“Caregiving 101” Blog

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 066 —“Shirlyn Renfro Houston” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Shirlyn Renfro Houston
Broadcast Date: May 23, 2009

Shirlyn Renfro Houston asks, are you ALWAYS running errands for your elderly father? Does your out of town mother need help? Shirlyn Renfro Houston of Professional Caretakers, Inc. stresses to us, “Don’t Feel Guilty, if You Can’t Do It All.” They can fill in when family members cannot help their loved one whether it is one hour or 24. (more…)

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 116 —“Ron Flores and Rita Evans” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Ron Flores and Rita Evans
Broadcast Date: May 8, 2010

Caregivers, you are not alone.  You may feel isolated in your caregiving vocation, and if you wish you can call 1-800-252-5400 to get help and support.  CAAPS (Coalition of Advocates for Adult Protective Services) is there to educate you on abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  They are there to help both the individual and the family.  If you are concerned for a friend of family member feel free to call and chat a while. (more…)

LOL Tuesdays (with Bob and Starr Calo-oy)

Steve Martin/Jim Carey Episode

I want to tell you a little story about Paul.  He was a very handsome young man and pretty young as our residents would go, around 38 years old.  He was well dressed and able to get around pretty well.  There was nothing physically wrong with him except that when he spoke, he not only spoke to people in a funny manner (most people talk to you and then they go onto another subject, Paul would talk about 2 or 3 different things in one sentence).  The best I can describe it is that his vocabulary was like a word salad.  His major difficulty was that his family put him on an experimental medication, and the side effects were, uh, interesting. (more…)

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 065 —“Dr. Hernandez” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Dr. Carlos Hernandez
Broadcast Date: May 16, 2009

WellMed won an award for the innovative use of their health care guidelines, which are evidence-based to impact the patient’s medical care.  They have greatly impacted their patient’s care in the area of orthopedic surgery.  (more…)

This Week’s Upcoming Radio Broadcast

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Eric Cooper and Fran Mendez
Date & Time: May 29, 2010 @ 9am

Join Starr and Bob as they discuss caregiver resources with Fran Mendez of “We are Alive”, and Eric Cooper of the San Antonio Food Bank.

Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.

This Week’s Upcoming Radio Broadcast

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Robert Gibbs and Bonnie Hobbs
Date & Time: June 5, 2010 @ 9am

Learn more about CIMA hospice and its pioneering program of outreach to local congregations, improving awareness of their patient and family needs with Robert Gibbs of CIMA Hospice.

Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 060 —“Ted Royston and Cindy Alleman” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Cynthia Alleman and Ted Royston
Broadcast Date: April 11, 2009

Cynthia Alleman tells us about Acadian on call, which is a Emergency Response Service.  This is a subscription service with 24-7 monitoring in your home.  You wear a pendant or wristband, and are monitored through a certified central station, and they have paramedics on staff around the clock.  They are ready for any emergency you might have, whether it’s a fall, police, fire, or any other emergency.  (more…)

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 059 —“Maxine Vieyra and Marissa Chapa” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Maxine Viera and Marissa Chapa
Broadcast Date:  April 4, 2009

Leeza’s Place helps provide a place for caregivers to recharge; an oasis.   Caregivers need resources for a more productive life, to help them better care for their loved-ones and at the same time take better care of themselves.  Here they can know that they’re not alone and that they have a safe place to come-in and get that energy and education they need. 

Caregivers often feel guilt about taking time-off for themselves.  Here they learn the importance of this self-care.  There is a library available, doctors, and other guest speakers too.  They are there to embrace you to lend a hand, and when you share your story, you will be directed to information that applies directly to your challenges.  They have support groups every Wednesday, facilitated by social workers. 

They have support groups composed of caregivers.  You can go there and share freely and safely exactly what you are going-through.  It’s a great place to make friends with people that share many of your experiences.  One site is at the Bob Ross Center; they have extra resources that are open to individuals 60 years and older.  You can then participate in computer labs, aquatic classes, and nutritious food (lunch and snacks) is available too.  Activities such as trips and other events are available weekly.  All is free of charge.  They are always looking for volunteers, so give them a call if you want to give back to the community.

 Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.

LOL Tuesdays (with Bob and Starr Calo-oy)

I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!

When Yolanda got worse, she would fall– frequently.  Sometimes she would do it on purpose.  She would slide down the bed and call for help.  (more…)

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 058 —“Dr. Mitch Finnie” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Dr. Mitch Finnie
Broadcast Date: March 28, 2009

Dr. Mitch Finnie discusses with us the home care services he offers for those with dementias and those that are dying. (more…)

This Week’s Upcoming Radio Broadcast

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Jane Hamilton
Date & Time: May 22, 2010 @ 9am

Jane Hamilton, author of “Journey of a Lifetime” shares inspiring stories, practical advice, down-to-earth ways to support yourself, and thought-provoking activities for you and your caregiving partners.

Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 057 —“Elvira Cisneros and Dr. Martinez” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Elvira Cisneros and Dr. Martinez
Broadcast Date: March 21, 2009

Dr. Martinez is with WellMed, at SW Military, where there are many senior care services.  Daily meals are provided by the City of San Antonio, and there is a Nintendo Wii game system to help provide a healthy way to spend time.  (more…)

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 114 —Nora Jean Levin “How to Care for Your Parents” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Nora Jean Levin
Broadcast Date: April 24, 2010

Entrance into the life as caregiver is often shocking and sudden.  It is difficult to get organized, with new health and safety concerns.  Do you know what resources are available?  Who do you turn to?  What was the bank account number?  Didn’t she/he have a specialist or a doctor for this?  Do you have a neighbor or friend from church that might help?  Maybe you are catapulted into care with no preparation, and the elder was self-caring until this last day or so.  Is there any paperwork with her information?  How do you establish Power Of Attorney?

Each spouse should have a POA (Power Of Attorney) and a copy of each other’s will.  This is important because physical/mental decline may not be gradual.  It is possible for a caregiver to do this sometimes.  Put a list of meds/allergies/blood type, doctors and other persons of importance in a personal file.

There are many gadgets available today that make it much easier to monitor and care for your charges.  Electronic calendars can help you and your family track “who is coming when, and whose turn is it now?”  Webcams are available now that will allow you to speak to and see your loved one from a distance, and ask them “Are you taking your meds?” while you can see with your eyes how they are doing, by using programs such as Skype.  There are sensors available that can turn lights on and off, and motion sensors that can help them in their household.

Have you heard about the Caregiver Award Program?  It is Important to thank the caregiver, and provide a way for families to thank caregivers.  Caring from a distance will honor them with name and date of presenting family.  There is a public LDC (long distance care) award that can be found on the website.  Take a moment out of your busy schedule and let that special someone know that they mean the world to you.  A kind word or gesture such as this can make all of the difference to your precious caregiver or family member.

Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 056 —“Doug Fusella” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Doug Fusella
Broadcast Date: October 3, 2009

New Lifestyles evolved to provide information to help families and those needing care since there was no ‘how-to’ manual to be found.  This is a one stop shop for the caregiver.  (more…)

This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast

Listen to Volume # 030 —“Flo Baurys Phillips” (Podcast)

“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Flo Baurys Phillips
Broadcast Date: September 13, 2008

The Alzheimer’s Association publishes statistics to show us how important radio shows like Starr and Bob’s are.  Did you know that every 2 minutes another American is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease?  Every day it takes the life of another 181 people. (more…)