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.
5 Healthy Seasonal Recipes
“Get healthy” is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. If this is your goal, how about achieving it by eating produce in season? Consuming seasonal foods not only means that your meals are going to be packed with flavors and nutrients, but it can also benefit your wallet.
Treat Yourself: Self-Care Tips for Family Caregivers
“Managing your own care and a family member’s care is really challenging,” says Coatta, a Clinical Social Worker Specialist in Pasadena, California. “But you really cannot best care for a loved one if you don’t also care for yourself.”
5 Ways Seniors Can Beat the Post-Holiday Blues
The holidays are over. Sigh. After New Year’s Day, the letdown of the holiday season hits a low note for many of us, leaving us feeling lonely, depressed and just not up for socializing. How can we beat this post-holiday blues?
RightConversations Guide--How to Initiate The Conversation With Seniors
Right at Home developed RightConversations Guide to offer tips on discussing home care with senior loved ones and family.
Award Winning Caregiver Discusses Caregiving and Dementia
When Vicky-Lee Layden heard that the Home Care Association of America selected her as the Caregiver of the Year 2017, she was shocked. "Why am I winning this? I am just doing what I love, and I am being rewarded for it?"
We Need to Talk about Death and Celebrate Life
Grote Johnson’s father brought the family together. He told his children that he wanted to go out of this world in comfort and dignity. He had decided on hospice at that point. Being a registered nurse and having experience working at a home health and hospice agency in the past, Grote Johnson felt thankful for her father’s openness to have such a difficult conversation with his children, and for his unconventional way of educating his family on the topic.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Resources for Caregivers
Although the number of people living with Alzheimer's and dementia has been on a rise, very few people realize the financial and medical resources available to the patients because of the linear nature of relationships between patients and physicians.
Is it time to ask for help?
He is staring right at me but somehow things feel a little “off.” There is tension in his eyes as though he is struggling to remember who I am. He is at a loss for words to explain what is going on.
He is my father, my go-to person for everything—guidance, love, support and comfort.
What does it mean to be a caregiver?
“There’s really no task too big or inconvenient that I wouldn’t do to help my clients,” says Adams. “It may be something small to me, but to them it can be very meaningful. Aging can be hard when you can no longer do things for yourself. I like helping others maintain their dignity, even when things get tough.”
Former Teacher, Now Caregiver Provides Meaningful Alzheimer’s Care
After spending years as a middle school teacher, Burney learned not to take certain behaviors personally. In the same way he discovered that catching someone passing a note in class wasn’t a reflection of his teaching skills, through caregiving he has learned not to take client irritability to heart.
5 Easy, Nutritious Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Here are five healthy recipes that can be made with a pre-cooked, store-bought rotisserie chicken:
Caregiver Parlays Natural Talents Into Rewarding Career
Standing 6 feet tall, Jean Henke is strong in both body and heart—a winning combination when caring for those with physical disabilities.
5 Fun Board Games to Play With Grandparents
National Grandparents Day has been recognized as a holiday in America since 1978. Celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day each September, Grandparents Day was created “to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”
5 Movies About Caregiving
Movies about caring for a loved one stir a special empathy and connection, often inviting us to chuckle and tear up with the films’ characters.
Veterans Helping Veterans
While both Larry and James are veterans of the military, their time in the service could not be more different—Larry was on the frontline while James worked as a medic behind the scenes. But that doesn’t stop them from feeling connected to each other, sharing a mutual life-altering experience.
Caregiver Associations and Support Groups
Call us at 877-697-7537 to talk to someone about how we might be able to help you care for your loved one.
Finding Success by Understanding whom You Care For
“My first Right at Home client was very special to me,” says Kim Schirrman, the Northeast Region winner of Right at Home’s 2017 Caregiver of the Year award. “She had high anxiety, and she was withdrawn and would not speak to anyone when I first met her.”
The Caregiver's Challenge
“LaQuita has a lot of respect for everyone. Even if the situation is difficult, she always handles it gracefully and professionally. She does an excellent job at preserving the dignity of our elderly clients.” - Jon Searles, owner of Right at Home Central Texas.
2017 National Caregiver of the Year - Sherilee Hopper
The National Caregiver of the Year was revealed April 6 at Home Improvement 2017 in Omaha, Neb. And the winner is Sherilee Hopper of Jeffersonville, Ind.! Franchisees Linda and Terry Rogers nominated Sherilee, who has been a caregiver with Right at Home since May 2013.
Right at Home 2017 Caregiver of the Year Award
What commendable care qualities do you see in caregivers you know?
Can Table Tennis Help Prevent Falls?
Table tennis is an activity that many elders participate in, regardless of physical ability. Aside from being enjoyable, playing table tennis can also help elders avoid falling. As a physical exercise, table tennis helps reduce the risk of falls.
Socialization –– How It Benefits Caregivers and Care Receivers
Caregivers are frequently told how important it is for them to stay engaged socially, but I think we sometimes forget how beneficial it can also be for the care receiver.
Do You Suffer From Caregiver Guilt? Bipartisan Support for Senior Issues
These and other stories are in the November edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
5 Things We Learned From Reagan’s Alzheimer’s and Thatcher’s Dementia
In what is considered his farewell address to the American people, former President Ronald Reagan penned a November 5, 1994, letter announcing his recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease, the irreversible neurological condition that is the most frequent form of dementia.
Moving Keeps You Mobile
Decreased mobility due to aging is not irreversible, even though studies show that people typically lose 8 percent or more muscle mass every decade after age 40. Muscle mass gives you strength and is associated with mobility. For some older adults, it is also vital to their independence.
