Little Becomes Big
Over and over, I am learning that our caregiving doesn’t have to be polished, perfect and profound. I believe that...
Little Becomes Big
Caregiving Basics
Wisdom For Death Of A Spouse
Wisdom For Death Of A Spouse
Additional Wisdom for the Caregiver - Death of a Spouse One of the most significant gestures of caring came from my...
How can I approach caring for someone who won’t accept my help?
How can I approach caring for someone who won’t accept my help?
Dear Karen:
My sister Tess is a diabetic and has been hospitalized frequently. She recently had a foot amputated and is struggling to regain her mobility and independence. Tess lives alone and has frequently denied that she needs help, but visiting her apartment it is apparent she needs help. What would be the best way to approach this subject her? We all love her and want to help her recover. - Bobbie
What can we do to care for a family while their loved one is away serving our country?
What can we do to care for a family while their loved one is away serving our country?
The girl that grew up next door to us has been going through this. I usually talk to her once a week, and some of her friends do really nice things for her: They have helped her with car pooling her kids, and have invited her kids to dinner, but not her, so she had some time off. Two of her friends took her on a special weekend outing for her wedding anniversary, and her mom took take care of her kids.
How can we care for a person with cancer?
How can we care for a person with cancer?
How can we care for a person with cancer? Ask Important Questions! Ask, “How are you, today?” and also ask, “What’s going to be the hard part for you?” Be sincere and show them that what they are going through is important to you. Tell them you’re coming over …. Then visit them. Be creative with special treats and conversations that will brighten their days. Even if they say they don’t need anything, that’s when they will most appreciate that you are there.
How do I help my sister who’s son was killed 4 years ago?
How do I help my sister who’s son was killed 4 years ago?
Dear Karen:
My sister's son was involved in a gang and was killed 4 years ago. She has not moved forward in her life and is still so crushed by this tragedy. She nor he is/was a believer so it is hard for me to give her comfort. I just let her know I love her but as far as heaven there is no hope. What can I share with her to help her to move forward and try to maybe use this to help others.
What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?
What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?
Dear Karen,
How do I know if my mom has Alzheimer’s disease? What are some of the early signs of this disease? -Betty
Dear Betty:
Good question, Betty. Many people, including myself, want to know what signs to look for. For wisdom on this subject I went to wonderful resource, Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. Frank Broyles, is Athletic Director Emeritus for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. His wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Frank says, “I had many questions and spent a lot of time looking for answers. What I learned is contained in my book, Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.”
One of the first topics which Coach Broyles deals with in his book is what signs to look for.
What advice do you give to an adult son who is being abused by his mother?
What advice do you give to an adult son who is being abused by his mother?
Dear Karen,
I have a friend who's elderly mother has always been emotionally controlling, abusive and just down right mean. I would describe her as "toxic", just full of venom. She seems to have never learned any other way to get her needs met. I would say she is mentally ill. Her son, my friend, is the only family member willing to make sure she is cared for. What is your advice for the son in this case... day after day, week after week subjected to the assaults to his heart, soul and humanity as he tries to do the right thing for his mother? - Sarah
