According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, advocacy is: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal: the act or process of advocating something What does advocacy really mean in daily life? And why would someone need the services of a paid advocate? Most adults advocate for themselves and their loved ones without really being aware they are doing it. Yet, when advocacy is lacking, … [Read more...]
Accompanying your Parent to a Doctor’s Appointment (Free Guide)
You've decided you should go with your Mom or Dad to their next doctor's appointment. Maybe you've asked about recent appointments and Mom can't tell you how it went in much detail. Or, maybe you've found a note for a follow up test that Dad never did. Health care is so important to the well-being and continued independence of your older loved one. You want to make the most of your time with … [Read more...]
What can a Geriatric Care Manager do for You?
A geriatric care manager can bring your loved one the support they need while relieving the caregiving stress in your life! At Care is There, the client families we serve finally can relax and know that a caring team -- led by their Care is There geriatric care manager - is nearby to help their loved one live a great life of independence, vitality, and connection! Read this pertinent article … [Read more...]
The Intimacy of Caregiving
I knocked on the door - no answer. I called - no answer. His newspaper was still by the door. I asked if the  neighbors had seen him. No. I was checking in on a new 90-year-old client while his family was away for the weekend. On Saturday everything went as planned - he greeted me warmly at the door. I saw him take his medications and stayed a while to be sure he got breakfast and was … [Read more...]
Joy with Our Mothers Now
I spoke on Jennifer Till's radio show about how we can miss the joy of "now" with our mothers by relating to them based on past experiences. (Click here to listen to a recording of that episode of "Real Life with Jennfer Till.") Perhaps we had difficult childhood experiences with our mothers that we haven't fully forgotten. It can even be positive memories from the past that distract of from … [Read more...]
How a Trip to the Hairdresser Can Change Everything
Today I took a client to the hairdresser. That was a giant victory because this very frail and very proud lady rarely lets anyone do anything for her. Then we had lunch (something she rarely does anymore) and picked up light bulbs for her nightlights and a battery for the radio beside her bed. So what? So EVERYTHING! At the end of this visit, my client held my hand in her arthritically … [Read more...]
The Hidden Costs of Caregiving, from the Wall Street Journal
This is a good article from the Wall Street Journal about all the various costs of trying to do caregiving all by yourself. At Care is There, we see one thing consistently after caregiving families start working with geriatric care managers like ourselves. Relief! What a joy to know your loved one can receive what they need without you having to give up what you need! How sweet to realize … [Read more...]
Senior Citizens and Driving: Dementia – What if My Parent Forgets They Can’t Drive?
Are you worried that your elderly parent can no longer drive safely? This series of articles tells you what you can do, including: What the law says about elderly drivers. The process and implications of reporting an unsafe elderly driver. How driving skills are assessed for senior citizens. Can my loved one improve their skills and regain their driver’s license? How to talk to your elderly … [Read more...]
Senior Citizens and Driving: Life After Driving
Are you worried that your elderly parent can no longer drive safely? This series of articles tells you what you can do, including: What the law says about elderly drivers. The process and implications of reporting an unsafe elderly driver. How driving skills are assessed for senior citizens. Can my loved one improve their skills and regain their driver’s license? How to talk to your elderly … [Read more...]
Create a Long Distance Caregiving Team in Six Easy Steps
Long distance caregivers with elderly parents who are aging in place can worry less if they create a caregiving team managed by a geriatric care manager. For many families, an in-home caregiving team can be a cost effective way to preserve independent living until assisted living becomes necessary. You can reduce caregiver stress while supporting your parents’ independent living by following these … [Read more...]