ATLANTA - Consumer adviser Clark Howard is speaking out about the mysterious sudden illness that threatened his life. The same disease killed a Gwinnett County man. He and Clark had each taken a powerful antibiotic only days before falling ill. Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Jim Strickland exposed the side effects of the drugs 2 1/2 [...]
The Elder Health Tree: A Resource for Healthy & Happy Aging Guest article by Justin Schein One day, we may find ourselves in the challenging role of caregiver. If life unfolds as expected, we’ll have a supportive community to help us care for our loved one at the end of their rich and full life. [...]
Last year, 15-year old Harry Gardner wrote and performed, Not Alone , a tribute to his grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When his 77-year old “nan” forgot his name, Harry was distraught. He came home and penned the words to his song, which has raised money for Alzheimer’s Research UK . Open your eyes [...]
Almost daily, there’s an article about how poorly prepared we Americans are for retirement. Sure, we may not be the best savers on the planet; but sometimes, our long-term plans take a detour. A loved one is stricken by illness or we’re still drowning with only a fraction of our savings after the last economic [...]
There are times when caregivers need to have the straight scoop on poop. Are you able to tell the difference among types of backmatter? Early detection could prevent a loved one with dementia from being back-ended by a more serious matter. After all, who needs the stress of worrying about yet another thing: WHAT is [...]
As a caregiver, it’s very easy to forget about taking care of yourself when you are laser-focused on taking care of another person. Frequently, caregivers have too much on their plates. If you’re one of these people, you know that even though you’ve prepared fully, surprises can leave you looking for help or new solutions. [...]
Facebook – Memory aid for Alzheimer’s? Facebook (FB) has a feature that reminds users of their status update from a year or more, ago. The reminder occurs on the anniversary date of when the user added the post. The user has a choice to share the memory as I’ve done below. Imagine how convenient this [...]
Gotta love the human spirit that refuses to be beaten! After a misdiagnosis of epilepsy, Australian-based Mick Carmody writes, “I was diagnosed with a common form of dementia in people who are under the age of 65 called – fronto-temporal lobe dementia or FTD.” Mick Carmody surrounded by his family. L-R: son-in-law, daughter, wife, son, [...]
Do you feel like the only worker ant in your caregiving colony? Caregiving is both rewarding and overwhelming. Do you find yourself trying to make progress when the winds of life start blowing against you? Sometimes, we go through periods in life where we feel like a bunch of ants coming and going… but we [...]
John Roche cared for his mother in his home for the last ten years of her life. He admired all she’d been through – strokes, paralysis, and raising three children, mostly alone. He looked forward to caring for her. What he didn’t expect was the toll it would take on him and his mom. Unforeseen [...]
