By Nancy Webre, BS, MS It is estimated that half of all Americans are caring for an older loved one while continuing to work outside of the home. Trying to manage a job while simultaneously caregiving for an elderly loved one can be both mentally and physically exhausting, as well as a significant burden to the family providing care. As our population ages, the occurrence of family members caring for [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Aging in Place is defined as the ability to live in one’s own home and community independently, safely and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. Our population is aging and we are all living longer than anyone expected. Baby Boomers (born between 1947 and 1964) are looking at their future as many of them have become caregivers for their parents. Boomers are looking [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS The Sandwich Generation, a new buzz word, refers to caregivers who find themselves squeezed in between caring for younger loved ones such as children, and their elder parents or other elder family members. Currently, the typical American Sandwich Generation caregiver is in their mid-forties, married, employed and cares for his/her family and an elderly parent, usually a mother. Women in the sandwich generation often try [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS For those of us who are fortunate to have one or both parents still living, we are faced with the reality of a role reversal in our relationship. Now it is us, the adult children, who are taking our parents to their doctor’s appointments, managing their healthcare needs, caring for them or making the decision to move them into a facility. Whatever the situation, it [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Caregivers caring for a loved one often don’t recognize when they are in over their heads and often find themselves at a breaking point. After a prolonged period of time, caregiving can become too difficult to endure any longer. Short-term, the caregiver can handle it. Long-term, help is needed. Outside help at this point is needed. A typical pattern with an overloaded caregiver and/or family [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS For older adults, medication non-compliance can be a crisis waiting to happen when doses are skipped or too much medication is taken. According to the American Medical Association, statistics indicate that over 60% of the medications prescribed in the United States are not taken as directed. Further, approximately 25% of all hospital and nursing home admissions each year of people 65 years or older are [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS The challenge of caregiving can be a difficult and demanding job that no one is equipped to handle alone. Even though many families take joy in providing care to their loved one so they are able to remain in the home, the physical, emotional and financial consequences can be overwhelming without support such as respite. Getting help is essential to maintain a caregiver’s health and [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Geriatric Care Management is an emerging profession that has quickly proven to be invaluable for families seeking a straightforward solution to care. Geriatric Care Managers provide assistance for families of aging parents who are overwhelmed, worn out and unsure of how to navigate the health and elder care system while trying to provide quality care for their loved ones. Geriatric Care Managers assist families and [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS If we were to ask an older person what his or her most important concerns for aging are, we would probably get a variety of answers. According to surveys frequently conducted among the elderly, the most likely answers we would receive would include the following three principal concerns or life wishes: Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others. Maintaining good health and receiving [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Making the decision to hire an in home care agency to provide care for your loved one is an important decision and can, at the same time be very difficult. Home care is a broad range of professional/non-professional health care and support services provided in people’s homes. People who are recovering from an illness or accident, disabled, chronically or terminally ill, most often use these [ READ MORE ... ]