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CareZone: Eldercare Harbinger of Hope (Part 2)

Continued from CareZone: Eldercare Harbinger of Hope (Part 1)
World’s Oldest Social Network
Jonathan Schwartz, the former chief executive of Sun Microsystems and co-founder of CareZone, says, ”The world’s oldest social network is the one you were born into – your family.”  The New York Times calls Care-Zone the “Anti-Facebook”.  How refreshing–a social network that doesn’t blab your private business to… More

CareZone: Eldercare Harbinger of Hope (Part 1)

Seeking Better Ideas for Caregiving
In 2004 the increasing frailty of my parents dramatically changed my life.  After 28 years working in the New York metro area (first in the arts and later in bleeding edge software development), I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I grew into my role as primary family caregiver, a role I maintained for the succeeding seven years.  As I learned about caregiving, I changed my career trajectory to address problems I experienced, and committed myself… More

Respect Stress Symptoms

Chronic Stress Takes a Toll
Last Friday, was a double whammy of good news.  The repainting and renovations for my new home (Phase 1) ended and the sale of the property to fund the extreme move from Dallas to Ann Arbor  was actually completed.  I realized that months of chronic stress, even good stress, had taken its toll when I could not even summon the energy to yell, “Wahoo!”  I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for a week.
When the responsibilities of daily… More

Chronic Stress Damages Caregiver Health

In this video clip from CBS Nightly News, Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports on the physical impact of stress on caregivers. She has some good recommendations to combat that stress such as remaining active, having a spiritual life, spending time alone, and building a support community.
She also says it is important to ask for specific help–something that another person can actually do. And when that person is willing to help, take it!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world… More

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ADVOCACY FORUM (D.C.)

 
ALZHEIMER’S CAN’T WAIT!
In April I joined a record number of Alzheimer’s advocates from all 50 states in Washington D.C. to advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  On the final day of the Forum we met with more than 440 congressional offices to deliver our message:
“Alzheimer’s Can’t Wait!”
The event received local and national media coverage. Thousands of people have taken action by calling Congress… More

BEST RX FOR CAREGIVER BURNOUT

YOU ONLY THINK YOU CAN HANDLE IT
I wish I had better news than what I am about to tell you.  My prescription for caregiver burnout is the last thing you want to hear. I wish it was a pill, a massage, eating right, or Me time.  Those all may help.  Sadly, the best way to manage care giver burnout is EXERCISE.  Sorry.  I wish you could simply flop on the sofa.
I took on the family caregiver role voluntarily. I had the ability to be to be calm, poised, and an ace in a crisis.  I never lost my… More

COPING STRATEGIES FOR STRESS–BY THE BEST

Wisdom and humor from the late, great George Carlin.  Caregivers: Print out this list and keep it where you can see it.

Throw out nonessential numbers:  age, weight, and height.
Keep only cheerful friends.  The grouches pull you down.
Keep learning.
Enjoy the simple things.
Laugh often and loud.
Endure, grieve, and move on.
Be alive while you are alive.
Surround yourself with what you love: family, friends, music, art,  pets, chocolates.
Your home is your refuge.
Cherish… More

CAREGIVER STRESS

Someone needs to care for the caregiver.  Sometimes the only person around is you.  Here are some practical suggestions

 … More

STRESS COPING STRATEGIES: A DOG’S VIEWPOINT

Both animals and laughter help relieve stress. Enjoy this silly video on stress coping strategies from a dog’s point of view.… More