In many areas of the country, cold weather is an old-forgotten nemesis that reappears this time of year. When caring for those with disabilities and seniors, caregivers must take some simple precautions to ensure a loved one’s safety this winter season. Temperature control The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 600 Americans [...]
Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body. It is a common movement disorder that most often affects the hands but can also occur in the arms, head, vocal cords, torso, and legs. Tremor may be intermittent (occurring at separate times, with breaks) or [...]
For National Family Caregivers Month, we review Merrill Lynch’s just-released 42-page Caregiving Study Report, entitled, The Journey of Caregiving: Honor, Responsibility and Financial Complexity. While we often think of caregiving as hands-on care, surprisingly, 98% of family caregivers surveyed provide emotional and social support. Only 64% report providing hands on physical care. Over 2,000 family [...]
Linda Sivertsen presents the concept of Time Debt – something we caregivers experience, but likely didn’t have a name for, until now. When we were younger, time went by slowly; especially, when we’re in school. As we grew older, we likely had the same lament as our parents: The seasons pass too quickly. Sometimes, our [...]
Caitlin Keating reports for People Magazine that these two newlyweds in the UK must now find a way to live dementia. Former globe trotter, Becky Barletta, who lived an active life now needs ’round the clock care. While her husband works, Becky needs caregivers to help look after her at her parents’ home. Despite symptoms [...]
Survey to Meet the Needs of Aging Population Los Angeles County (home of The Caregiver’s Voice) is conducting a survey to address the needs our diverse aging population. It includes questions about caregiving for people with dementia/Alzheimer’s. DEADLINE October 1, 2017 The survey is offered in 10 languages to meet the needs of Los Angeles’s [...]
Canadian-born Mary Beth Wighton, has been living with frontotemporal lobe dementia since 2012 when she was diagnosed at age 45. Two years later, she co-founded the Ontario Dementia Advisory Group (ODAG) with the mission of influencing governmental policies affecting the rights of people with dementia. “Since the formation of ODAG,” Mary Beth says, “members have [...]
Lyn Purser was born 46 years ago with intellectual disabilities. Born four months premature, she was placed on antibiotics shortly after birth. Five months later, she and her older brother left Italy for America with their parents. At age 14, she experienced a period of seizures that were inadequately controlled with medication. As a result, [...]
Each person I’ve interviewed for this Voices with Dementia column surprises me. Before Brian LeBlanc , who also lives with dementia, referred me to Nancy Nelson, he wrote, “We’re all snowflakes.” Well Snowflake Nancy made me smile until my face hurt. Nancy’s life changed when she forgot three words. Her doctor asked her to [...]
The Caregiver’s Voice Reviews Ann Vanino’s Chrysalis – Transformation from the Inside Out There are two periods in a caregiver’s life when a metamorphosis occurs – the moment we commit to caregiving and the period after. Chrysalis is the name given to the dramatic and total re-creation of a new life – the metamorphosis from [...]
