Caregiver Cruises Offer Self-Directed Learning Opportunities and Respite for Weary Caregivers
Durham, NC (PRWEB) September 2, 2008
CSM Cruises is pleased to announce that they have donated Caregiver Cruises to several non-profits, including The Alzheimer’s Association. Last year the cruise that was raffled by The Eastern NC Chapter raised over $ 8000. In 2009, Patrick Toal, Dr. Teena Cahill and the staff at CaregiverCruises.com will be coordinating the very first Memory Walk at Sea to be held on February 11, 2009. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association proving once and for all that caregivers really do “walk on water.”
CAREGIVER STRESS MANAGEMENT CRUISES
Cruising is worry-free travel because almost everything is included in the travel package. So, the caregiver can spend more time focused on relaxing and enjoying all the amenities a large cruise ship has to offer with the added security of being part of a smaller, organized group.
Joan Gershman, creator of TheAlzheimerSpouse.com, a website that offers support and information exclusive to spousal caregivers of Alzheimer patients, was on a past cruise in 2008. She says she already has her bags packed for the next trip and is recruiting friends from her support group and website to join her on the 2009 cruise.
According to Gershman, ”when caregivers are offered clean breaks like this from their caregiving responsibilities, they often return home re-energized with a wealth of new caregiver knowledge.” This self-directed learning is taken primarily from one-on-one dialogue with other “veteran caregivers” and through support group meetings onboard the ships.
WHAT TO EXPECT ONBOARD
Many first time Caregiver Cruisers don’t know what to expect on the cruise. The activities designed for this cruise are for caregivers only. With shorter cruises, the focus is on facilitated caregiver support group meetings and simple meditation exercises as a part of the respite routine. On the longer cruises, guest speakers offer short workshops on a variety of caregiving topics in addition to the support group meetings. Both cruises promote interaction with other caregivers onboard, sharing stories and helpful strategies for optimizing caregiving at home. As an added bonus, author and long term care expert, Lisa Gwyther, will be giving The Welcome on the September 2009 Alaskan Cruise and Radio Talk Show Host and Author, Teena Cahill will be offering The Welcome on the first day of the February Caribbean Cruise.
On some past sailings the majority of the caregivers were caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s Disease, but this is not always the case. According to geriatric social worker, Patrick Toal, the face of caregiving is quickly changing. More and more Baby Boomers are becoming sandwiched caregivers, caring for a teenager or adult child while at the same time caring for an aging parent. “Caregiver Stress Management Cruises are not just for Alzheimer’s Caregivers,” says Patrick Toal. ”They are designed with all types of caregivers in mind and every activity is optional. The main goal for cruisers is to connect with other caregivers, share experiences and return home re-energized.” Patrick reminds caregivers that if they need a massage more than they need a support group meeting, then by all means, they should get the massage.
Patrick says that all activities associated with the cruise are optional with one exception–the homework. Here’s a Sample of the Homework for Day One: 1). Get a massage 2). Do something totally self-indulgent 3). Write at least 1 page in your Stress Journal
For more information about Caregiver Stress Management Cruises look for their informational video on YouTube or contact cruise coordinator Patrick Toal.
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A day in the life of Home Instead Senior Care’s 2008 Mary Steibel National CAREGiver of the Year, John Dutille. “John Dutille is one of those people who always puts the clients needs first,” said Sarah Blackman, a Home Instead franchise owner. “He’s what we all want to represent for Home Instead Senior Care.” Home Instead’s CAREGivers are continually recognized for their extraordinary service and John is recognized as one of the best.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Question by fancypantsy: Dear seniors, how much do you truly believe “appearance matters” in this world honestly?
I know someday, I will not be young anymore nor “look young”. But you know how the world seems to be ALWAYS pressuring ppl to look beautiful ~it’s always in the media. When did you decide that it’s a waste of energy to “buy” into all that, or excessively atleast & did you fill the void w/something w/more substance or true value like developing spiritually.
I kept thinking “when I get older” that someday I’d get this and that done like restylane injections etc. But it seems to me to be ridiculous since it costs a lot, you have to keep up on it, takes a lot of energy to always strive for –going against nature to some extent. Frankly I don’t want to go there.
But the trouble is, my whole life I’ve gotten compliments on my appearance. Somehow believe since its always been this way, I’ve unintentionally become reliant on it. But I’d like to “not care” abt all that crap anymore and move on to something more real, knowing that getting older has it’s advantages. Where does one begin developing spiritually? I’ve no one to go to any spiritual functions w/me since my husband simply isn’t interested in that sort of thing. THOUGH I AM !
Best answer:
Answer by Suzianne
There are many people who have reached old age and are truly beautiful or handsome. Do not waste time grieving for some aspect of your self that remains behind. Embrace the changes in your life and love the woman you have become.
If you want to embark on a spiritual journey, do it for yourself, not as a substitute for lost youth. Start that journey on your own. You do not need to attend meetings and you do not need to have your husband by your side. Sometimes, growth is a solitary pursuit. Meditation or prayer might be the first step. If you want to take classes or become involved with a faith, follow the path that leads you in the direction of spiritual growth.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Question by Serena: Information for a caregiver of someone with multiple sclerosis?
I’m using the term “caregiver” broadly as it’s more emotional support and physical support (e.g. helping out by washing dishes) where possible.
My boyfriend has MS. Although I have done a lot of reading and research on the topic, I’m still trying to understand how MS can affect behaviour. I understand how it affects mood, but the effect on behaviour I’m still unclear on.
Does anyone know of resources I can read that address this specific topic?
Best answer:
Answer by Sammm
First your doing a wonderful thing by helping you bf. It’s a life changing event to be dx’d with ms and it effects everyone not just the person with ms.
Although MS can cause cognitive and general behavior changes it is different person to person. Having any chronic illness can lead to depression and frustration. One big thing with MS is fatigue. I think the best way to deal with this is to talk with you BF and get to know how things are effecting him.
Try these sites for more info.
Here are some great sites:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hom_gen_homepage
http://www.msworld.org/html/
Add your own answer in the comments!
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More Than A Caregiver Job: 3 C’s of an Exceptional Caregiver
Caregiving jobs come and go. But what makes a great care provider who offers quality caregiver services? What distinguishes a caregiver that shows up to work and does a mediocre job to caregiver that is outstanding and provides quality care? In order to be a caregiver, one needs to have various personality traits and abilities. Exceptional caregiving requires the 3 C’s: compassion, communication, and creativity.
Compassion. Caregivers need to have compassion, an awareness of and sympathy for someone suffering and the desire to help. Compassion includes having patience while carrying out a caregiver job. For instance, understanding why it may take a client 5 minutes to move from the bedroom to the living area. Compassion also means understanding a patient may be tearful during the holiday season or on a birthday.
Communication. Caregivers need to understand how to communicate to someone with special needs or an individual who is trying to maintain or regain independence. A patient may experience frustration when they used to carry out a task independently and they have either temporarily or permanently lost that ability. In addition, many clients may have experience memory loss. Knowing how to communicate with someone experiencing dementia is a must.
Creativity. Caregivers are presented with many challenging physical and emotional situations. A creative dementia caregiver (one who cares for someone with dementia or memory challenges) may have to quickly resolve a situation when a client forgets where she is or who is caring for her. A caregiver may have to think outside-the-box in order to get the client to eat a meal. In addition, helping a client move around in a restricting setting may require quick and creative thinking.
Anyone can have a caregiver job. Regardless if it’s a part time, full time, or live in caregiver job, those who need to find a caregiver, look for an exceptional caregiver who will possess the 3 C’s. Home caregiver jobs can be filled easily, but outstanding caregivers will have compassion, communication skills and creativity. If you want to find a caregiver, look for candidates that have the 3 C’s. If you are looking for a caregiver job, share the 3 C’s and why you possess these qualities in your job interview.
Staci Witten is the founder and President of CAREjourney.com, an online community that helps families find caregivers and care providers locate caregiver jobs through the CAREmatch Engine. CAREjourney® provides other online caregiver services and features including forums and blogs.
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A Las Vegas man with a license to possess small amounts of marijuana is in trouble with police for growing and smoking pot. John Emerick is a licensed medical marijuana caregiver, who has been charged by police for growing 12 marijuana plants in his back yard. Police say his licence with the New Mexico Department of Heath only allows him to transport marijuana to give it patients, not smoke it or grow it. According to a criminal complaint, police responding to a burglary in the area noticed the plants growing from a back alley in Emerick’s backyard. Investigators contacted Emerick who showed him his medical marijuana care giver card but police seized the plants and some pipes. Las Vegas Police Narcotics Sgt. Mack Allingham said he didn’t believe all the pot was being used legally. “{Emerick} can care-give up to four patients according to his medical card that he produced to us,” said Allingham. “but he can not grow, and he told me that he does ingest marijuana that day on scene. That he smokes it.” Emerick’s cancer patient Robert Jones says all the plants at Emerick’s house were his and called the medical marijuana laws confusing. Emerick said all of the plants at his house were supposed to be male plants with much lower levels of THC and meant for pollinating Jones pot crop that he cultivated separately. Jones says many state officials aren’t aware of how hard it is to keep an adequate supply.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Question by Gotcha: My husbands family collects “evidence” against me!?
I try very hard to love my in-laws. I talk to my sister-in-law daily but lately have been very un-trusting of them. The reason is that several years ago my husband and I almost divorced. We went as far as a custody battle after the hearing. Sadly, my husband let his family become involved in our custody battle and his mother went so far as to find out that he could legally “take” our child in the same state and it wasn’t considered kidnapping. She was actually legally able to be the “caregiver” and run all over the state with my child, keeping him from me. He was less than a year old and I wanted to kill her.
My husband and I got back together after lots of counseling and he is not regretting getting his family involved. It’s been YEARS and they can’t seem to let it go but yet pretend to be my friend to my face. It’s so sad. This past Easter my crazy outdoor three year old had tons of bruises on his shins and skinned knees. My sister in law took pics of his legs (like 10) while my MIL held him down. So weird, right? Why are they still collecting “evidence” against me? How do I learn to deal with this? I keep trusting them and then regretting it.
No history Sareena; we were engaged for 4 weeks and then found out that we were having a child. We loved one another so we rushed the wedding. Being married and then becoming a parent plus hard economic times = lots of fighting. We were at one another constantly. We were just tired. His mother lost a child when he was 16 and I feel like my child is the new “him” for her. It’s creepy.
Best answer:
Answer by gamergirl
STOP trusting them and CUT THEM OFF!
When someone threatens your family you do NOT keep in contact! How does your husband feel?
Get him on board with you. Just because they’re his family doesn’t mean he has to put up with them. YOU and that BABY are his family now. He is obligated to support YOU and protect you and your child!
Cut them off. If your husband refuses, then get counseling or leave. Do not just sit there and let them threaten you like that.
Give your answer to this question below!
Caregiver Tax in Canada
In Canada, it is a legal requirement to file specific tax when employing a caregiver. The caregiver is also required to pay and file taxes. However, below we will outline how a caregiver is also given various tax advantages and tax credits. For tax purposes, a caregiver can literally be defined as anyone that provides care to a person, animal or home for a fee. Generally the caregiver definition applies to a nanny more than anyone else but there are many others that qualify for the definition in Canada for tax purposes.
Caregiver Tax and Benefits
Any resident of Canada who employs a caregiver must file and pay the required taxes. The caregiver must also file a tax return. However, a caregiver is also entitled to specific tax benefits as outlined by Service Canada (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/caregiver.shtml). The caregiver tax rules state that one can claim the caregiver amount tax credit when you lived with a dependant who was one of the following:
Your or your spouse or common-law partner’s child or grandchild; or
Your or your spouse or common-law partner’s brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, parent, or grandparent who resided in Canada
Other criteria may apply
A person defined as a “caregiver” in Canada has the following advantages and options:
Apply for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
Claim the Caregiver Amount on your Tax Return
Apply for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
Take Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others
Explore Live-in Caregiver Options
How Tax4Nanny Addresses the Canada Caregiver Tax
Tax4Nanny covers the caregiver tax filing process from beginning to end. We prepare and file the employer’s taxes and we prepare and file the caregiver’s taxes. Our objective is to provide a full service throughout the tax filing process.
Tax4Nanny was founded by Gila Ossip MBA, CFP, CA.
Tax4Nanny was formed after numerous requests by friends and family to draw upon Gila’s experience as a Chartered Accountant. Gila was often asked nanny tax questions. She was also asked to help with remittances and with the preparation of tax forms for their caregivers.
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With the timing of a professional comedian, this diminutive “little old lady” shines a very funny light on the foibles of aging, to the delight of an audience filled with senior-care experts. A friend of the couple who founded Home Instead Care, Mary Maxwell was asked to give the invocation at the company’s 2009 Convention. Initially it seemed like a normal prayer, but it soon took a very funny turn. Her deadpan delivery and lines like …This is the first time I’ve ever been old… and it just sort of crept up on me … had everyone rolling in the aisles. Find out more at caregiverstress.com and at http
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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Alzheimer’s disease usually affects people over the age of 65. Learn what it is like to be a caregiver for a family member who has Alzheimer’s in this disease condition video.
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Senior Care – 5 Ways to Provide Support for a Caregiver
Being a caregiver takes a lot of time and effort, especially if someone is caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or some sort of dementia. Caregivers can easily get burned out or suffer health challenges of their own if they don’t get the breaks and support that they need. Family members and friends can help out in many ways. If someone you know is a caregiver, here are some ways that you can give them the help that they need.
Encouraging Notes
A great way to show your support for a caregiver is to send them a short encouraging note. We all like to hear an encouraging word from time to time. This doesn’t have to be a written note. In fact, a quick email will work just fine, and while you are at it you may even want to include a link to their favorite comic or a funny story just to brighten their day.
Send Them an E-card
There are many websites today that allow you to send free e-cards that are beautifully done. For example, www.hallmark.com and www.dayspring.com offer some wonderful e-cards. Consider sending one that will make them smile or give them a good laugh for the day. This could be just what they need on those days when they just need a little help smiling, and a good laugh would be just the thing to lighten their day.
Give the Caregiver a Short Break
Give the caregiver a short break for a few hours one evening and let them go out to a movie, restaurant or some other place that they enjoy. Offering to watch the loved one, even for a few hours, can mean a lot, and often is just what the caregiver needs to recharge their batteries.
Run Errands, Handle Details
Another way to provide support for a caregiver is to run some errands or take care of some other tasks for them so they don’t have to deal with them. Caring for a loved one can not only be physically demanding at times, but it can also be very mentally taxing. Often, just not having to worry about other details can provide welcome relief. If you are good with numbers or details maybe you can offer to assist the caregiver with some forms or paperwork, or take care of some other details for them.
Weekend Getaways
Occasionally, a weekend getaway or short vacation may be the best thing that you can do for a caregiver. Make all of the necessary arrangements for taking care of the loved one, so that the caregiver can focus on their trip. This is a great way that siblings or other family members can step up and provide needed relief for caregivers. This can be especially nice for caregivers that enjoy travel and used to take trips, but now find themselves having to stay close to home. Maybe its a trip to the mountains or to the beach where they can relax and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Most of all the break will be good for their mental and physical health, and when they return they will be more refreshed to care for the loved one.
This is just a few ways that you, as a close friend or family member, can support the primary caregiver. Over the years we have been blessed to have family members and close friends that have teamed up with us to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Some of these tips that I’ve shared have meant a lot, at times, for the primary caregiver.
Residential Windmills – Home Windmill Basics
There has probably never been a better time to seriously consider harnessing wind power to generate some or all of your home’s electricity. Although just a dream maybe 10-15 years ago, residential wind power is now a reality for many families around the world. Find out more about how home windmills work.
Elderly Home Care – Tips for Caring for an Elderly Parent
There are many different elder care options available today. One option that you may want to consider is elderly home care. It allows parents or a loved one to remain at home, in familiar surroundings, and get the assistance that they need. Often, caregivers include family, friends, or caregiving professionals that provide a wide range of senior home care services. This can be ideal if you are caring for elderly parents or overseeing their care, where their primary needs are non-medical care.
By:
Rich Hermanl
Home and Family>
Elderly Carel
Jan 04, 2009
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Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals – Finding Cabins for Rent in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are a major mountain range in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains. They straddle the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, and attract millions of visitors each year. Instead of an ordinary hotel stay, why not treat your family to a cabin rental in the beautiful Smoky Mountains? Finding the right vacation cabin rental is easier than you think, and it will be a family vacation that you will cherish for years.
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Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) May 23, 2006
Workplace Options, the largest provider of work-life employee benefits in America, announced today that its Care Coach service won a 2006 Caregiver Friendly award from Today’s Caregiver magazine.
Caregiver Friendly Awards are presented by Today’s Caregiver magazine to celebrate outstanding books, media, products and services designed with the best interest of the family caregiver in mind.
Care Coach, launched by Workplace Options in 2005, pairs families who are caring for an aging family member with a professional geriatric care manager during a telephonic “family meeting” facilitated by Workplace Options. The Geriatric Care Manager explains available options and builds consensus among the family members. Once consensus is reached, Workplace Options’ Geriatric Care Manager will coordinate a care plan, work to resolve any outstanding issues, and is available for ongoing contact from the family.
Care Coach addresses a critical need among caregivers that is not currently being met through traditional employee benefit programs that simply refer caregivers to geriatric care management services. While these benefits can help employee caregivers find resources and information and assess caregiving needs, they do not help facilitate communication among family members. Bringing family members together in a facilitated “family meeting” can result in a more unified approach to care planning. This leads to a reduction of caregiver stress and better care for the aging family member.
“The average caregiver is responsible for over ,000 in health-related expenditures each year, in either personal or directed funds,” says Gary Barg, Today’s Caregiver magazine’s Editor-in-Chief. “This award is designed to help family caregivers recognize and reward those organizations who will care for them in as committed a manner as they care for their loved ones.”
“Our organization clearly understands the value of supporting family caregivers, as evidenced by this award,” says Alan King, president of Workplace Options. “Care Coach not only helps caregivers care for their loved ones but also improves the caregiver’s quality of life in the process. We are delighted that Today’s Caregiver has recognized this innovative and important service.”
About Workplace Options
Workplace Options (WPO) is America’s largest provider of work-life services and software that help EAPs and other third-parties run their business more profitably and efficiently. Founded in 1982 and servicing nearly 15 million employees and their families, WPO is recognized for its innovative web delivery capabilities, flexibility and affordable pricing models.
About Today’s Caregiver
Today’s Caregiver magazine, launched in 1995, is published by Caregiver Media Group, which also produces the Fearless Caregiver Conferences, www.caregiver.com and The Fearless Caregiver book, which teaches caregivers how to become their loved one’s fearless advocates within the health care system.
This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.
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Cass woman’s caregiver given probation : Man also sentenced for stealing his mother’s debit card.
CASSOPOLIS — For nearly 20 years, Anna Shade trusted her at-home caregiver with everything.
Read more on South Bend Tribune
Caregiver, son arrested in mobile home park bodies case
The caregiver of two seniors found dead in a South Daytona trailer park is charged with 34 counts of fraud and criminal use of credit cards that belonged to the deceased, South Daytona police said this afternoon.
Read more on Daytona Beach News-Journal
Caregiver accused of helping herself to patient funds
NEW PORT RICHEY — A 34-year-old caregiver is accused of stealing $ 5,150 from an 80-year-old man, who has since died.
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Drexel Hill Time
AES Seniors
