Category Archives: Caregiver Corner

Photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/dot.the.kitten

Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes, and so do the miracles that inspire our devotion. We found today’s inspiration in the touching story of a sweet kitten named Little Dot. Little Dot was born with Spina Bifida, a rare birth defect involving the spinal column that occurs during pregnancy. In Dot’s case, her vertebral arch was unable to fuse normally, leaving her incontinent and without the use of her hind legs.

Little Dot doesn’t let her disability stop her, and loves to play, climb, chase and cuddle like any other kitten! She often wears diapers and uses little wheelchair designed for her tiny frame. Check out this cute video of her playing with a ribbon:

Thanks to Tabby’s Place Cat Sanctuary, she was recently adopted into a loving home with people who are prepared to care for her special needs. See more photos and videos of Little Dot exploring the world on her Facebook page.

Do you have a special caregiving story to share? We’d love to hear it!

For more information about Spina Bifida, visit the Spina Bifida Association. Find the latest caregiver resources and support in Total HomeCare Supplies’ Caregiver Corner.

Best Holiday Gifts for Caregivers

Posted by Brooke Phillips on December 11, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Finding the right gift for someone you love can be a challenge. Caregivers devote so much time, love and attention to those in their care that often they have little free time to themselves. The best holiday gift for the caregiver in your life may simply be help from friends and family – but how do you turn that help into a stocking-stuffer?

The Alzheimer’s Association has created an easy, printable Caregiver Coupon Book for the holiday season! Just click, print, and present in any way you wish. Caregiver coupons include:

A Home-Cooked Meal
A Free Day of Caregiving for “Me Time” or Time with Friends
30 Minutes of Relaxation
A Helpline Call on Behalf of the Caregiver
3 Hours of Respite Care
Chauffeur for the Day
Coffee Breaks and more!

To download the complete Caregivers Coupon Book, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Blog, or download this Alzheimer’s Association Holiday Coupon Book in PDF format.

For more Caregiver support and resources, visit Caregiver Corner on the TotalHomeCareSupplies Blog.

Caregiver Resources: 5 Work At Home Jobs to Explore

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 13, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

For many caregivers, juggling work and caregiving is extremely stressful. From attending regular doctor’s appointments to arranging interim care, caregivers frequently struggle to maintain a traditional work schedule. Thankfully, there are growing opportunities for professionals who need flexible schedules to work from home.

Here are five examples of jobs you can do from home:

Telecommuting: Between the internet and advanced mobile technology, millions of office workers now have the ability to telecommute. For family caregivers, telecommuting can offer significant advantages, including the flexibility to schedule your time around your loved one’s needs without having to take sick days or vacation time in order to ferry a loved one to and from doctor’s appointments. In addition, the time and money that would otherwise be spent getting dressed up and commuting is more quality time that can be spent with a loved one. The work still needs to get done, however, and a caregiver must be able to set aside time that is free from distraction, which can be a challenge.
Owning an online store: Are you an artist or designer who has always wanted to open up your own store? If you’ve toyed with the idea, but have never had the time or money to set up a business, sites such as Etsy.com and Ebay.com offer the opportunity to sell your creations online. Etsy specializes in virtual store owners who sell unique handmade crafts and vintage items. Ebay is a larger, more varied marketplace. Sites like these normally charge users a small fee to set up their online “shop” and post their products, or they might take a percentage of a product’s final selling price.
Freelancing: If you have a skill (writing, editing, photography, etc.) that you can market à la carte, consider a career as a self-employed professional. Being a freelancer means that you have the freedom to pick and choose which jobs and projects (usually short-term) you’re willing or able to take on. Online directories such as Elance.com or Arise.com post freelance jobs. You can also post your skill (teaching photoshop, for example) on local bulletin boards or in coffee shops or school newsletters.
Online or In-Home tutoring: For students of all ages, there is always the need for tutors. If you’ve got any kind of teaching experience, or if you are skilled in a subject (math, writing, Spanish, etc.) and enjoy helping people, look into virtual tutoring opportunities. Websites like Tutor.com can provide information on online tutoring options, and school bulletin boards, newsletters and local papers could all provide opportunities to connect with those seeking home tutor assistance.
Translating: Fluency in a foreign language is a highly valued skill! Both national and international companies often jump at the chance to have their text transformed from one language to another. Check out web directories for freelance work, such as Elance.com, for sections that include online translation job postings. A foreign language skill is a valuable commodity to many companies who wish to offer bilingual services to their customers as well. Consider applying to work for individual corporations as a remote bilingual customer service representative.

For more health information and caregiver resources, visit our Caregiver Corner blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Care More. Spend Less. Save Now.

Breastfeeding May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk in Mothers

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 6, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Read the First Comment

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia with no known cause or cure. This neurological condition causes brain cells to degenerate and die, leading to a decline in memory function and thinking skills.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers from the University of Cambridge have found a link between breastfeeding and a woman’s Alzheimer’s risk later in life. The research group interviewed 81 women aged 70 and above, and found that women who breastfed their infants had a lower risk of the disease. Breastfeeding mothers who had no history of dementia in their families saw the biggest benefit, while those with a family history of dementia saw a smaller – but still noticeable – benefit.

According to the study,”Breastfeeding practices are an important modifier of…hormone exposure for mothers. Ovarian hormone deprivation and/or insulin sensitivity benefits of breastfeeding may be responsible for the…reduction in AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) risk.” The study found a direct corrolation between the length of time the mother breastfed and the reduction of her risk.

Previous studies have already established that breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of other diseases, including overall cognitive decline. Among other conclusions, the possibility of breastfeeding as a cheap and easy way to reduce Alzheimer’s risk in women will demand further study.

“Alzheimer’s is the world’s most common cognitive disorder and it already affects 35.6 million people,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Molly Fox, in a press release. “It is vital that we develop low-cost, large-scale strategies to protect people against this devastating disease.”

Source information can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the University of Cambridge and on FoxNews.com.

For more health information and caregiver resources, visit our Caregiver Corner blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Care More. Spend Less. Save Now.

Caregiver Resources: Locator Apps for Wandering Loved Ones

Posted by Morgan Mooney on July 16, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Safety and Security for Wandering Seniors and Youth

Have you ever felt guilty that your loved one with dementia is losing their quality of life? Do you feel uncomfortable leaving them alone, or allowing them any freedom of their own? These days technological advances are allowing rapid communication for people of all ages, and interactive maps and location services can help anyone find their destination. These tools utilize GPS navigation with location-based mapping, which basically is able to detect a device’s current location.

With these advancements, there have been numerous applications, or “apps”, developed for wireless devices that will help locate another device. Some of these apps are designed specifically for dementia patients and other wandering diagnoses such as autism.

Comfort Zone is an app created by the Alzheimer’s Association that can detect where the user is at all times. Comfort Zone will notify family members or caregivers of their location and if they go out of a designated area.

WanderID was constructed to create a database for lost children. Those who enroll can take photos of their loved ones to put them into the system. If the child is found by someone, those first responders can take a photo, upload it to WanderID and the facial recognition software will match the photos and help return them home.

Chinese Law Brings Families Closer Together

Posted by Morgan Mooney on July 15, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Read the First Comment

Emotional Support for Elderly Parents

Does life sometimes get in the way of putting family first? Despite our best intentions, sometimes we forget to make time for those who raised us. In China, lawmakers identified this as a growing problem and decided to mandate for adults to visit their aging parents – or risk being sued and facing penalties. While the law did not specify how often they must visit or clarify the penalties, the government still hopes to see a rise in positive caregiving for the aging population.

The purpose of the law is primarily to raise awareness, as well as to stress the right of the elderly to reach out for emotional support. “We want to emphasize there is such a need,” said a Shandong University Law Professor, one of those who drafted the law. Life expectancy in China has grown exponentially within the last 5 decades (41 to 73 years), and the percentage of the population aged 60 and above will reach 35% of the population by 2053. With this shift, a growing part of the population will increasingly be in need of family caregivers, due to few affordable alternatives such as retirement homes. Simultaneously, the younger population has grown accustomed to moving away from the home to pursue careers. These laws are meant to help the elderly, but may seem unreasonable to the younger population who is affected.

As the baby boomers become senior citizens, the United States is similarly affected with a growing elderly population as the percentage of those 65+ will grow from 12.9% to 19% by 2030 (statistics provided by: Administration on Aging). More parents and seniors will be in need of assistance, and the job field of gerontology will be in high demand. It is important to recognize these facts to ensure our aging population will get the support they deserve in the future.

Dancing Improves Overall Health: Senior Edition

Posted by Morgan Mooney on June 26, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Dance Provides Health Benefits for all Ages

” …there is relatively strong evidence that dancing can significantly improve the aerobic power, muscle endurance, strength, and flexibility of the lower body; static and dynamic balance/agility; and gait speed of older adults. “

– Keogh, J.W.L, et al., Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

Whether you think you have rhythm or not, getting up and moving your feet to your favorite song may prove to be more beneficial than you thought. Dance is a form of expression that can bring forth laughter, smiles and happiness. Dance brings people together and encourages social support while encouraging physical activity. The health benefits of dance are undeniable. According to Carol Cummings, BSN, RN, Certified Wellness Coach, there are numerous benefits of dance, including lessening the effects of some chronic diseases:

Improved Posture
Stronger bones and muscles
Reduced Stress, increased joy
Confidence

Here are some types of dance that my elicit different health benefits:

Ballroom dancing. While dancing is fun and a time to let loose, ballroom dancing takes a certain amount of concentration to remember each step and prevent you from stepping on your partners toes. This experience lessens the risk of dementia in old age by keeping the mind active and focused.

Argentine Tango. This specialized form of partner dance reaps numerous benefits. The tango is a fast paced, intricate dance that includes many sharp movements. These details have proven to show improvements in Parkinson’s disease patients by increasing mobility and balance. Read more here: Washington University in St. Louis.

Waltz. According to a study conducted by the American Heart Association, those with chronic heart disease who participated in dance for exercise showed dramatic increases in functionality and quality of life. The patients were more likely to participate in physical activity because it was fun, which in turn increased their arterial capacity.

Retirement: Start saving now!

Posted by Morgan Mooney on June 20, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Are you ready for retirement?

As we approach late adulthood, many of us avoid thinking about the future. However, retirement takes many years of preparation in order to ensure that you and your loved ones remain financially stable into your golden years. It’s never too early to start thinking about retirement! According to Charles Schwab, the majority of Americans between the ages of 55-70 confidently estimate that they have adequately prepared for their post-work years. However, many people who are as little as 5 years away from retirement have not yet begun to implement a plan. Overconfidence on this topic can be detrimental to a happy and healthy retirement.

If you haven’t started planning, don’t get discouraged. It is never too late to jump start a plan for your future! The goal is to set aside the right percentage of funds so that you can live as comfortably as you do now on a smaller income. However, with old age comes declining health and a bucket list that may include some expensive stops along the way. Here are a few points to help you set up a plan that will work for you:

Consider healthcare costs. Unfortunately with age comes a physical and cognitive decline. This is something imperative for people to think about when forming a retirement plan. Healthcare needs can be unpredictable regardless of how healthy a lifestyle you live. The possibilty of moving into a nursing facility after retirement is not farfetched, and definitely not cheap.

Examine current resources. In order to maintain a stable quality of life in retirement, you’ll need annual income equivalent to at least 80% of your pre-retirement income. With so many ‘baby boomers’ approaching retirement, government resources will be divided among the aging population more than ever before. Some who plan to retire know that they will have to have at least a part time job to support themselves, but for others that is not an ideal option. It is important to rely only on yourself to provide the funds for an enjoyable retirement.

Prepare for the lifestyle. When most people dream about retirement, they may picture themselves attending the nearby country club, or embarking on a European adventure. In order to fulfill those dreams, you must allot that money early on. Other simple lifestyle factors may also dwindle your funds unexpectedly, such as eating out more and spoiling grandchildren. The considerations for retirement go deeper than simply providing a roof over your head and food on the table. Part of adequately preparing for retirement means understanding your spending habits and accurately budgeting for how much income you’ll need. If you don’t have a retirement plan in place, it’s time to prepare now.

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