Caregiving Basics
Caregiving QuestionsChallenging RelationshipsRomantic
What advice would you give to a soon-to-be married couple?

What advice would you give to a soon-to-be married couple?

Hello! My name is Annette Kuiper. I’ve been blessed from the Lord to be married for 3 years now to a my husband, Tim. I’m 28 years old and am the oldest of 5 children. I’ve grown up in Michigan all my life. My younger brother is getting married this year, and I came up with a letter called “Advice From Your Older Sister”. It was meant to bring up subjects to think and talk about as he is anticipating married life. Now they might help you as well.

Caregiving Questions
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

Caregiving Questions
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.

CancerCaregiving Questions
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.

Caregiving QuestionsDeath
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.

Aging & ElderlyAlzheimer's DiseaseCaregiving Questions
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.