Family Caregiver Resolutions for 2021
If you are a family caregiver, make caring for yourself a top goal. So add these items to your list of 2021 New Year’s resolutions.
7 Things Seniors and Family Caregivers Should Know About Managing Medications
Helping a loved one manage their medications can feel daunting, but we have some tips to help with this important task.
Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Caregivers need regular self-care to ward off negative mental and physical health issues.
It’s Time to Support Family Caregivers
November is National Family Caregivers Month. This is a great time to learn more about the millions of people who do so much to support the well-being of older relatives and friends.
Work Benefits That Help Family Caregivers
If you’re a family caregiver, your employer may offer benefits to help at home and on the job.
From Family Caregiving to Professional Home Care
Tending to her mother further fostered Aleta’s kind and empathetic nature, and she found her calling in advocating and caring for seniors who live with memory loss.
When Your Loved One Needs Care - But So Do You
Family caregivers shouldn't do it all on their own. Home care can be the perfect support resource.
Benefits of Home Care for Adults With Functional Needs
“A bit of help with personal care can go a long way,” says Bullock. “It can mean the difference between living independently and residing in a facility. Our clients are like our friends and families. We support them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”
Finding Happiness in Caregiving for Adults With Functional Needs
“This job with Right at Home has changed my life,” Karl Beaucamp says. “It’s opened my eyes, and every day I try to motivate others and make them happy. I have always enjoyed helping others. I would do this for free, to be honest. I love my job, and I love my clients.”
Right at Home Leads Nation for Most Winning Listings on Caring.com
For the second consecutive year, Right at Home received more Caring Stars awards from Caring.com than any other home care agency in America.For the second consecutive year, Right at Home received more Caring Stars awards from Caring.com than any other home care agency in America.
Millennial Caregivers: Balancing Family and Career Ambition
Millennials get a lot of flak from other generations. Often called lazy, or entitled, or selfish, this generation of people born between 1981 and 1996 tends to get a bad rap. But at Right at Home in Albany, New York, millennials are proving those stereotypes wrong. James Davis and Stacey Ellis, co-owners of Right at Home Albany, say that their millennial caregivers are superstars.
An Unconventional Caregiver for a Unique United Nations Visitor to NYC
“We were told that the client has a disability and he was coming to New York City from Africa for a conference at the United Nations,” says Right at Home Lower Manhattan owner Albert Eshoo. “He needed additional support to guide him through the week-long conference, and it had to be someone who could get U.N. security clearance within 48 hours.”
Dear Caregiver, Please Take Care of Yourself, Too
Research has shown that stress levels are typically higher for the nearly 44 million people who provide unpaid care for their loved ones. Stress can have a negative impact on the mind and body, and even lead to caregiver burnout if not managed properly.
Former Nurse, Family Caregiver Enjoys Second Career as Professional Caregiver in Home Care
"I've thought about properly retiring in the future, but being a caregiver gives me so much flexibilty when it comes to my schedule that I can enjoy other parts of my life and still do the job," Judy Harris says.
Unexpected Career in Caregiving Leads to Regional Award
Selene Montez never expected to have a career in caregiving. At age 16. she volunteered with elderly members of her church. Working with older members of her community was eye opening; she began to realize how often older people are overlooked, and it didn’t seem right to her.
A Labor of Love: Caregiving With Understanding and Empathy
“There are lots of times when I get in my car and cry after leaving a client’s house,” says Harwell, caregiver with Right at Home. “But I get it out, then move on. I come into their lives because their health is failing in some capacity, but I get glimpses of what their lives have been like — filled with love, laughter, adventure, family and hobbies. It’s so nice to be able to see those things in all of them.”
Retired Nurse Launching Second Career in Home Care
"I don’t work as a nurse specifically now, but I can certainly draw upon what I’ve learned in my nursing career,” Rodgers points out. Her hospital nurse experience prepared her for caring for older adults with challenging health conditions. “Because I’ve worked in acute health settings, I know how to look beyond the disease process and see the person,” Rodgers says.
Caregiver Resilience in Chronic and Hospice Care
“I like spending time with people, and I like being able to help them,” Traina says. “I have an awareness about how other people are feeling, and I know the right way to respond to their needs. I’ve been given this gift, and I want to be able to use it for as long as I can.”
Caregiver With a Heart of Gold
"It’s a gift to be able to care for others and be their person later in life,” says Karen Dinnen, who became a CNA to make a difference in people's life. “Many of them don’t have family nearby, or at all, and I love being able to care for them.”
Multigenerational Workforce in a Home Care Setting
“I really love it so much,” says King. At 62, she is not thinking about retiring any time soon. “I even go to help people on my days off—it doesn’t feel like work! You can learn so much from older people. I love their stories and their friendship. I’m very lucky.”
Working Twice as Hard–Taking on Caregiving as a Second Job
Many Americans have taken on second jobs to make ends meet. Nearly 37 percent of American workers have taken on a second job, or a “side hustle,” to pay their bills. Of those who are working two jobs, 38 percent of them report that they are using the extra money to cover ordinary living expenses.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Geriatric Social Workers
What is a geriatric social worker? Who pays for their services? When should someone consult with a one and how can that help reduce the cost of care?
CE Webinar on Addressing Health Issues Seen in Seniors Over the Holiday Season
On December 13, Right at Home is sponsoring a web seminar, Discovering and Communicating the Need for Care, hosted by the American Society on Aging. We cordially invite you to join us and learn more about how you can discover and communicate the need for care concerning a senior loved one.
Caregiver Took WWII Veteran on a Trip Down Memory Lane
Jim and I had been talking about going up to his wife’s gravesite, and one morning he just came out of his room dressed and ready to go! I helped him to the car and off we went. It was about a two-hour trip, and it brought back a lot of happy memories for him. It made my heart happy to see him so happy.
National Family Caregivers Month
Taking steps to counter the financial and emotional strain of caregiving helps both the caregiver and loved one enjoy better health and time together. Learn what support resources are available for family caregivers.
Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to the statistics of the Pew Research Center, Gulf War and Vietnam War veterans now account for 66 percent of all U.S. veterans. Although both wars ended decades ago, to many veterans who had been exposed to combat, the wars have never ended.
Honoring 9/11 First Responder Paul Johnson
After working an overnight shift at the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Emergency Service Unit (ESU), Paul Johnson was sleeping when his sister pounded on his door the morning of September 11, 2001. The father of nine responded to the 9/11 attack immediately by heading out to the World Trade Center.
Caregiver Recalls Hurricane Harvey Memories a Year Later
Charlotte started working as a caregiver in 2000 and joined Right at Home Galveston in 2011. One of Charlotte’s first clients with the home care agency was a man who had suffered a severe brain injury as the result of a car accident at the age of 19.
How Learning a Client’s Story Helped a Caregiver Improve Care
When Beverly began working with her client, Adina, she was surprised to learn that Adina was a Holocaust survivor. Although Beverly had learned about the Holocaust in history class long ago in school, she decided to do more research about it to better understand her client and the issues she faced. What Beverly discovered horrified her.
Finding Life’s Purpose After the End of Spousal Caregiving
George Mattera spent years working as a CT scan technician. But when his wife was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, everything changed. He took time off of work to care for her at the end, providing her with the care she needed to be comfortable at home. After his wife passed away in 2008, George found it difficult to return to work—he wanted to find something more meaningful to do with his life.
Caregiver Raises Awareness for Huntington’s Disease
Kim Schirrman, an award-winning caregiver for Right at Home on Long Island, had never heard of Huntington’s disease before meeting her husband & his family in 1995. Today, Kim & her family are actively involved with the Huntington's Disease Society of America, raising awareness for this rarely known disease.
A Mother’s Lasting Influence
From his own experience of caregiving for his mother, Steve Nowak emphasizes the importance of helping families to care for a loved one at home.
What Are the Qualities of the Best Caregivers?
When you’re considering at-home care for a loved one, you want professional caregivers who are thoroughly trained and experienced, but there are a number of valued characteristics that go beyond job descriptions.
Strong Caregiver-Client Bond Prevails Over Challenges
For 8 years, Margie Tolson sold insurance. Feeling unfulfilled, she took a career change to become a caregiver. She has never looked back or regretted since.
Caregiving for a Parent Drew Siblings Closer Together
Navigating parental conflict, such as a divorce, or the death of a parent can actually reinforce the strength of sibling relationships. For one son who lost a parent to cancer, “If anything, the devastating diagnosis brought me and my siblings closer together.”
Parkinson’s Care Tips for Family Caregivers
Tips for Parkinson’s family caregivers to help restore equilibrium in their own lives and in daily caregiving routines.
Caregiver Navigates Through Chaos, Preserves Seniors' Dignity
At 9 a.m. on August 29, 2017, Angel received a group text message from her supervisor at Right at Home, asking if anybody would be able to volunteer to help at the George R. Brown (GRB) Convention Center. During the stress and chaos of Hurricane Harvey, Angel didn’t pause before texting back, “of course.”
Family Involvement in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation
In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Right at Home spoke with Dr. Jeff Snell, neuropsychologist and director of psychology and neuropsychology services at QLI to learn more about traumatic brain injury care.
“If you have a loved one who has a traumatic brain injury, your investment in getting that person back to a quality of life is going to involve helping them access something they are most passionate about,” says Dr. Snell.
Spring Cleaning to Reduce Fall Risks
Spring is when everything starts to come alive again. The sluggish energy from winter moves out, and there’s a vibrant spirit of rejuvenation in the air. This is the time for a fresh look around to see what moved in during our winter hibernation. And do you know what many of us will find?
Clutter!
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Registered Dietitians
As a 20-year registered dietitian, Amy Mack fields a full menu of questions about food and the latest trending diets. As co-owner of the Right at Home office in Hudson Valley, New York, alongside her husband Scott Teresi, Amy understands the challenges of fueling the body as people age.
Inspired to Serve: A Home Care Business Owner Living With MS
“I recognize every day that my health could be a lot worse, and I choose to be positive and move forward through challenges, rather than worry about what I can’t control,” says Kami. “MS has helped me dedicate my life to helping others.”
Evacuating Elderly During Disasters
In August 2017, the people of Kingwood, Texas, and the rest of the greater Houston area were bracing for a storm. While no one was able to predict the devastation that ultimately befell the community, people tried to prepare as best they could while going about their daily lives. But even a hurricane could not prevent Lori from caring for her client.
5 Books on Caring for Aging Parents and Grandparents
Seeking help and support is vital to caregivers. Many of us find reading stories from other caregivers helpful to understand and prepare for caregiving duties. Based on popularity and ratings on Goodreads and Amazon books, we have shortlisted five books and graphic novels that depict the challenges of caring for seniors, and the coping strategies these authors employed.
Caregiver Saves Elderly Couple With Dementia From Wild Fire
When California wildfires were encroaching Santa Rosa, a senior home caregiver prioritized to assist the most vulnerable--an elderly couple with dementia. “I never thought about abandoning them. We were all in the situation together, and we stayed in it together,” said Diane.
Common Misconceptions About CNAs and LPNs
"CNAs are not 'just an aide.' They're the real hands-on people who regularly get to see and know the care clients. Their job is important,' said Sandy Pellegrine.
Cancer Care--Caregiving, Support and Resources
The suspect lump, mole or nagging cough may be a health nuisance, but for millions of people around the world, these changes in the body are warning signs of cancer. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide; the World Health Organization reports that cancer killed 8.8 million people globally in 2015.
Caregiving in the Time of Hurricane Harvey
Gloria and Vickie have been caring for the same senior for a year, but until August 25, 2017 — the day Hurricane Harvey hit — the two Right at Home caregivers had never met in person.
Frequently Asked Questions for Aging Life Care Professionals
Aging Life Care Professionals are specialized caseworkers who focus on holistic geriatric care management. They can be an excellent resource for both family caregivers and isolated older adults, providing help and advocacy across a variety of disciplines. We spoke with Brenda Shorkend, an independent Aging Life Care Professional with over 25 years of experience, and got answers to five most frequently asked questions for Aging Life Care Professionals.
Meal Prepping for Aging Parents
Preparing a week’s worth of meals in advance may sound daunting, but if you are an adult child caregiving for aging parents, meal prepping gives you peace of mind that your loved ones will get enough nutrients.
Guide to Long-Distance Caregiving
If you live an hour away or across the country from an older loved one who needs care, you may be facing the complexities of long-distance caregiving. You want to help with the care of your senior relative or friend as much as you can, but the miles between the both of you pose a challenge to you staying accurately informed and the care recipient obtaining reliable help.