This section contains detailed, helpful articles written by experts to provide Caregivers with useful information to make caregiving less stressful. The articles address topics that cover a wide range of common issues Caregivers encounter when providing assistance.

Legal Issues:
 
These articles are available to view, download, and print in PDF format. Simply click on the title of the article.

""The Message Heard Around The World: I Would Rather Live In the Community."" 

""Storing Your Personal Medical Records."" Individuals have begun to store their own medical records because of the threat of loosing them during hurricanes and the inability of doctors and hospitals to communicate with oneanother.  This article will help you start the process and offers links to websites that allow you to store your records "privately".

"Falls Prevention Brochure Home safety evaluation." 

""Reflections on The Issue of Competence.""  One of the most difficult things a person may have to do is decide whether a loved one or friend continues to be capable of making important decisions for themselves. The question of competence frequently comes up when you spend time with an aging loved one and can observe his/her behaviors and abilities. Determining whether an individual can make independent decisions is complicated by the fact that decision making requires a cluster of abilities and falls along a continuum: individuals may be able to make good decisions for themselves about some things but not others (dinner but not finances), and their abilities may vary from day to day (use of medications, illness).  This article describes ways to determine whether someone is or is not capable of making decisions and provides an easy to use tool that you can use as a guide to help you begin to determine if an adult can function safely. 

""Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burden?"" by Elizabeth Gonzalez, Ph.D., R.N., C.S.  In the United States, it is estimated that 50 million people per year are actively involved in caregiving; assuming the roles of service provider, companion, advocate, and decision-maker.  That number is expected to rise significantly as baby boomers live longer in the community. Becoming an informal (unpaid) Caregiver is a transition that requires a restructuring of a person’s goals, daily activities, and responsibilities. Because caregiving can affect the quality of life and well being of a Caregiver, it is critical that family Caregivers recognize the emotional cues of burden.  This article identifies some of these cues and offers Caregivers suggestions on how to obtain effective assistance.  There is also a tool included to help you determine if you are experiencing burden.

""Difficult Transitions From Hospital Back To Home"" by Diane Walker, RN, MS, John Dystel Nurse Fellow of the National MS Society, General Manager, GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE.  Getting home after a hospitalization can be an anxiety-filled experience today.  The process used to prepare families for their new caregiving responsibilties is woefully inadequate and can lead to life threatening outcomes.  This article identifies new websites that offer helpful information and also details guidelines for selecting a home care agency when non-medical assistance is necessary.

"Depression: How "Chronic Sadness" Negatively Impacts Quality of Life." by Diane Walker, RN, MS, John Dystel Nurse Fellow of the National MS Society, General Manager, GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE.  Depression affects approximately 20% of adults over 65 years of age.  Among older adults, depression is particularly disabling and it often goes undiagnosed and/or treated inappropriately.  This article explores the difference between sadness, grief and depression; the ways depression impacts a person's quality of life; and the ways it can be effectively treated. 

"Maximizing Your Retirement Independence." 

"Caring For a Loved One From A Distance" 

"Don't Wait: Preventing Caregiver Burnout" 

"The Need For Adult Immunization." 

"How Hospice Care Can Help When A Loved One Is Dying." 

"Ten Tips For Working With Formal, Professional Caregivers." 

"The Concerns With Hiring A Caregiver Privately." 

"The Six Dimensions of Wellness." 

"Healthy Living: The Nutritional Needs of Older Adults." 

"Understanding Dementia and The Care Needs Of A Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease." Dementia is a general category of brain disorders that can affect a person’s ability to think, speak, reason, remember and move. It is predicted that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will reach epidemic levels as baby boomers live longer. This article presents a general overview of the diagnosis, current treatment options, caregiving strategies for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and available resources.

"Are You Worried About A Loved One Who Lives Alone?" The current 65+ generation is living at home long after retirement age and in record numbers. Children who live quite some distance away from aging parents can use visits to evaluate how their parents are doing living independently. The article identifies five areas to evaluate on your next visit.

"Falls Are The Leading Cause of Accidential Death In Older Adults: Let's Prevent Them." Falls are the most common life-threatening hazard to the health status and independence of adults over the age of 65. falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and can result in head and soft tissue trauma and fractures. Over half of adults hospitalized for hip fracture cannot return home and 25% never live independently again. This article describes the leading cause of falls and steps you can take to reduce them.

"Reflections on The Issue of Competence." One of the most difficult things a person may have to do is decide whether a loved one or friend continues to be capable of making important decisions for themselves. The question of competence frequently comes up when you spend time with an aging loved one and can observe his/her behaviors and abilities. Determining whether an individual can make independent decisions is complicated by the fact that decision making requires a cluster of abilities and falls along a continuum: individuals may be able to make good decisions for themselves about some things but not others (dinner but not finances), and their abilities may vary from day to day (use of medications, illness). This article describes ways to determine whether someone is or is not capable of making decisions and provides an easy to use tool that you can use as a guide to help you begin to determine if an adult can function safely.

""Maximizing Your Retirement Independence."" 

"Storing Your Personal Medical Records." Individuals have begun to store their own medical records because of the threat of loosing them during hurricanes and the inability of doctors and hospitals to communicate with oneanother. This article will help you start the process and offers links to websites that allow you to store your records "privately".

"How to Find A Quality Home Care Company" This article identifies major points to include in your selection of a home care company.  Easy to use tool included.

""Elder Abuse: Private Shame, Public Disgrace."" 

""Protecting Yourself And Your Loved Ones: Legal Documents You Want To Consider."" 

""The Need For Criminal Background Checks.""