Caregiver and elder care article directory

My articles on caregiving...

...This group of articles is about hospitalization and beyond

Things I wish I'd known about being a caregiver

I've been caring for my now 95 year old mom for 5 years. My path has been wandering as I tried to figure out how to best care for her. In this Squidoo article, I document the things I wish I had known early on in my caregiving career.

Helping a hospitalized senior citizen

I always stay with my elderly Mom every minute I can in the hospital, including sleeping there overnight. The elderly should never be left alone in a hospital.

Choosing hospice - is it the right choice?

This one came to me while I was sitting in my Mom's hospital room very late at night. I knew that I needed more support than I currently had and was considering signing her up for hospice. It's the best thing I've done so far in my caregiver career!

When death looms

This article was written as a result of some research I did about the dying process in the elderly. I started off wanting information so I knew the signs and symptoms of dying to look for and then just became totally fascinated by the whole dying process.

The importance of routines when caring for the elderly

Routines may make the difference between a contented senior citizen and a confused one.

American attitudes toward the elderly

American attitudes toward the elderly (let me put it succinctly) suck...

Helping the bedridden

Mom broke her hip so here we sit - she's bedridden so I am trying to figure out how to help keep her mentally stimulated.

Adjusting the elderly to nursing home rehabilitation

Mom broke her hip 11/11/11 (wasn't such a lucky day for us....). I've had an entire education since that time about how to care for someone in rehab. You'll find loads of tips and things you might not think about in this Squidoo article.

Preventing falls in the elderly

Poor Mom feel 11/11/11 so, before I bring her home from rehabilitation, I have to "Gertie-proof" my house. Here's how I intent to prevent future falls.

Additional excellent resources for those loving a senior citizen

How to visit an Alzheimer's patient

This article is written from a personal perspective - the author's father had this devastating disease. There's some great tips in here for not only visiting an Alzheimer's patient but anyone with a failing memory.

Additional resources for caregivers of aging parents

Go Pop? Go here and see some other supportive articles to help.

Hospital beds for home use

A hospital bed just might make the difference between a restless night or a restful night for your favorite senior citizen.

How to choose a wheelchair

I chose a companion chair for Mom (small wheels and only 20 lbs) as I knew she'd never be wheeling herself. She loves it!

Caregiver stress syndrome?

Got stress? Well, I know I do. This excellent article documents the symptoms of caregiver stress and how to deal with it. I'll re-read it when I get a moment....

The Elderly End Game

This poignant article is a must read for anyone loving a senior citizen. Beautifully written, it will really bring tears to your eyes.

Handicap bathroom needs for a senior citizen

The bathroom is a dangerous place to a senior citizen but you can make it more safe by adding in just a few modifications.

Handicap Walker Reviews

Handicap Walkers

My mom has used a walker for the last 8 years or so. We've gone through quite a few until we found just the right one that met her current needs. This lens gives an overview of 2, 3 or 4-wheel handicap walkers.

The Duro-Med 3-Wheel Rollator

The first in my series of walker product reviews, the Duro-Med 3-Wheel Rollator is a walker for those not needing full support. This walker is as well suited to rolling around a park as heading to the kitchen. Check out the product specifications and see if it isn't just the right walker for your loved one.

Hugo Elite walker

This Hugo Elite walker is my favorite 4 wheel walker. It's even got a seat for when you tire and a saddlebag to carry a picnic lunch.

The Duro-Med 2 button adjustable folding walker

This is the walker my Mom uses. In fact, we have two of them - one for each floor of the house.

Drive Medical Fly Weight Transport Chair

This is the wheelchair we have - it's a companion chair so has small wheels and is very light - just 18 lbs.

Little known facts about issues that affect the elderly

Incontinence in the elderly

This article deals with a sort of taboo subject of incontinence. But, sh*t happens...

Pneumonia symptoms in the elderly

After mom was hospitalized for 7 days with pneumonia, I started to do research. She probably had it for a while but was asymptomatic. This article is a must read for anyone dealing with the elderly.

Causes of dementia in the elderly

This article continues to grow as I find additional things that can cause some kookoo talk in your favorite senior citizen.

Senior citizen dental care

Poor mom lost her first tooth at 94...

Preventing bedsores in the elderly

Bedsores can become life-threatening if not treated properly. This article details the prevention of bedsores also.

Senior citizen dental care

Dental care remains important (and perhaps even more so) as we age.

American attitudes toward the elderly

As Americans, we fail at cherishing our elderly citizens.

And, on the lighter side of things....

Caring for the elderly - birdwatching from a lazy boy recliner

Mom is mostly in her chair in the living room during the day so I set up a bird feeder to keep her mind engaged.

Senior citizen gift ideas

There's a few interesting gifts that you might not have thought of in this lens.

Good gifts for caregivers

Let's not forget to thank your favorite caregiver!

Senior Citizen Crafts

Here's a list of ideas about how to keep the elderly entertained and active in a crafty way.

Coloring fun for senior citizens

Coloring isn't just for kids anymore if you search out some interesting patterns and coloring pages for senior citizens.