was 51 weeks into 24-hours-a-day caregiving, which included constant decision-making about hospital, rehab and nursing facility admissions, as well as readjustments of medication and treatment plans — without a break. Practically every day of caregiving held life-or-death choices. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2019/what-is-a-living-will.html

I don't see anything here or elsewhere about grandparents who care full-time (M-F work hours) for special needs grandchildren. When my 9-year-old autistic grandson was told by his public school that they could no longer meet his needs in school due to behaviors that were not safe for him or others, I became a full-time caregiver. His parents can't afford not to work, or afford to pay me for his care. I live 20 min away, so there are also transportation costs involved for all of us. They are in the process of getting some limited disability services through the state, but none cover more than occasional respite care and help with his expensive medications. To make this work financially, I have taken early Social Security at 63 to be home full-time with him. Fortunately, my husband is still working even though he is 65 and has health issues, so we worry about how long he can continue. Finding anyone able or willing to care for him is very challenging. He needs someone one-on-one in

I'm 59 and live alone after caring for my wife in her dementia for 11 or so years. I have no in person friends, the rest being a few people online I'm friendly with but not close with. Although my mother lives in town, she is not the kind to provide the support I need. Neither is my brother, who lives across the state. Having several mental and physical health issues that are concerning, and living in the depth of emotional distress I experience, I want to build a safety net in case something happens to me and I either die or become incapacitated in my home. As it is, I could lie dead or unable to summon help for many days before anyone noticed I hadn't texted in a while. It's a depressing thought. I also have animal companions that would need to be provided for if that happened! I need a plan and some kind of help implementing the plan. I need to know that someone will notice if I haven't checked in and that something will happen because they noticed. That, and creating

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal  of 4/29/24, entitled "An Au Pair Could Take Care of Grandma" authored by Kristin Shapiro and Kelsy Bolar ,suggests that our administration should encourage supporting the use of Au Pairs to help caregivers across the country. Today there are financial support systems in place to encourage the hosting of international au pairs to help families with child care needs. The costs (payments to the au pair ) are significantly less than other options for parents and the au pair receives an experience in American culture and support. Today over 20,000 au pairs enter the U.S. annually, to work with host families, but "current administration is proposing regulations that could double the cost of hosting an au pair". The authors suggest that our administration should not only drop the proposed regulations, but also extend them so that needy families could host these foreign national, young adults and in turn, receive help in providing car

Parkinson's Foundation Expert Briefing: Sleep Challenges with Parkinson's DiseaseA good night’s sleep is critical to our health and well-being. For people with Parkinson’s, sleep is more important as the brain and body need more time to restore. Join the Parkinson's Foundation next Wednesday, May 8th to learn about the common sleep issues associated with Parkinson's disease, how it affects sleep quality, and explore ways to get a better night's sleep while living with PD. To register for FREE, click here. Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm ET Speaker:Aleks Videnovic, MD, MScDirector, Division of Sleep Medicine, Massachusetts General HospitalProfessor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School

  With Coronavirus hitting and visitation bans being common, the possibility of putting remote cameras in loved ones rooms has renewed interest. This would give families to check up on their loved ones.    How would you feel about legislation that would allow for this to happen? 

My name is Lon and I am a 83 year old well traveled single male living alone in a one bed room/ one bath/living room/ kitchenette at a very nice Assisted Living Facility. Imade the arrangements for living here by my self instead of a Caretaker doing it. I would like to share some ideas with caretakers and other Forum members that currently reside in a AL Facility. First---Let me just say to those of you in your 50's 60's & 70's. KEEP AND EXPAND YOUR COMPUTER, I PHONE SKILLS. It will make getting old so much eaiser and rewarding.    

There’s plenty you can do to help them live their best life. By Kim Painter. Published February 12, 2024. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2024/diabetes-caregiver.html 

Hi, I'm new here and did a little searching and couldn't find anything directly relevant. Just a few articles and comments about how expensive it is to be a caregiver. Sorry if this is too long or in the wrong place. My mother, who lives at home alone in another city in the same state, is starting cancer treatment. She might be able to get some caregiving through Medicare or long-term care disability insurance but not both at the same time. She does NOT qualify for Medicaid and is NOT a Veteran. She may have applied to a state agency, I don't know. She's very overwhelmed and fearful, but also resistant to help while clearly needing it and is not transparent with her finances. However, she very quickly will probably need 24-hour care, maybe semi-skilled nursing, including a petsitter, and possibly hospitalization. Neighbors and  family members not very nearby might provide some help, but it likely won't be enough. I heard years ago there was a program that would reim

FROM THE ARTICLE - READ ARTICLE FOR MORE. Nearly 1 in 10 Americans aged 65 and older are living today with dementia — a disease that has special challenges for family caregivers. Learn about the symptoms, types and early warning signs of dementia and emerging treatments. Get expert advice and tips on the best ways to communicate, establish routines and keep your loved one safe. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/dementia-caregiving-guide/