November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a great time to focus on the hard work and sacrifices millions of family caregivers make every day, dedicating their time and energy to taking care of their loved ones. Although the role of family caregiver is critical, it can take its toll. Taking care of a loved […]
Archive | Caregiving
Does Medicare Cover Respite Care?
This is a guest post by Danielle Kunkle Roberts, the co-owner of Boomer Benefits and a Forbes.com Contributor. Her licensed insurance agency specializes in Medicare-insurance related products, helping tens of thousands of clients across 47 states. Many people, at one point or another, will be a caregiver to a family member. Currently, 40.4 million people are […]
Help with the Stress of Caregiving
Here’s a job listing few people would get excited about: 20-100+ hours a week with no pay. Applicant must put the needs of others above their own needs, have physical strength for heavy lifting, a strong stomach to handle bodily fluids, limited or no desire to get outside, an upbeat attitude, ability to thrive with […]
How My Son’s Cancer Inspired Me to Help Patients and Caregivers
Oftentimes, it’s hard for me to believe that on September 19, 2007, my son Zachary lost his life to a terminal brain tumor. As his caregiver, I felt overwhelmed with all that is required to navigate the medical world. My experience inspired me to help patients and caregivers get the best healthcare possible. In June […]
Keeping Your Medical Information Organized Is Easier Than You Think
It’s so easy to be overwhelmed when you, or a loved one, are dealing with a serious medical condition. There are so many things to keep track of, including doctor appointments, test schedules and associated results, medications, and more. This would be hard to manage in the best of circumstances, but when you are stressed […]
Advocating for a Loved One: Caregivers Speak Up!
Advocating for a loved one can make a huge difference in their comfort and care. Sometimes you learn the hard way that your loved one could be suffering unnecessarily. It happened to us. We got the call that nobody wants. Our 95 year old uncle developed pneumonia and may not make it through the weekend. […]
Traveling with an Illness – Plan Ahead for Smooth Sailing
Travel plans in your future? When you, or a loved one, are traveling with an illness, there are important things to consider before you travel. The same goes for those traveling with a serious injury. Whether you are driving to family or flying to an exotic location, do your homework and be prepared. Are your […]
The Value of Disease Management Programs – They’re Worth Their Weight in Gold
Employers – this post on the value of disease management programs is for you. How do you help an employee who is coping with a serious illness or injury? Flowers? A supportive meeting or phone call? Time off from work? All of the above? While all of these things are important, employees can really benefit […]
Concerns for Older Patients. Pay Close Attention.
Managing an illness or injury is tricky in the best of circumstances. There are complicated medication routines and new terminology. You have to make treatment decisions, which can sometimes involve difficult choices. You have to coordinate your care among multiple doctors. All of these tasks must be accomplished while you are feeling ill or in […]