THE CAREGIVER CONTEST DRAWING IS TOMORROW, MARCH 31st!!!
You may have already entered the contest– in which case, please rest assured that once you have entered the contest, your name will be “in the hat” indefinitely: you are eligible to win the award each month, and you are automatically entered to win the Kindle. If you’d like to enter a new caregiver to be considered for the contest, please do so by following the instructions below!
Carebuzz knows that being a family caregiver is a thankless role! That’s why we’re celebrating caregivers on our site and providing you the opportunity to nominate someone in your community, family or yourself who exemplifies the definition of a ‘family caregiver’ and to win the honored Caregiver of the Month Award! Each month, we will select a caregiver to be featured on the Carebuzz site, and the winner will receive a special gift to honor the work they do. Each quarter, all names submitted will have a chance to win a free Kindle! That’s right, a Kindle! As we have learned from an AARP report on caregiving, there are over 65 million potential nominations out there in the United States. So, who do you think deserves to be honored?
How it works:
1. Submit a Nominee for the Family Caregiver of the Month Award by sending an email to carol @ carebuzz.com
2. In your email, use the subject line “Caregiver Contest Entry”
3. In 25 words or less tell us why this family caregiver deserves recognition and be sure to include the nominee’s name and email address
4. We will draw a name out of the “hat” to select the featured caregiver on the 1st of each month
5. Enter one time and we will keep your name in the “hat” for each monthly drawing, as well as the quarterly Kindle drawing!
Seniors and Caregivers – Long Distance Arrangements Can Work
Caring for a senior takes a lot of time and patience and these two aspects are even more important for those who are long distance caregivers. It may seem impossible to be able to care for a senior when there are many miles between you, but it is possible. Below is a list of suggestions and tips that can help long term caregivers continue to provide the care a senior loved on needs.
1. As a long distance caregiver, you will not be able to do everything, which is why it is important for you to ask for help when you need it. Meeting the crucial needs of the senior is the first priority.
2. It is possible to do an assessment from a distance. This will help caregivers determine if changes have to be made or if the senior would benefit from certain improvements. Pay attention during phone calls with the senior. Listen for warning signs and whether the senior refers to any changes in their situation, including physical, financial and social.
3. Plan face-to-face meetings with the senior. While this cannot be done on a regular basis, it is important to develop some type of schedule where you can physically check on the senior. Some long distance caregivers will try to visit once a month. Take this time to assess the senior’s abilities and their living conditions.
4. www.aarp.org offers a lot of information that can help long distance caregivers, including a list of resources available including The FamilyCaregiversOnline.com
When seniors become ill or injured, they may require additional care. While many people believe seniors who require care should be placed into a nursing home, there are many seniors that would benefit from at home care instead. There are some major differences between these two things. Seniors who are cared for at home actually stay healthier and heal faster than those in a nursing home. The information below discusses the major differences between the two.
1. Home care can consist of different services. Some seniors will only require one while other may need a combination of services. The most common at home care services include home health aides, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing care and occupational therapy.
2. While these same services are available in a nursing home, seniors who are in a nursing home will lose their independence. This is an important thing to consider when making a decision regarding the right form of car for a senior loved one.
3. At home care must be provided by an approved Medicare group.
4. The services offered at many nursing homes, aside from the senior being watched around the clock, include wellness programs, meals, assisted living and activities.
5. While it may seem a nursing home is the easier choice, it does depend on the functioning of the senior. If they are able to care for themselves and just need some additional assistance, there is really no need to place them in a nursing home.
