Caregiving

Cultural sensitivity adds an important dimension to health care. Sometimes a caregiver must act as a go-between, explaining customs to both health care personnel and the patient and brainstorming ways to get beyond possible hurdles to good medical care.... Full Answer

One difficulty inherent in creating advance care directives is the impossibility of knowing the exact circumstances under which they will be invoked, what medical options will be available, and how the ailing person's feelings might change. For these... Full Answer

If you are a caregiver and when no durable power of attorney exists, and the person you are caring for is unable to make clear-headed decisions about health care, finances, or other aspects of life, guardianship may be the next step (particularly if... Full Answer

Healthcare-related terms vary state by state, just as laws do. Here are some synonyms of you may hear: Healthcare power of attorney: Also called a healthcare proxy form, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, or... Full Answer

Discussing needs of your elderly loved one can be a prickly business. It may be easy for you to imagine what sort of help is necessary, but much harder to discuss it openly or come to an agreement with the person who needs care.Ask the person in need of... Full Answer

It's tough to impart difficult news, such as a dismal medical diagnosis, a request that a parent stop driving, or the need to consider long-term care arrangements to elderly parents you care for. Yet softening the blow by shading the truth may compound... Full Answer

Every caregiver experiences times when it's easy to be patient and loving and periods when that doesn't seem remotely possible. Sketching out what you consider to be the important elements of good caregiving can remind you of your goals and underscore... Full Answer

Sometimes changing needs can be met by stepping up services and assistance from paid or informal caregivers or by moving closer to family. Other times it's necessary to consider options for long-term care. The best time to plan for this is long before it... Full Answer

There are steps you can take to lessen the impact of caregiving. One of the best ways that caregivers can care for themselves is to develop their own "Caring for the Caregiver Plan." This Caring for the Caregiver Plan has three components: 1.... Full Answer

Caregivers often suffer back injuries. Ask a professional, such as a nurse or physical therapist, to teach you the right way to shift or move the person in your care. Products like transfer boards may have gliding disks, rails, or wooden balls to cut... Full Answer