Supporting Families and Caregivers
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can have high physical, emotional, and financial costs.
The demands of day-to-day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Researchers are learning a lot about Alzheimer’s caregiving, and studies are helping experts develop new ways to support caregivers.
Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy. Programs that teach families about the various stages of Alzheimer’s and about flexible and practical strategies for dealing with difficult caregiving situations provide vital help to those who care for people with Alzheimer’s.
Developing good coping skills and a strong support network of family and friends also are important ways that caregivers can help themselves handle the stresses of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. For example, staying physically active provides physical and emotional benefits.
Some Alzheimer’s caregivers have found that participating in a support group is a critical lifeline. These support groups allow caregivers to find respite, express concerns, share experiences, get tips, and receive emotional comfort.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, and many other organizations sponsor in-person and online support groups across the country. There are a growing number of groups for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and their families.
Support networks can be especially valuable when caregivers face the difficult decision of whether and when to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
For more information about at-home caregiving, see Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/CaringAD."
Receive four FREE gifts for caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sanadra - Caregiver Guru
Showing posts with label caring for aging parents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label caring for aging parents. Show all posts
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Alzheimer's Disease-Mild, Moderate and Severe
November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month. Here's more information from the National Institute on Aging on mild, moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer's Disease.
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
"As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory loss continues and changes in other cognitive abilities appear. Problems can include getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, poor judgment, and small mood and personality changes. People often are diagnosed in this stage. "
Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
"In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion increase, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (such as getting dressed), or cope with new situations. They may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and may behave impulsively. "
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
"By the final stage, plaques and tangles have spread throughout the brain and brain tissue has shrunk significantly. People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down. "
I have written about my personal experiences with my mother and step-father, who were both diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, in my latest book Baby Boomers--Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving. Get your copy now for only $20 at http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
"As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory loss continues and changes in other cognitive abilities appear. Problems can include getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, poor judgment, and small mood and personality changes. People often are diagnosed in this stage. "
Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
"In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion increase, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (such as getting dressed), or cope with new situations. They may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and may behave impulsively. "
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
"By the final stage, plaques and tangles have spread throughout the brain and brain tissue has shrunk significantly. People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down. "
I have written about my personal experiences with my mother and step-father, who were both diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, in my latest book Baby Boomers--Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving. Get your copy now for only $20 at http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Monday, November 1, 2010
Advancing Our Understanding of Alzheimer's Disease
Advancing Our Understanding
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Thirty years ago, we knew very little about Alzheimer’s disease.
Since then, scientists have made many important advances. Research supported by NIA and other organizations has expanded knowledge of brain function in healthy older people, identified ways we might lessen normal age-related declines in mental function, and deepened our understanding of the disease.
Many scientists and physicians are now working together to untangle the genetic, biological, and environmental factors that, over many years, ultimately result in Alzheimer’s.
This effort is bringing us closer to the day when we will be able to manage successfully or even prevent this devastating disease."
Receive four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Gura
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Thirty years ago, we knew very little about Alzheimer’s disease.
Since then, scientists have made many important advances. Research supported by NIA and other organizations has expanded knowledge of brain function in healthy older people, identified ways we might lessen normal age-related declines in mental function, and deepened our understanding of the disease.
Many scientists and physicians are now working together to untangle the genetic, biological, and environmental factors that, over many years, ultimately result in Alzheimer’s.
This effort is bringing us closer to the day when we will be able to manage successfully or even prevent this devastating disease."
Receive four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Gura
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Sacred Journey of Caregiving-A Transformational Approach to Life
Are you the "designated caregiver" for your elderly relatives?
Do you often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and ashamed?
Are you afraid of not making the "right" decisions?
Do you question your judgment, and feel guilty no matter what you do?
Do you feel lonely and think no one understands what you're going through?
Are you torn between spending time with your spouse, your children, and the needs of your parents?
Are you confused about levels of care, medical advance directives, and living arrangements?
If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions then this information is for you.
In Baby Boomers-Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving I share everything I learned while caring for my mother and step-father (who were both in diapers), and from the experiences of hundreds of other caregivers whom I've worked with as a psychologist.
I've also added a thorough research of medical choices, legal jargon, living arrangements, assistance programs, and resources so that you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Hope you will join us tomorrow as Viki Kind interviews me at Noon EDT (9:00am PDT) http://tinyurl.com/33hof9j.
Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget your $100 value Free Gifts: http://www.answersforboomers.com/
Do you often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and ashamed?
Are you afraid of not making the "right" decisions?
Do you question your judgment, and feel guilty no matter what you do?
Do you feel lonely and think no one understands what you're going through?
Are you torn between spending time with your spouse, your children, and the needs of your parents?
Are you confused about levels of care, medical advance directives, and living arrangements?
If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions then this information is for you.
In Baby Boomers-Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving I share everything I learned while caring for my mother and step-father (who were both in diapers), and from the experiences of hundreds of other caregivers whom I've worked with as a psychologist.
I've also added a thorough research of medical choices, legal jargon, living arrangements, assistance programs, and resources so that you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Hope you will join us tomorrow as Viki Kind interviews me at Noon EDT (9:00am PDT) http://tinyurl.com/33hof9j.
Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget your $100 value Free Gifts: http://www.answersforboomers.com/
Monday, July 12, 2010
Alzheimer's and You--Every 70 Seconds Someone is Diagnosed With Alzheimer's
Do you have a relative or know someone who has Alzheimer's disease?
Ever worry that you might fall victim to this insidious disease?
Ever wonder what the risk factors are?
Ever wonder what the differencees are between Alzheimer's disease and other dementias?
Join me and my special guest, Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT (9:00AM PDT) - www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.
Debra will answer these and many other questions about DAT (Dementia Alzheimer's Type).
She will also discuss the 10 warning signs, revelent statistics, and how all of this relates to you.
You won't want to miss this episode as Debra explores the reality that every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease.
She will also discuss new programs for persons with an early stage diagnosis.
Debra may be contacted at:
Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 27352
Yucson, AZ 85725-7352
www.alz.org/dsw or 520-322-6601 ext. 224
Sincerely,
Sandra - Garegiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Ever worry that you might fall victim to this insidious disease?
Ever wonder what the risk factors are?
Ever wonder what the differencees are between Alzheimer's disease and other dementias?
Join me and my special guest, Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT (9:00AM PDT) - www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.
Debra will answer these and many other questions about DAT (Dementia Alzheimer's Type).
She will also discuss the 10 warning signs, revelent statistics, and how all of this relates to you.
You won't want to miss this episode as Debra explores the reality that every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease.
She will also discuss new programs for persons with an early stage diagnosis.
Debra may be contacted at:
Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 27352
Yucson, AZ 85725-7352
www.alz.org/dsw or 520-322-6601 ext. 224
Sincerely,
Sandra - Garegiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Common Dementias Including Alzheimer's
Here's more information from the National Alzheimer's Association about common types of Dementia and their typical characteristics.
"Alzheimer’s disease is the Most common type of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases.
Characteristics include difficulty remembering names and recent events is often an early clinical symptom; apathy and depression are also often early symptoms. Later symptoms include impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes, and trouble speaking, swallowing and walking.
Hallmark abnormalities are deposits of the protein fragment beta-amyloid (plaques) and
twisted strands of the protein tau (tangles).
Vascular dementia (also known as multi-infarct or post-stroke dementia or vascular cognitive impairment) is considered the second most common type of dementia.
Impairment is caused by decreased blood flow to parts of the brain, often due to a series
of small strokes that block arteries.
Symptoms often overlap with those of Alzheimer’s, although memory may not be as
seriously affected.
Mixed dementia characterized by the presence of the hallmark abnormalities of Alzheimer’s and another type of dementia, most commonly vascular dementia, but also other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies.
Dementia with Lewy bodies includes a pattern of decline which may be similar to Alzheimer’s, including problems with memory and judgment and behavior changes. Alertness and severity of cognitive symptoms may fluctuate daily. Visual hallucinations, muscle rigidity and tremors are common.
Hallmarks include Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein) that
form inside nerve cells in the brain.
Parkinson's disease - Many people who have Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the later stages of the disease.
The hallmark abnormality is Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein)
that form inside nerve cells in the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia involves damage to brain cells, especially in the front and side regions of the brain.
Typical symptoms include changes in personality and behavior and difficulty with language.
No distinguishing microscopic abnormality is linked to all cases.
Pick’s disease, characterized by Pick’s bodies, is one type of frontotemporal dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rapidly fatal disorder that impairs memory and coordination and causes behavior changes.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is believed to be caused by consumption of products
from cattle affected by mad cow disease - caused by the misfolding of prion protein throughout the brain.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus - Caused by the buildup of fluid in the brain.
Symptoms include difficulty walking, memory loss and inability to control urine.
Can sometimes be corrected with surgical installation of a shunt in the brain to drain
excess fluid.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or another essential cognitive function that are severe enough to
be noticeable to others and show up on tests, but not severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Some people with MCI go on to develop dementia. For others, the symptoms of MCI do not progress to dementia, and some people who have MCI at one point in time later revert to normal cognitive status.
To learn more about the potential role of MCI as a transitional state to early Alzheimer’s disease, see the section, Special Report: Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease." www.alz.org/national/documents/reports
The National Alzheimer's Association provides invaluable information and services. I sincerely hope you will join me and my special guest, Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT (9:00AM PDT) - www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
"Alzheimer’s disease is the Most common type of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases.
Characteristics include difficulty remembering names and recent events is often an early clinical symptom; apathy and depression are also often early symptoms. Later symptoms include impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes, and trouble speaking, swallowing and walking.
Hallmark abnormalities are deposits of the protein fragment beta-amyloid (plaques) and
twisted strands of the protein tau (tangles).
Vascular dementia (also known as multi-infarct or post-stroke dementia or vascular cognitive impairment) is considered the second most common type of dementia.
Impairment is caused by decreased blood flow to parts of the brain, often due to a series
of small strokes that block arteries.
Symptoms often overlap with those of Alzheimer’s, although memory may not be as
seriously affected.
Mixed dementia characterized by the presence of the hallmark abnormalities of Alzheimer’s and another type of dementia, most commonly vascular dementia, but also other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies.
Dementia with Lewy bodies includes a pattern of decline which may be similar to Alzheimer’s, including problems with memory and judgment and behavior changes. Alertness and severity of cognitive symptoms may fluctuate daily. Visual hallucinations, muscle rigidity and tremors are common.
Hallmarks include Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein) that
form inside nerve cells in the brain.
Parkinson's disease - Many people who have Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the later stages of the disease.
The hallmark abnormality is Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein)
that form inside nerve cells in the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia involves damage to brain cells, especially in the front and side regions of the brain.
Typical symptoms include changes in personality and behavior and difficulty with language.
No distinguishing microscopic abnormality is linked to all cases.
Pick’s disease, characterized by Pick’s bodies, is one type of frontotemporal dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rapidly fatal disorder that impairs memory and coordination and causes behavior changes.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is believed to be caused by consumption of products
from cattle affected by mad cow disease - caused by the misfolding of prion protein throughout the brain.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus - Caused by the buildup of fluid in the brain.
Symptoms include difficulty walking, memory loss and inability to control urine.
Can sometimes be corrected with surgical installation of a shunt in the brain to drain
excess fluid.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or another essential cognitive function that are severe enough to
be noticeable to others and show up on tests, but not severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Some people with MCI go on to develop dementia. For others, the symptoms of MCI do not progress to dementia, and some people who have MCI at one point in time later revert to normal cognitive status.
To learn more about the potential role of MCI as a transitional state to early Alzheimer’s disease, see the section, Special Report: Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease." www.alz.org/national/documents/reports
The National Alzheimer's Association provides invaluable information and services. I sincerely hope you will join me and my special guest, Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT (9:00AM PDT) - www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Friday, July 9, 2010
Alzheimer's Statistics
There are only four kinds of people in the world.
Those who have been caregivers
Those who are caregivers
Those who will be caregivers
Those who will need caregivers
According to the National Alzheimer's Association, there are nearly ten million (9.9) unpaid caregivers in the United States.
Every 70 seconds someone in American is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
5.3 million Americans presently have Alzheimer's, and there is an estimated annual cost of $148 billion.
Alzheimer's disease is the 6th. leading cause of death in America.
Be sure to join me Tuesday at Noon EDT (www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon) to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and how these statistics may affect you.
Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tucson, Arizona will be my guest. So, have your questions ready.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Those who have been caregivers
Those who are caregivers
Those who will be caregivers
Those who will need caregivers
According to the National Alzheimer's Association, there are nearly ten million (9.9) unpaid caregivers in the United States.
Every 70 seconds someone in American is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
5.3 million Americans presently have Alzheimer's, and there is an estimated annual cost of $148 billion.
Alzheimer's disease is the 6th. leading cause of death in America.
Be sure to join me Tuesday at Noon EDT (www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon) to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and how these statistics may affect you.
Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tucson, Arizona will be my guest. So, have your questions ready.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Thursday, July 8, 2010
What is Dementia?
Unfortunately, thousands of people ask this question every day.
According to the National Alzheimer's Association,
"Dementia is characterized by loss of or decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. It is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. To be classified as dementia, the following criteria must be met:
• It must include decline in memory and in at least one of the following cognitive abilities:
1) Ability to generate coherent speech or understand spoken or written language;
2) Ability to recognize or identify objects, assuming intact sensory function;
3) Ability to execute motor activities, assuming intact motor abilities, sensory function and comprehension of the required task; and
4) Ability to think abstractly, make sound judgments and plan and carry out complex tasks.
• The decline in cognitive abilities must be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Different types of dementia have been associated with distinct symptom patterns and distinguishing microscopic brain abnormalities. Increasing evidence from long-term epidemiological observation and autopsy studies suggests that many people have microscopic brain abnormalities associated with more than one type of dementia.
The symptoms of different types of dementia also overlap and can be further complicated
by coexisting medical conditions. "
I will be writing more about dementia and particularly about Dementia Alzheimer's Type over the next several days leading up to my radio interview with Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon .
I truly hope you will join me.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
According to the National Alzheimer's Association,
"Dementia is characterized by loss of or decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. It is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. To be classified as dementia, the following criteria must be met:
• It must include decline in memory and in at least one of the following cognitive abilities:
1) Ability to generate coherent speech or understand spoken or written language;
2) Ability to recognize or identify objects, assuming intact sensory function;
3) Ability to execute motor activities, assuming intact motor abilities, sensory function and comprehension of the required task; and
4) Ability to think abstractly, make sound judgments and plan and carry out complex tasks.
• The decline in cognitive abilities must be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Different types of dementia have been associated with distinct symptom patterns and distinguishing microscopic brain abnormalities. Increasing evidence from long-term epidemiological observation and autopsy studies suggests that many people have microscopic brain abnormalities associated with more than one type of dementia.
The symptoms of different types of dementia also overlap and can be further complicated
by coexisting medical conditions. "
I will be writing more about dementia and particularly about Dementia Alzheimer's Type over the next several days leading up to my radio interview with Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon .
I truly hope you will join me.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Monday, July 5, 2010
Shed or You're Dead!
Ever feel that you're skin's too tight? Ever think you're stuck in old habits that keep you from growing, yet aren't sure how to shed those counter-productive habits?
Lizards grow by shedding their skin. If they don’t shed, they die.
Organizations and humans grow also. If they don’t shed, they die.
Stop! Reflect! What do you need to SHED?
What is holding you or your organization back?
Join me and my special guest, Kathy Dempsey,CSP, RN and award winning author of "Shed or You're Dead™: 31 Unconventional Strategies for Growth and Change" as she discusses today’s challenging market place and reminds us of the importance of shedding.
Kathy will talk about ways our own skin-shedding ability to adapt and navigate change is being tested now more than ever.
Kathy also encourages others to embrace the shedding philosophy that’s igniting thousands of individuals & organizations to thrive in these unpredictable times.
You won't want to miss this episode as Kathy discusses her complete Shed for Success™ system and how it empowers people to move forward with whatever is holding them back!
Have your questions ready and join us at 9:00AM PST www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Lizards grow by shedding their skin. If they don’t shed, they die.
Organizations and humans grow also. If they don’t shed, they die.
Stop! Reflect! What do you need to SHED?
What is holding you or your organization back?
Join me and my special guest, Kathy Dempsey,CSP, RN and award winning author of "Shed or You're Dead™: 31 Unconventional Strategies for Growth and Change" as she discusses today’s challenging market place and reminds us of the importance of shedding.
Kathy will talk about ways our own skin-shedding ability to adapt and navigate change is being tested now more than ever.
Kathy also encourages others to embrace the shedding philosophy that’s igniting thousands of individuals & organizations to thrive in these unpredictable times.
You won't want to miss this episode as Kathy discusses her complete Shed for Success™ system and how it empowers people to move forward with whatever is holding them back!
Have your questions ready and join us at 9:00AM PST www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence
Well, another Independence Day is almost over. I truly hope all of you enjoy the independence we may sometimes take for granted.
Not only is it a blessing to live in a free country, but if you are still living independently, that is another huge blessing!!
Think of the thousands of individuals who're living in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. And, how about all those who've lost the ability to drive and have to "depend" on others for transportation.
Worse yet, what about those who can no longer walk and have to "depend" on others to help them get from one room to another.
Or those who are bedridden and have to "depend" on others to keep them fed, clean and dry.
When I think about Independence Day, I think of Freedom--Freedom to walk and drive and live in our own homes, as well as live in the greatest nation on Earth and enjoy all the freedoms so many have given their lives for.
I thank everyone who is presently serving in our armed forces and all those who have ever served to protect our Freedom. And, I thank God for blessing our nation and me personally.
If you have loved ones in care facilities--go visit them. If you don't know anyone who's living in an assisted living facility or nursing, go visit someone there.
And, give thanks that you have freedom of movement to be able to go. It will bless their lives as well as yours.
I pray that I never take any of my Freedoms for granted.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Not only is it a blessing to live in a free country, but if you are still living independently, that is another huge blessing!!
Think of the thousands of individuals who're living in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. And, how about all those who've lost the ability to drive and have to "depend" on others for transportation.
Worse yet, what about those who can no longer walk and have to "depend" on others to help them get from one room to another.
Or those who are bedridden and have to "depend" on others to keep them fed, clean and dry.
When I think about Independence Day, I think of Freedom--Freedom to walk and drive and live in our own homes, as well as live in the greatest nation on Earth and enjoy all the freedoms so many have given their lives for.
I thank everyone who is presently serving in our armed forces and all those who have ever served to protect our Freedom. And, I thank God for blessing our nation and me personally.
If you have loved ones in care facilities--go visit them. If you don't know anyone who's living in an assisted living facility or nursing, go visit someone there.
And, give thanks that you have freedom of movement to be able to go. It will bless their lives as well as yours.
I pray that I never take any of my Freedoms for granted.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
