Stuffed Animals Can Comfort the Elderly
When my mother moved into assisted living after my father was hospitalized, my niece gave her a stuffed llama. Llamas were her favorite animal. She named the llama Cupcake and took it with her when she moved into a hospice home two months later. Cupcake stayed by my mother’s side for the rest of her […]
The Working Daughter Interview: Barb Heffner
Barb Heffner is a communications consultant and a long-distance caregiver who balances her life with volunteer work. Where and when do you feel most competent? I’m not sure this is the same thing as competence; it’s possibly more about when I feel satisfaction. But it’s whenever I am successful in raising funds or making a […]
Retirement Resolutions for 2016
A recent survey from Regions Bank in conjunction with Vanderbilt University found women are less confident than men in handling their finances. Survey respondents were asked to rate their financial acumen on a seven-point scale where 1 was “not at all confident” and 7 was “very confident.” Men rated their confidence as 6.20 overall, while […]
Caregiver News Roundup Dec. 6, 2015
In case you missed it, here’s a roundup of caregiver related stories and news from around the web. The Columbus Dispatch points out that almost a quarter of the adults who take care of older people are between the ages of 18 and 34. Caregiving is not a Boomer-only concern. Healthcare Journal has a great piece on […]
5 Workplace Policies That Make Life Easier for Family Caregivers
What makes a good work environment for working daughters and sons? Jennifer Owens, editorial director of Working Mother magazine, shared the five workplace policies that make life easier for new parents with Mashable and it got me thinking, what are the best workplace policies that make life easier for family caregivers? Here are my recommendations – […]
What to Say to Someone Who is Dying
A woman I know recently posted on Facebook that her friend had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a very short time to live. “I am going to visit her tomorrow. What do I say?” the woman asked. What do you say to someone who is dying? Most doctors and hospice workers will tell you there […]
10 Ways to Function at Work When Your Life is a Mess
In the summer of 2014, my life got crazy overnight. Both of my parents got sick at the same time and in a matter of months I dealt with seven hospital stays, four moves, two terminal diagnosis and hospice. And through it all, I had to go to work – and function. If I could […]
6 Ways to Boost Your Confidence in a Hurry
We all have those days when we need a boost of confidence – presentations at work, performance reviews, tough client calls, networking events, important meetings with the care team – but we’re feeling anything but large and in charge. What do you do in those instances? You fake it ‘til you make it! Here are […]
The Working Daughter Interview: Chris MacLellan
No, Chris MacLellan is not a working daughter, but he is the face of caregiving. And as he tells us, “There are no orientation or gender boundaries in Caregiving.” Chris is “The Bow Tie Guy,” author of the book What’s The Deal with Caregiving, host of the Healing Ties radio show, founder of the company The Whole Care Network, and […]
Is the Second Anniversary More Difficult?
My house is torn apart right now. A two-month construction project is well into month five. I’ve been furious about the whole situation but maybe it’s a blessing. I couldn’t host Thanksgiving. I can’t reach the Christmas decorations. There are two large pieces of furniture blocking the door to the closet where they are stored. Our elf […]
Do You Have a Caregiver Fitbit?
Do you have a Caregiver Fitbit? Of course not. They don’t exist. But you must read this very funny account of life as a caregiver in The New Yorker including how to use your Caregiver Fitbit to earn your Caregiver Sainthood. Enjoy!
