I have talked some in the past about caregiver burnout and the importance of determining what caregiver resources are in your area to take advantage of. Today I am going to talk about the caregiver resources available in Tulsa, OK.
Life Senior Services is a place you should definitely take advantage of if you are a caregiver. At Life Senior Services there is a Caregiver Resource Library that has books, dvds, and magazines about topics that are of interest and useful to caregivers.
Life Senior Services also offers Caregiver Counseling as a more personal means to deal with all the changes and emotions that come with being a caregiver.
Caregiver Support Groups is another great service that is offered at Life Senior Services. At Caregiver Support Groups you get the opportunity to meet others in similar situations as yourself, and can give you advice on the different duties of being a caregiver. I highly recommend you join a Caregiver Support Group.
The Alzheimer's Association is another great resource if the person you are caring for has Alzheimer's. They have support groups available there and a lot of literature about how Alzheimer's progresses and what you need to know when caring for someone with Alzheimer's.
Also look into organizations you are already involved in such as your church, clubs, etc. Many times they will have support groups or can provide recommendations on where to go. There are many caregiver resources in Tulsa to take advantage of so you get the support you need.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Caregiver Activities for the Week
Monday: If your loved one doesn't get a chance to socialize that much find a group that he or she can join to meet new people. Adut Day Centers are great because there are always fun activities to do. Do a little research to find out what groups are in your area.
Tuesday: Keeping yourself healthy is just as important as keeping your loved one healthy. Go get some exercise today. You will feel really good afterward.
Wednesday: "Life is 10% what you make it, and 90% how you take it." - Irving Berlin Write down how this makes you feel. How are you taking life?
Thursday: Are you staying informed? It is essential for us to stay informed on the latest healthcare issues and medical break throughs. Take some time today read some articles about the latest news in the medical community.
Friday: Today I want you to write about the things in your life that are currently stressing you. What can you do to alleviate some of this stress?
Saturday: Do a fun activity today with your loved one.
Sunday: Organize next weeks activities
Tuesday: Keeping yourself healthy is just as important as keeping your loved one healthy. Go get some exercise today. You will feel really good afterward.
Wednesday: "Life is 10% what you make it, and 90% how you take it." - Irving Berlin Write down how this makes you feel. How are you taking life?
Thursday: Are you staying informed? It is essential for us to stay informed on the latest healthcare issues and medical break throughs. Take some time today read some articles about the latest news in the medical community.
Friday: Today I want you to write about the things in your life that are currently stressing you. What can you do to alleviate some of this stress?
Saturday: Do a fun activity today with your loved one.
Sunday: Organize next weeks activities
Friday, July 24, 2009
Why Doesn't Grandpa Remember My Name?
Alzheimer's is sometimes difficult to understand as adults, but sometimes we forget how confusing it can be for a child when grandma or grandpa is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Children do not understand why their grandparent is suddenly becoming more and more forgetful. So it is very important for us to be able to explain it to them in a way that they can understand. One of the most common questions they will ask is can I catch it? The answer is of course no. The simple way of explaining Alzheimer's to young kids is by saying something along the lines of "As we get older sometimes we start to forget things." Make sure they know that just because grandpa can't remember their name it doesn't mean he loves them any less.
Often this sudden change can be scary for children so encourage them to do activities with their grandparent. These activities (depending on the stage of Alzheimer's) can be going out for ice cream, playing a simple card game, reading together, etc.
Just remember keep your explanations nice and simple and think of different activities your child can do with grandpa to keep them engaged with each other.
Children do not understand why their grandparent is suddenly becoming more and more forgetful. So it is very important for us to be able to explain it to them in a way that they can understand. One of the most common questions they will ask is can I catch it? The answer is of course no. The simple way of explaining Alzheimer's to young kids is by saying something along the lines of "As we get older sometimes we start to forget things." Make sure they know that just because grandpa can't remember their name it doesn't mean he loves them any less.
Often this sudden change can be scary for children so encourage them to do activities with their grandparent. These activities (depending on the stage of Alzheimer's) can be going out for ice cream, playing a simple card game, reading together, etc.
Just remember keep your explanations nice and simple and think of different activities your child can do with grandpa to keep them engaged with each other.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Caregiver Activities for the Week
Monday: Today I want you to try something new that isn't usually involved in your routine. This can be something as simple as eating at a new place or trying a new activity. Then write down how it was and your feelings about it.
Tuesday: Today I want you to make a commitment to work harder to preserve the memories you are currently making. For example, take more pictures, video things, write letters, etc. These will be priceless to you someday.
Wednesday: Go take a walk today and just enjoy the outdoors.
Thursday: Plan something fun for you and your loved one to do this weekend. This doesn't have to be anything real elaborate, just something that the two of you would enjoy doing.
Friday: "Writing is the ax that breaks the frozen sea within us."- Franz Kafka Take a minute to think about this quote and how the meaning of this has changed to you since you have started your journal.
Saturday: Go out and do the activity you planned on Thursday. Have fun!
Sunday: Make your schedule for next week.
Tuesday: Today I want you to make a commitment to work harder to preserve the memories you are currently making. For example, take more pictures, video things, write letters, etc. These will be priceless to you someday.
Wednesday: Go take a walk today and just enjoy the outdoors.
Thursday: Plan something fun for you and your loved one to do this weekend. This doesn't have to be anything real elaborate, just something that the two of you would enjoy doing.
Friday: "Writing is the ax that breaks the frozen sea within us."- Franz Kafka Take a minute to think about this quote and how the meaning of this has changed to you since you have started your journal.
Saturday: Go out and do the activity you planned on Thursday. Have fun!
Sunday: Make your schedule for next week.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Caregiver Activities for the Week
Monday: Today I want you to write about your favorite event or activity that you did with your loved one last week.
Tuesday: Today take a few moments and call one of your friends and family members you have not gotten to talk to in a while. Then write down what you guys discussed and how you felt after the phonecall.
Wednesday: Ralph Waldo Emmerson said, " Each moment of the year has its own beauty...a picture which was never before and shall never be seen again." Write down your first reaction when you read this quote and use it to remind you how precious each and every moment is.
Thursday: Today I want you sit down and do a fun, small activity with the person you care for. This can be anything from reminiscing to playing cards to watching a favorite tv show together.
Friday: Today get out of the house and go enjoy nature for a little bit. Take a walk or just sit outside and people watch.
Saturday: Today think about something you want to do in the future and start creating a plan on how you will accomplish that.
Sunday: Write out your schedule for the upcoming week.
Tuesday: Today take a few moments and call one of your friends and family members you have not gotten to talk to in a while. Then write down what you guys discussed and how you felt after the phonecall.
Wednesday: Ralph Waldo Emmerson said, " Each moment of the year has its own beauty...a picture which was never before and shall never be seen again." Write down your first reaction when you read this quote and use it to remind you how precious each and every moment is.
Thursday: Today I want you sit down and do a fun, small activity with the person you care for. This can be anything from reminiscing to playing cards to watching a favorite tv show together.
Friday: Today get out of the house and go enjoy nature for a little bit. Take a walk or just sit outside and people watch.
Saturday: Today think about something you want to do in the future and start creating a plan on how you will accomplish that.
Sunday: Write out your schedule for the upcoming week.
Where is the Money Going
There are new scams occurring everyday, and seniors are especially at risk of becoming a victim. The top senior scams are sweepstakes, home improvement, telemarketing, internet scams, and identity theft. Below are ways to help prevent the loved one in your life from getting scammed.
· Get everything in writing-this includes written receipts and estimates for home repairs, financial records, etc.
· Do not give out personal information– such as social security number and birthday
· Discuss the option of assigning a Power of Attorney
· Do research about any company asking for money before your loved one sends the check
Create a support system– it is necessary for seniors to have people in their life that they can trust and talk to about their problems
· Check in frequently– It is very important to visit or call your parent or loved one often so they don’t feel alone and vulnerable. Seniors who feel alone are more susceptible to scams.
· Get everything in writing-this includes written receipts and estimates for home repairs, financial records, etc.
· Do not give out personal information– such as social security number and birthday
· Discuss the option of assigning a Power of Attorney
· Do research about any company asking for money before your loved one sends the check
Create a support system– it is necessary for seniors to have people in their life that they can trust and talk to about their problems
· Check in frequently– It is very important to visit or call your parent or loved one often so they don’t feel alone and vulnerable. Seniors who feel alone are more susceptible to scams.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Does Medicare Cover Your Diabetes?
Let’s face it, Medicare can be confusing! It’s hard to figure out what they will pay for and how much they will pay. We’ll take some of the confusion out of Medicare and Diabetes by considering some frequently asked questions:
Does Medicare pay for Diabetes Screening? Diabetes is when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or has a reduced response to insulin, making your blood sugar too high. Medicare covers a blood sugar screening to check for diabetes if you are considered at risk.
Who’s considered at risk? People with any of the following:
High blood pressure
Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
Obesity
History of high blood sugar
How often are screenings covered? Up to two screenings each year
Who is covered? Individuals at increased risk for diabestes that have any of the previously mentioned risks.
What is the cost? Nothing if you have the Original Medicare Plan
What about diabetes supplies? Glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets may be covered.
What is the cost of supplies? With the Original Medicare Plan you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible
Does Medicare cover Diabetes Self-Management Training? Yes for people with Medicare at risk for complications from diabetes. Your doctor must request this service.
Information from Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).
Does Medicare pay for Diabetes Screening? Diabetes is when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or has a reduced response to insulin, making your blood sugar too high. Medicare covers a blood sugar screening to check for diabetes if you are considered at risk.
Who’s considered at risk? People with any of the following:
High blood pressure
Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
Obesity
History of high blood sugar
How often are screenings covered? Up to two screenings each year
Who is covered? Individuals at increased risk for diabestes that have any of the previously mentioned risks.
What is the cost? Nothing if you have the Original Medicare Plan
What about diabetes supplies? Glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets may be covered.
What is the cost of supplies? With the Original Medicare Plan you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible
Does Medicare cover Diabetes Self-Management Training? Yes for people with Medicare at risk for complications from diabetes. Your doctor must request this service.
Information from Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).
Monday, July 6, 2009
Oral History: Keeping Our Heritage Alive
StoryCorps: Keeping our Heritage Alive
As letter writing has decreased over the years, replaced by technology such as the telephone, e-mail and texting, so has much of the everyday history of Americans. StoryCorps is a publicly funded organization devoted to capturing the experiences of everyday Americans through an ambitious oral history project.
David Isay, Founder of StoryCorps believes, “every body’s story matters and every life is counts.” StoryCorps provides the equipment and support for friends and family members to interview their loved ones and “honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening.” (StoryCorps mission: http://www.storycorps.org/about) Every StoryCorps experience is a conversation between people who care about each other. The conversation is recorded and archived in the Library of Congress for posterity and the participants keep a free compact disc for their own enjoyment and sharing.
StoryCorps began reaching out to Americans with memory loss in 2006, encouraging them to share their stories. This initiative is led by nationally recognized experts in memory loss and the technicians who participate in this program are specially trained to support people with memory loss in telling their stories.
To participate in the StoryCorps project, call StoryCorps or visit the website (www.storycorps.org) to schedule an appointment at a recording location. If there is not a location near you, contact StoryCorps for a Do-It-Yourself kit or rent a Story Kit to produce your piece.
Contact Information:
646-723-7027
www.storycorps.org
StoryCorps
80 Hanson Place, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217
As letter writing has decreased over the years, replaced by technology such as the telephone, e-mail and texting, so has much of the everyday history of Americans. StoryCorps is a publicly funded organization devoted to capturing the experiences of everyday Americans through an ambitious oral history project.
David Isay, Founder of StoryCorps believes, “every body’s story matters and every life is counts.” StoryCorps provides the equipment and support for friends and family members to interview their loved ones and “honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening.” (StoryCorps mission: http://www.storycorps.org/about) Every StoryCorps experience is a conversation between people who care about each other. The conversation is recorded and archived in the Library of Congress for posterity and the participants keep a free compact disc for their own enjoyment and sharing.
StoryCorps began reaching out to Americans with memory loss in 2006, encouraging them to share their stories. This initiative is led by nationally recognized experts in memory loss and the technicians who participate in this program are specially trained to support people with memory loss in telling their stories.
To participate in the StoryCorps project, call StoryCorps or visit the website (www.storycorps.org) to schedule an appointment at a recording location. If there is not a location near you, contact StoryCorps for a Do-It-Yourself kit or rent a Story Kit to produce your piece.
Contact Information:
646-723-7027
www.storycorps.org
StoryCorps
80 Hanson Place, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Caregiver Activities for the Week
Hello! I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. Here are this week's Caregiver Activities.
Monday- Today write about your Fourth of July and how you spent it
Tuesday- Today I want you to do a fun and simple craft project with the person you care for. You will need sponges, paint, blank cards or paper, and blank envelopes. That's right you are going to make your own stationary. Simply dip the sponge into the paint and decorate the cards anyway you like. If you want you can buy sponges in different shapes or cut them yourself.
Wednesday- Today I want you to do a writing exercise with the person you care for. Use the stationary you made on Tuesday, and each of you write a letter about your favorite childhood memory and then share it with each other. Letters make great keepsakes.
Thursday- Joy Harjo said, " As I write I create myself again and again." Since you have been writing in your journal for a few weeks now take a minute today to write down what you have learned about yourself while doing these exercises.
Friday- Go outside today and do your favorite outdoor activity.
Saturday- Try something new today and see what you discover about yourself.
Sunday- Go ahead and write down your schedule for next week, and prioritize.
Monday- Today write about your Fourth of July and how you spent it
Tuesday- Today I want you to do a fun and simple craft project with the person you care for. You will need sponges, paint, blank cards or paper, and blank envelopes. That's right you are going to make your own stationary. Simply dip the sponge into the paint and decorate the cards anyway you like. If you want you can buy sponges in different shapes or cut them yourself.
Wednesday- Today I want you to do a writing exercise with the person you care for. Use the stationary you made on Tuesday, and each of you write a letter about your favorite childhood memory and then share it with each other. Letters make great keepsakes.
Thursday- Joy Harjo said, " As I write I create myself again and again." Since you have been writing in your journal for a few weeks now take a minute today to write down what you have learned about yourself while doing these exercises.
Friday- Go outside today and do your favorite outdoor activity.
Saturday- Try something new today and see what you discover about yourself.
Sunday- Go ahead and write down your schedule for next week, and prioritize.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Do you know what your loved one wants?
An Advanced Medical Directive, also known as a “Living Will” is an important document everyone should know about, especially as a caregiver. Does your loved one have an Advanced Medical Directive? Do you know what an Advanced Medical Directive should contain? I am going to explain what exactly a Living Will is, the vital things you need to consider, and Oklahoma’s regulations.
A Living Will is defined as a declaration to your physician and medical provider stating your preferences for life-prolonging procedures in the event of a terminal condition, persistent unconsciousness, or end stage condition occurs. End stage condition was most recently added, and it is when medical treatment would not be effective.
One of the most common mistakes people make is to wait until they get diagnosed with a condition or become ill before they get a Living Will. The best time to make one is when you are healthy and of sound mind. If you or your loved one does not have a Living Will then you need to make one as soon as possible. The worst situation to end up in is when there is no Living Will and your friends and family are having difficulty making your medical decisions because they do not know what you wanted.
Before you meet with a lawyer to create your Living Will take some time to do research about the pros and cons of life-prolonging procedures. One of the best resources is to talk to your doctor about it, since they know your medical history. Once you feel confident you know about all the available options, meet with a lawyer and sign your Living Will. Once you have a Living Will make one or two copies of it. The original copy should go to your family doctor. You should keep a copy and if you feel comfortable give the second copy to a trusted friend or family member.
Below are Oklahoma’s Requirements regarding a Living Will
· You must be 18 and of sound mind at the time you create the Living Will
· You must have 2 witnesses that are at least 18
· The Living Will isn’t required to be notarized, but it is recommended
· A healthcare agent is not required to sign the form
If you would like to see an example of an Oklahoma Living Will go to http://oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/get_statute?99/Title.63/63-3101.4.html
A Living Will is defined as a declaration to your physician and medical provider stating your preferences for life-prolonging procedures in the event of a terminal condition, persistent unconsciousness, or end stage condition occurs. End stage condition was most recently added, and it is when medical treatment would not be effective.
One of the most common mistakes people make is to wait until they get diagnosed with a condition or become ill before they get a Living Will. The best time to make one is when you are healthy and of sound mind. If you or your loved one does not have a Living Will then you need to make one as soon as possible. The worst situation to end up in is when there is no Living Will and your friends and family are having difficulty making your medical decisions because they do not know what you wanted.
Before you meet with a lawyer to create your Living Will take some time to do research about the pros and cons of life-prolonging procedures. One of the best resources is to talk to your doctor about it, since they know your medical history. Once you feel confident you know about all the available options, meet with a lawyer and sign your Living Will. Once you have a Living Will make one or two copies of it. The original copy should go to your family doctor. You should keep a copy and if you feel comfortable give the second copy to a trusted friend or family member.
Below are Oklahoma’s Requirements regarding a Living Will
· You must be 18 and of sound mind at the time you create the Living Will
· You must have 2 witnesses that are at least 18
· The Living Will isn’t required to be notarized, but it is recommended
· A healthcare agent is not required to sign the form
If you would like to see an example of an Oklahoma Living Will go to http://oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/get_statute?99/Title.63/63-3101.4.html
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