“Caregiving 101” TV Podcasts

Accomodations For Spouse

November 23, 2008

You must set boundaries for the parents coming into your home – after pre–planning this with your own spouse. Ask you loved one to come over to stay for a while (like for the holidays, etc.). Set both parents up in the same room or in different rooms if they are not able to co–habitate that closely. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip from her Caregiving Tips books.

Violent Behavior

November 16, 2008

Take your loved one to the doctor (after having already spoken with the doctor). Always speak slowly, smile, remove from distraction, leave and come back in different clothes 10 minutes later. Make sure they are comfortable, not hungry, thirsty, wet, over/mis–medicated. Watch for a particular person to be a stimulus for aggitation. Always keep a bowl of ice–cream around to dilute heated situations! Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. Check out her Caregiving Tips books for more information on this important topic.

Men & Caregiving

November 9, 2008

Not only are you the bread winner, but now you are the nurse–maid as well. The family dynamics change dramatically. You don’t get to “fix” everything and you have to “nurture” now. Join Starr & Bob Calo–oy as they share this weekly tip. More tips on this important subject can be found in her Caregiving Tips books.

Caregiving Conference – Linda Goldfarb & Starr Calo–oy

November 2, 2008

Together, Starr and Linda will show the spiritual implications of the day–in, day–out caregiving chores. They want to empower the caregiver to be able to do the very best they can for their loved ones. Starr will help the caregiver to see what they need to do when they just can’t seem to do it anymore. Linda will tell them how they CAN do it. They are there to feed the caregivers. It will be the largest caregiving event San Antonio has ever seen! Bob, Starr’s husband will discuss caregiving and men. Join Starr & Linda as they share about this conference. More information on this topic can be found in Starr’s Caregiving books.

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Safety

September 28, 2008

You want to avoid falls because often an elderly person who falls never recovers. Throw rugs, floor surfaces, ill–fitting shoes, hanging plants, wires on floor, unneccessary furniture, lighting, etc. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip from her Caregiving Tips books.

Bath & Kitchen

September 21, 2008

Make sure you have everything you need in a utility tower so you don’t have to keep stopping and looking around for things. Cover the mirror so your loved one is not scared by the person in the mirror. Keep things at your finger tips. Keep the bathroom warm for them even in the summer. They need grab bars and a handicap commode. In the kitchen, keep up with medications, special foods, etc. on a special shelf just for them. Keep some cooked, frozen food on hand in case of emergencies. Keep the loved ones out of the kitchen – use a child gate up high so they can’t come in. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. Check out her Caregiving Tips books for more information on this important topic.

Setting Up Bedroom

September 14, 2008

Be sure to bring some personal items from their home for your loved one. It helps to make them feel more comfortable in a strange place. If they are non–ambulatory, keep the vanity in the closet to allow for more wall space. Get hospital gowns for ease of use. It is better to use hospital beds for non–ambulatory – fully electric is best. Keep handy all your items for personal care such as diaper changing, see books for full list. Use guard rails to keep them in the bed for dementia patients who don’t remember that they can’t walk. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. Check out her Caregiving Tips books for the full list and more information.

Keys To The Car

September 7, 2008

When your loved one begins getting lost or confused, can’t often find keys where they belong, or show up with dings in the car, it may be time to take away the keys. You can offer to get into the car with them for errands to see if they are safe in the car. Be sure to discuss this with your siblings before hand. If you have to, disable the car. If you have to, have it towed away and never bring it back. Have an older teen offer to chauffer them around. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. More tips on this important subject can be found in her Caregiving Tips books.

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Visitations

July 27, 2008

Don’t make any exceptions to your visiting hours – set aside a day without visitors to accommodate your family. Always leave visits up to the patient’s wishes. Let visitors know ahead of time if visits should be short that day for the benefit of the patient. Visitors need to understand that some visits may need to be stopped with no notice due to the health or aggitation of the loved one. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. More information on this topic can be found in both of her Caregiving Tips books.

Sleep Problems–Yours & Your Loved One

July 20, 2008

Lack of sleep causes irritability, mental dullness and illness. Adjust your sleep schedule to that of your loved one’s. Take a rest period during the day. You may need to help your loved one sleep by leaving white noise on and darkening the windows. Quietly massage them at bedtime. NO showers or baths at bedtime! Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. Check out her Caregiving Tips books for more information on the subject.

Caregiving & Your Siblings

July 13, 2008

Many families divide rather than stick together when conflict arises while caring for your loved one. Discuss finance, personal needs, caregiving needs, etc. Have each person sign up for listed duties to your chores for your personal needs or for care for your loved one (ie, house cleaning or showers). See Starr’s Caregiving Tips books for a complete plan. If they cannot help physically then they should provide money to help. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip.

Caregiver Guilt

July 6, 2008

There are different types of guilt for many different reasons – as discussed in Starr’s book – “THE CARING CAREGIVERS GUIDE TO DEALING WITH GUILT.” Caring for children is different than caring for an adult. Sometimes you cannot honor your promise to “never put them in a nursing home.” Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip.

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Caregiver Burnout

May 25, 2008

Forgive yourself for things you have done or that your loved one has done. Take time to care for yourself. Rest your senses, even for 15 minutes, rest your sight, sound, and body. Cry when you need to, laugh when you need to. Take care of your own health, excercise, eat well, pamper yourself. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. Check out her Caregiving Tips books for the full list.

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Activities For The Holidays

December 21, 2008

Ask your mom for her favorite recipe and take her to the store to get those supplies. Or shop online if they cannot get out. Ask your dad to untangle some lights, replace some light bulbs or hook the ornaments. Have your siblings over – watch some home movies. Look up online what the holidays looked like in the 20’s and discuss them together. Rent old christmas movies and eat pop corn. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. More information on this topic as well as many others can be found in Starr’s Caregiving Tips books.

Roles

December 14, 2008

Don’t forget to respect your loved ones and let them do things for themselves as they can – even if it takes longer. Begin to look at your loved one not as a child, but look at yourself like a servant to your loved one. Give respect, dignity and privacy. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip and check out Starr’s Caregiving Tips books to find more valuable ideas.

When Your Loved One Won’t Eat

December 7, 2008

Start looking for reasons why they are not eating. Are they in pain? Have their gums shrunk and the dentures are now hurting? See the checklist in our book. Use a small plate, soft foods versus spicy versus crispy, whatever they like. Cut up steak in the kitchen before you bring it to them. Shop together and do a menu together, cook and eat together. IMPORTANT: If they are in the dying process, they will not eat – do not try to force them. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this tip from her Caregiving Tips books.

Shaving

October 12, 2008

You can shave in the shower or in the bathroom. Don’t let it be an issue of grief. If they just don’t want you to shave him, don’t do it. You don’t HAVE to shave them! If you are using an electric shaver, use one with low volume so as not to disturb them. Watch the water temperature, and don’t leave them alone with a sharp object. Don’t shave too often as the skin is very tender. Use hypoallergenic lotion and no aftershave; it stings. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip and view Starr’s Caregiving Tips books to find more valuable tips.

Oral Care

October 5, 2008

When people get older, they may not be able to brush their own teeth. Always cover mirrors in the bathroom for Dementia patients. Take their hand and help them brush their teeth or brush their teeth in bed. You can also brush their teeth in the shower when you are bathing them. Preserve their dignity – “Mom do you mind if I help you with this. I see that it is very hard for you.” ...smile... Use antiseptic mouthwash for when you can’t do a real good job. Watch for sores. Use toothets to sponge their mouths just before they pass away. It doesn’t have to be perfectly done. Use a natural toothpaste so it won’t hurt if they swallow some. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. More tips on this important subject can be found in her Caregiving Tips books.

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Love & Touch

August 31, 2008

You don’t want the only touch your loved one receives to be clinical. Don’t leave her out at family gatherings, reach out and touch them. Brush their hair, massage them, hug them. You may be the only person in the whole world that touches, hugs, or kisses your loved one all day, all month, all year. Let them know how much you love them by touching them. Do their nails/comb their hair. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip and check out Starr’s Caregiving Tips books to find more valuable ideas.

Hospital Stays

August 24, 2008

Go by a checklist like the one in our books, “Caregiving Tips A–Z”. Keep track of dentures, glasses, hearing aids, label clothing, zip lock medications with a label, bring skin care regimens and waterless shampoos if needed. You may need a suite so you can stay there with them, so you can take care of them the way they are used to being taken care of. Bring all of your legal paperwork, ie. power of attorney, living will, DNR, information sheets, etc. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip.

Skin Care

August 17, 2008

Keep the bed as comfortable as possible, not too hard or soft and watch for creases that cause bed sores. Be sure to turn them every 2 to 4 hours. Keep them on each side and on their backs alternating. Protect their heals and elbows. Use bath time to check for sores and make sure their skin gets completely dry. Use wheelchair pads to prevent sores as well. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. More information on this topic as well as many others can be found in Starr’s Caregiving Tips books.

Unresolved Conflict

August 3, 2008

Don’t expect to get justice for the wrongs they did to us. Unforgiveness is bad for you emotionally and physically. It doesn’t hurt the one at whom you are angry. Join a support group. Have a meeting with your family and let them know that we are going to forgive and move on and treat our loved one with dignity, respect, and love. Create new memories and photos, don’t rely on those from the past that might cause bad feelings. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. See her Caregiving Tips books for more tips concerning this very important topic.

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Caregiving & Your Children

June 29, 2008

Call a family meeting with the children to let them know what a wonderful thing is going to happen. Discuss with them the issues that will come up due to physical or mental limitations and changes of the loved one. Teach your children some tips to help with the care or interaction with your loved one, (ie. when Grandaddy gets angry, bring him ice–cream). Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. See her Caregiving Tips books for more ideas.

How To Get Outside Help

June 22, 2008

The caregiver needs to get away and have some time for their self. They need to get out and have fun without the loved one. Take a vacation without your loved one – your family needs you. Hire someone to come in and sit with your loved one. Trade time with others who have loved ones so you can swap times of caring, resting and playing. Get help through your church to have someone sit with your loved one while you go out. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. See her Caregiving Tips books, Chapter – H for more help on this subject.

Caregiving & Your Job

June 15, 2008

When your loved one begins calling you or requiring time of you during your work day all the time, it may be time to get care for them. You may get a sitter to stay with them, or place them in an adult day care. The Family Leave Act allows you to take 6 months off to care for a family member while still protecting your job. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip. See her Caregiving Tips books for more ideas.

Alzheimer’s & Wandering

June 8, 2008

Some dementia patients feel the need to go, anxiety to get out of there. They may want to go to find a family member. They may think they are going to go to the playground they went to when they were children. Be aware of things outside like pools. Lable dentures, glasses, etc. with their personal information in case they get lost. Don’t fuss at them for running off. Join Starr Calo–oy as she shares this weekly tip from her Caregiving Tips books.

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