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	<title>Caregivers Blog: Elder Care Resources and Support</title>
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	<link>http://www.caregivers.com</link>
	<description>Senior living information and support for anyone caring for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones.</description>
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		<title>A Gift to Caregivers: Getting the Affairs in Order with End-of-Life Documents</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/elder-law/a-gift-to-caregivers-getting-the-affairs-in-order/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/elder-law/a-gift-to-caregivers-getting-the-affairs-in-order/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 13:16:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elder Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bank accounts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregivers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funeral arrangments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grieving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1408</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently, a dear friend&#8217;s father passed away.  He had been sick for about a year with cancer.  Heartbroken the family came together to say their goodbyes and launch into the myriad of details that goes into planning a funeral. The memorial was almost 3 hours long with 500 people in attendance.  My friend, in tears, then relayed how quickly… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/elder-law/a-gift-to-caregivers-getting-the-affairs-in-order/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Felder-law%2Fa-gift-to-caregivers-getting-the-affairs-in-order%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Felder-law%2Fa-gift-to-caregivers-getting-the-affairs-in-order%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/elder-law/a-gift-to-caregivers-getting-the-affairs-in-order/attachment/financialdocuments/" rel="attachment wp-att-1411"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1411" title="FinancialDocuments" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/FinancialDocuments-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Recently, a dear friend&#8217;s father passed away.  He had been sick for about a year with cancer.  Heartbroken the family came together to say their goodbyes and launch into the myriad of details that goes into planning a funeral. The memorial was almost 3 hours long with 500 people in attendance.  My friend, in tears, then relayed how quickly their minds needed to turn to the matters of making sure mom was o.k., more details -</p>
<h3>End-of-Life Documents: Did dad leave any lists of bank accounts, life insurance,passwords, instructions? Not that mom knew of&#8230;</h3>
<p>It is not something we do not do very well as a culture, preparing for own deaths, even though it is said that “dying is the only thing we will<em> all </em>do successfully.”  Leaving our caregivers and loved ones with the information that they will need to rest easy about end-of-life details is a more than a gift; it&#8217;s peace of mind.  Grieving well takes space, it is an excellent time to press the “pause” button and tend to yourself and your family when a loved one passes.</p>
<h3>Digging through desks drawers and file cabinets looking for the answers to feel grounded and safe in ones future can be pretty unraveling.</h3>
<p>Below is a list of end-of-life documents, people and passwords that are helpful to collect for ourselves and our loved ones so that they may feel secure and tend to the matters of grieving when the time comes. Of course there are several<a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/legal-planning-for-seniors" target="_blank"> legal documents</a> that need to be taken care of while all parties are alive and of right-mind.</p>
<p>This effort may be as simple as writing the information on a piece of paper to organizing a sectional binder.  In this day and age it wouldn&#8217;t be uncommon to set this up on your computer, just remember to leave the location of the information and password to unlock this document in a known place.</p>
<p><strong>What your caregivers will need when you pass:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Attorneys, Accountants, an Executor of Estate</strong>: Names and numbers</li>
<li><strong>Financial Planner</strong>: Names and Numbers</li>
<li><strong>Insurance:</strong> Names and numbers, policy numbers- Life, Health, Home, Vehicle</li>
<li><strong>Bank accounts:</strong> Locations, type, numbers, passwords, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Social Security:</strong> Your number (survivors maybe entitled to further benefits)</li>
<li><strong>Work-related policies:</strong> Contact numbers, details, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Credit Cards:</strong> Names, numbers, pins, passwords</li>
<li><strong>Bills:</strong> Utilities, any automated payments or deposits, special arrangements</li>
<li><strong>Vehicle info:</strong> Title, maintenance, anything owed – loan info.</li>
<li><strong>Financial documents:</strong> Stocks, bonds, investments, titles, retirement accounts, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Safety deposit box:</strong> Location, Number, Key</li>
<li><strong>Home Mortgage &amp; Real Estate investments</strong>: relevant information</li>
<li><strong>Material objects</strong>: How we would like our stuff distributed &#8211; if you have not done so in your Will</li>
</ul>
<p>I would also recommend sharing this information with your relevant loved ones <em>in person</em>.  I know it is difficult for many of us to go there <em>and </em>offering them the availability to answer any questions that they may have can be an empowering conversation.</p>
<p><strong>After searching her father&#8217;s office my friend found a letter that was written and tucked away in his files, it spoke to his wife about living well, moving on, loving again.</strong>  These words helped soften the blow of his passing.  Along with all of the details of passwords, accounts and paperwork this may be a terrific place to offer a piece of our hearts. The impact of this gesture and sharing has the possibility of making the grieving process a little sweeter.</p>
<p>I imagine I am missing something from this list&#8230; Have you experienced this situation first hand?  What did you learn and what would you share to help those of us who will someday be right there as well?</p>
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		<title>Memory Care: Issue or Symptom?</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-issue-or-symptom/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-issue-or-symptom/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 19:27:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dementia and Alzheimer's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diabetes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[memory care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1391</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Memory care can be extremely complicated. What is normal memory loss? I sometimes even find myself pausing at the stairs wondering what task I was trying to accomplish  and then wonder if I should worry, where has my brain gone? Am I just too busy, dehydrated, or is there something else more serious going… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-issue-or-symptom/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-issue-or-symptom/attachment/istock_000014377944xsmall/" rel="attachment wp-att-1396"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1396" title="iStock_000014377944XSmall" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iStock_000014377944XSmall-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Memory care can be extremely complicated. What is normal memory loss? I sometimes even find myself pausing at the stairs wondering what task I was trying to accomplish  and then wonder if I should worry, where has my brain gone? Am I just too busy, dehydrated, or is there something else more serious going on? I just love (hint sarcasm) when the word I am looking for mid-sentence flees the scene and then returns a million miles from the actually conversation. Something you may have experienced yourself?</p>
<p>Recently, we received this question from one of you. It is indicative of the difficulty we all have sometimes in sifting through the vast body of influences that make up our lives.</p>
<p><strong>Dear Caregivers,</strong> &#8220;My family has had a tragic year with the unexpected loss of a loved one. My mother is a diabetic who does not follow her diet and has had memory issues in the last few months. How do I know if it is just depression or something more?&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Dear Darlene,</strong> You are wise to be looking deeper into your mom’s experience. She is fortunate to have you on her ‘team’! Obviously, there are many layers to her current situation. When families come to me with similar scenarios I recommend<em> pulling back the layers</em>. From your short note I can identify three issues:</p>
<ul>
<li>Recent loss and grief</li>
<li>Out of control diabetes</li>
<li>Memory loss</li>
</ul>
<p>If you see that depression and grief, over the tragic loss of your loved one, is an integral part of your moms experience I would start here. <a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-depression" target="_blank">Depression</a> can be immobilizing and make the other steps, like taking care of her diabetes difficult at best. Does she have support; someone to talk to or ‘tools’ to process her feelings? Although I am not a huge advocate of anti-depressants, used at the right time in the right way I have seen them to be very effective. A call to her doctor is a good idea. Use all your resources to make a dent in the depression.</p>
<p>Out of control <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/" target="_blank">diabetes</a> is like poison to the body and will wreak havoc in many many ways. This is a very serious issue. In the end it is your mom’s choice as to whether or not she wants to care for herself. Is it possible that this recent loss of a loved one will give her the inspiration to live life more fully and in better health? This is my hope for both of you. Again, I don’t think you will know until you get the depression under control.</p>
<p>Memory loss can be a symptom of both of these issues. Peel back the layers before you decide where this is coming from. Take it day by day, making concrete steps so that you feel you are moving forward and progress in her care is being made.</p>
<p>I wish you both the best. Please check back in and let us know how things are going…</p>
<p>Sincerely, Merret Anne Mann</p>
<p>Maybe you have another thought for Darlene? We welcome your participation. Leave a comment below…</p>
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		<title>Caregivers: 9 Ways to Get Your Happy On!</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/caregivers-9-ways-to-get-your-happy-on/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/caregivers-9-ways-to-get-your-happy-on/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 20:36:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Caregiver Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiver support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quality of life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Giving care to a loved one, as you know, is not something we merely do&#8230; Being a caregiver is something we are! But as all-consuming and overwhelming as caregiving often feels, we can all benefit from an occasional reminder that it is rarely all we are. We are also individuals with personal lives, interests and… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/caregivers-9-ways-to-get-your-happy-on/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiver-wellness%2Fcaregivers-9-ways-to-get-your-happy-on%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiver-wellness%2Fcaregivers-9-ways-to-get-your-happy-on%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p align="center"><strong><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/caregivers-9-ways-to-get-your-happy-on/attachment/dscn0497-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-1383"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1383" title="DSCN0497" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSCN04971-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Giving care to a loved one, as you know, is not something we merely do&#8230; Being a<em> caregiver</em> is something we are! But as all-consuming and overwhelming as caregiving often feels, we can all benefit from an occasional reminder that it is rarely <strong><em>all</em></strong> we are. We are also individuals with personal lives, interests and needs. It is my hope that the suggestions below might help you remember to celebrate and nurture yourself:</p>
<ol start="1">
<ol start="1">
<li><strong>Start a journal:</strong> There are many benefits, both physical &amp; mental, in getting our feelings &#8220;out&#8221; and on paper where you can be ruthlessly honest.  I recommend you also begin or end every day by recording something that <em>touched your life in a good way</em>.</li>
<li><strong>Plant</strong> a few bulbs, seeds or herbs, indoors or out ~ Sometimes the simple act of of watching something grow not only brings &#8220;freshness&#8221; into our space but helps connect us to the greater ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Try a new luxurious scent</strong> for your next bar of soap or lotion.  Aromatherapy works &amp; is accessible to all of us ~  I purchased a bottle of coconut scented suntan oil recently not to use on my body but to smell&#8230;every time I open the bottle it takes me to the beach!</li>
<li><strong>Invite a friend</strong> on a date and take the time to share a cup of coffee, a movie or a hike in a special place.</li>
<li><strong>Ask for help</strong> and schedule a nap, a massage, a bath or an outing just for yourself. As Caregivers, I know this is sometimes hard to do for a myriad of reasons&#8230;<em> and</em> sometimes just knowing you have a date with yourself out in the future allows for ease in the moment.</li>
<li><strong>Brew a fresh cup</strong> of tea and allow each breath to relax you.  If you haven&#8217;t checked out the tea shelves recently you will be surprised, this is a market that is booming with many products promoting health &amp; wellness in some yummy combinations.</li>
<li><strong>Check out the ‘events’ section</strong> of your newspaper and make plans to attend a lecture, museum exhibit or ranger guided outdoor group.</li>
<li><strong>Join a book group</strong> and commit to the stimulation and support of others’ stories and observations.</li>
<li><strong>Get outside</strong> ~ Explore a new path in your neighborhood and resolve to walk it, or explore another, at least once a week.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<p>Hang this list on your mirror, revisit these ideas regularly,<em> add your own special ways of nurturing yourself as a caregiver</em>, and then commit to finding ways of DOING them! YOU (and those that receive your care) deserve your best.</p>
<p>Please share your ideas about how you take care of yourself &#8230; We all need support in this area!</p>
<p>P.S. If this list is totally annoying in it&#8217;s jubilance, I get it. Try this out:  6 Ideas to <a href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/6-ideas-to-quell-the-stress-of-caregiving-bubble-bath-not-included/" target="_blank">Quell the Stress of Caregiving ~ bubble bath not included.</a></p>
<h1></h1>
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		<title>Memory Care: Where to Start</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-where-to-start/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-where-to-start/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 21:56:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dementia and Alzheimer's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alzheimers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Assisted Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dementia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[memory care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nursing home]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1336</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Alzheimer&#8217;s is a heartbreaking disease, especially for those left behind. I have heard from so many of you in the situation of caring for a loved one that not only are you deeply saddened, you are confused, and things just keep getting worse. You have never been the type of person to consider a &#8220;nursing… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-where-to-start/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fdementia-and-alzheimers%2Fmemory-care-where-to-start%2F"><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/dementia-and-alzheimers/memory-care-where-to-start/attachment/istock_000008248330small-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-1341"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1341" title="iStock_000008248330Small" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iStock_000008248330Small1-300x245.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="245" /></a>Alzheimer&#8217;s is a heartbreaking disease, especially for those left behind. I have heard from so many of you in the situation of caring for a loved one that not only are you deeply saddened, you are confused, and things just keep getting worse. You have never been the type of person to consider a &#8220;nursing home&#8221; for your beloved, but there isn&#8217;t a moment of rest, and your quality of life continues to diminish with the stress and responsibility.　Fortunately and unfortunately, as the numbers grow of those afflicted by this disease—according to the <a href="http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet" target="_blank">National Institute of Health</a>, 5.1 million are living with Alzheimer&#8217;s currently—options for care are rising. &#8220;Memory Care&#8221; communities are at the forefront of this surge.</p>
<p>Making the decision to move your loved one into a community may also be supported by a health care professional who can diagnose the progression of an individual’s memory disease. We need people in our corner supporting us, especially in such difficult times. Your loved one’s <em>primary doctor</em> should be able to give you direction to find professionals in your area to assist with diagnosis.</p>
<p>Whether it is an Assisted Living Community that specializes in Alzheimer&#8217;s and Memory Care, a Skilled Nursing Home, or a Board &amp; Care, research is central to finding the right environment for your loved one to thrive. It is true that along with all of the loss, there can be &#8220;gain&#8221; by moving into a community that supports the best in your loved one.</p>
<p><strong>A Memory Care Community that helps your loved one thrive:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Maximize strengths</li>
<li>Sustain abilities</li>
<li>Bring a sense of purpose</li>
</ul>
<p>Of course, in this environment it is ideal to have increased individualized care from staff who are specially trained to understand this specific disease process. The staff is the front line and often the heart of an organization, so take some time to get to know them as you are doing your research.</p>
<p><strong>Does the Memory Care Community cater to the functional level of each resident?</strong></p>
<p>This can take place through:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sensory stimulation programs</li>
<li>Pet therapy</li>
<li>Music therapy</li>
<li>Opportunities to go outside in a secure setting</li>
</ul>
<p>The <a href="http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_we_can_help.asp" target="_blank">Alzheimer&#8217;s Association of America</a> is a great place to start. This link will take you to their &#8220;We Can Help&#8221; page that includes a 24-hour help line and a Senior Care Finder, along with information on how to find the local Alzheimer&#8217;s Association office near you where they have community services and support programs going on. <a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/" target="_blank">A Place for Mom</a> is also a fantastic resource, and the Senior Living Advisors have information on a myriad of options for your loved one. They specialize in knowing what each of these communities offer, making it possible to understand what might be the best fit for your loved one.</p>
<p>No doubt this is a complex situation with many layers. If you have had the experience of looking for a <a title="Memory Care" href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care " target="_blank">Memory Care Community</a>, please leave a comment here. It is really through first-hand experience that we gain the most meaningful information, and passing this information along is a gift to others that may soon face a similar time.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Inspiring, Great Caregiver Moments Camouflaged in the Every Day</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/great-caregiver-moments/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/great-caregiver-moments/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 19:28:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Caregiver Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiver support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elderly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hospice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quality of life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yes, it is challenging juggling our full lives as caregivers. The ever-so-opulent word ‘balance’ seems to evade our own experience. Yet, there are moments that inspire and sustain us and we move forward hoping for more of these moments more often. That somehow luck will fall upon us and our quality of life will rise… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/great-caregiver-moments/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiver-wellness%2Fgreat-caregiver-moments%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiver-wellness%2Fgreat-caregiver-moments%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/?attachment_id=1328" rel="attachment wp-att-1328"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1328" title="door key" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iStock_000017261651XSmall1-300x268.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="268" /></a>Yes, it is challenging juggling our full lives as caregivers. The ever-so-opulent word ‘balance’ seems to evade our own experience. Yet, there are moments that inspire and sustain us and we move forward hoping for more of these moments more often. That somehow luck will fall upon us and our quality of life will rise like the full moon in May.</p>
<p>It is indeed a fine line to walk, of being in service to others and taking care of ourselves. Hopefully the word is getting out that we indeed need to nourish ourselves if we want to show up with ‘extra’ to give to our family and community. Caregiver support is essential! But sometimes caregiver support comes from within; an unsuspecting perk of the job.</p>
<p><strong>Discovering How Caregiver Support Can Come From Within</strong></p>
<p>There are many articles written on how we can support ourselves; mainly more rest, exercise and support. I propose something else, something that works from the inside out almost instantaneously. It’s like lighting a flame in your belly that you keep getting to stoke. It may even change your relationship to caregiving.</p>
<p>I am going to share a story with you that will give you a direct glimpse of my message. I could simply give you my perception of the message; but I believe it is a more raw, human emotion that must be experienced or communicated through feeling. So read the below story, author unknown, and learn how life’s simple and great moments can catch us unaware…</p>
<p><strong><em>The Last Cab Ride</em></strong></p>
<p>A NYC Taxi driver wrote:</p>
<p>I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. &#8216;Just a minute&#8217;, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.</p>
<p>After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90&#8242;s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940&#8242;s movie.</p>
<p>By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.</p>
<p>There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.</p>
<p>&#8216;Would you carry my bag out to the car?&#8217; she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.</p>
<p>She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.</p>
<p>She kept thanking me for my kindness. &#8216;It&#8217;s nothing&#8217;, I told her.. &#8216;I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.&#8217;</p>
<p>&#8216;Oh, you&#8217;re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, &#8216;Could you drive<br />
through downtown?&#8217;</p>
<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s not the shortest way,&#8217; I answered quickly..</p>
<p>&#8216;Oh, I don&#8217;t mind,&#8217; she said. &#8216;I&#8217;m in no hurry. I&#8217;m on my way to a hospice.</p>
<p>I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. &#8216;I don&#8217;t have any family left,&#8217; she continued in a soft voice&#8230;&#8217; The doctor says I don&#8217;t have very long.&#8217; I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.</p>
<p>&#8216;What route would you like me to take?&#8217; I asked.</p>
<p>For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.</p>
<p>We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.</p>
<p>Sometimes she&#8217;d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.</p>
<p>As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, &#8216;I&#8217;m tired. Let&#8217;s go now&#8217;.<br />
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.</p>
<p>Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.<br />
They must have been expecting her.</p>
<p>I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.</p>
<p>&#8216;How much do I owe you?&#8217; She asked, reaching into her purse.</p>
<p>&#8216;Nothing,&#8217; I said</p>
<p>&#8216;You have to make a living,&#8217; she answered.</p>
<p>&#8216;There are other passengers,&#8217; I responded.</p>
<p>Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.</p>
<p>&#8216;You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,&#8217; she said. &#8216;Thank you.&#8217;</p>
<p>I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..</p>
<p>I didn&#8217;t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?</p>
<p>On a quick review, I don&#8217;t think that I have done anything more important in my life.</p>
<p>We&#8217;re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.</p>
<p>But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.</p>
<p>~</p>
<p>Did this story touch you? Perhaps even inspire you to be more patient?<br />
The role you play as a caregiver and the lives you touch and that touch you are the very essence of the connection we are here to experience.<br />
I recognize there is so much more; the hardships and struggles that parallel these relationships.<br />
And if we can pause, slow down a little bit, we may find that there is a flame in our bellies that just needs to be fanned.<br />
From this resource our lives are energized from the inside out.</p>
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		<title>Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease: Providing Comfort, Whatever It Takes</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/alzheimers-disease-comfort/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/alzheimers-disease-comfort/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DanaLarsen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Assisted Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dementia and Alzheimer's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alzheimers disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[assisted living facility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dementia care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[memory care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1296</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by guest blogger: Ann E. Napoletan Spending time with Alzheimer’s patients tends to bring forth a myriad of poignant moments, some leaving their indelible mark in your mind forever. It doesn&#8217;t seem all that long ago that I remember sitting at my mom’s former assisted living facility, watching a woman across the common area.  She… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/alzheimers-disease-comfort/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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<p><em>by guest blogger: Ann E. Napoletan</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/alzheimers-disease-comfort/attachment/momdora/" rel="attachment wp-att-1297"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1297" title="Alzheimer's Disease: Providing Comfort, Whatever It Takes" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/momdora-150x150.jpg" alt="Ann's mom with her dora doll" width="150" height="150" /></a>Spending time with Alzheimer’s patients tends to bring forth a myriad of poignant moments, some leaving their indelible mark in your mind forever.</p>
<p>It doesn&#8217;t seem all that long ago that I remember sitting at my mom’s former assisted living facility, watching a woman across the common area.  She was in a wheelchair, usually sitting off by herself, and she always had a disheveled looking baby doll with her.  Sometimes, when you walked past her, she would hold out the doll and ramble nonsensically.  At times, she seemed very agitated about the doll, yet there were moments when she was very affectionate.</p>
<p>I&#8217;d watch the woman sadly, always feeling so thankful that my mom wasn&#8217;t at that point. I couldn&#8217;t imagine seeing the woman who had always been my rock talking to a baby doll as if it were real.  In fact, I hoped against all hope that I&#8217;d never see that.  It would be heartbreaking&#8230;</p>
<h3>Putting Mom First: Surprising Alzheimer&#8217;s Comforts</h3>
<p>Fast forward: 18 months.  The girls who care for my mom asked if I&#8217;d mind them getting her a doll.  Of course, while part of me shuddered at the idea, I was willing to try anything that they thought might bring her solace.  After all, it was about her and not me, right?</p>
<p>With my blessing, Mom soon had her own Dora the Explorer, and who knew that a doll could bring so much more than simple contentment.   Seeing my mom with Dora is witnessing, quite possibly, the most pure, organic joy I&#8217;ve ever seen.  It&#8217;s nothing short of amazing; Mom can be having a terrible moment, and the sight of Dora will bring a smile to her face.</p>
<p>She kisses her, straightens her hair, imitates her oh-so-wide eyes, and talks to her in a soft, loving voice.  Her facial expressions are priceless; sometimes, it&#8217;s as though she and Dora are in their own little world, and I almost feel as though I&#8217;m intruding. Mom holds her close, telling her that she&#8217;s pretty and smart, as she gently strokes her hair.  “I love you,” she’ll say in a sweet maternal voice.  As I think about it, I realize that some of her most clear communication comes when she&#8217;s talking to Dora.</p>
<p>With big, bright eyes and soft caramel skin, we think Mom may associate Dora with my daughter, Jessica, as a baby, which would certainly explain why the doll makes her so happy.  Unfortunately, this will remain yet another mystery, locked away and leaving us to wonder.  Although we&#8217;ll never know what my mom thinks about the doll, it&#8217;s not really very important in the grand scheme of things.  What is important is the effect Dora has on her.</p>
<h3>Making the Right Choice for You</h3>
<p>Using children’s toys with Alzheimer&#8217;s patients can be a sensitive topic that often stirs debate.  It’s interesting to consider opposing perspectives, and clearly, I&#8217;ve been on both sides of the fence.  Initially I was mortified at the thought of my mother with a baby doll.  However, all it took was seeing how happy, affectionate, and content she is with Dora for me to turn the corner.  I&#8217;ve said it so often, and it bears repeating. With this disease, if we can find something that brings her peace and joy, I&#8217;m all for it!</p>
<p>Be it Dora the Explorer or an extra piece of chocolate right before dinner &#8211; life&#8217;s short, and every single ray of sunshine is a blessing.</p>
<p><em>About the Author: Slightly neurotic 40-something living life one day at a time… and stumbling through the Alzheimer’s journey with the woman who was my rock for four decades.</em></p>
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		<title>Caregiver Support: Things to Consider When Mom Moves In</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/moms-moving-in-with-you-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/moms-moving-in-with-you-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:02:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Caregiving]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[support system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Between 2007 and 2009, the total number of Americans living in multigenerational households shot up more than 10 percent, from 46.5 million to 51.4 million. Caregiver support is on the rise! This is according to a new NPR series that has recently launched called &#8220;Family Matters,&#8221; reporter David Greene will take listeners on a journey,… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/moms-moving-in-with-you-2/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiving%2Fmoms-moving-in-with-you-2%2F"><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/moms-moving-in-with-you-2/attachment/istock_000010197737xsmall2-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-1267"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1267" title="iStock_000010197737XSmall2-1" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/iStock_000010197737XSmall2-1.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="156" /></a>Between 2007 and 2009, the total number of Americans living in multigenerational households shot up more than 10 percent, from 46.5 million to 51.4 million. Caregiver support is on the rise! This is according to a new NPR series that has recently launched called &#8220;<a href="http://www.npr.org/series/150002308/family-matters">Family Matters</a>,&#8221; reporter David Greene will take listeners on a journey, deep into the lives of three families struggling with issues of money, duty and love. This show airs on &#8220;Morning Addition.&#8221;</p>
<p>Following this report has spurred me to further investigate  the impact of both the elder and the entire household. The decision to invite an elder parent to live with you is not to be taken lightly.  Although it may be a decision out of necessity I believe there are ways to become more clear about what is to come.   The ramifications of becoming a home caregiver can be steep and are worthy of thorough inquiry and investigation before rolling out the red carpet.</p>
<h2><strong>Things to Consider as a Home Caregiver</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Question to ask about the impact on the elder</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Are they moving out of their familiar neighborhood and support systems? i.e. friends, doctors, clubs</li>
<li>Will there be a significant feeling of loss of independence in the move?</li>
<li>Will there be possibility and availability for the elder to contribute to the household?</li>
<li>Is the house set up in such a way that the elder will be able to navigate without trouble?</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Question to ask about the Impact on the household</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Are there finances to support the addition?  Perhaps it may even enhance the situation&#8230;</li>
<li>If everyone works outside the home, will there be a need for daytime supervision or care?</li>
<li>Is dementia an issue and if so is everyone educated and prepared for this?</li>
<li>Is the history of the relationship &#8220;clean&#8221; enough for this situation not to bubble up baggage from the past?  And if so are there tools to deal with this when issues do come up?</li>
<li>Concerns should not remain unspoken, all cards should be on the table for discussion &#8211; Is everyone ready for this?  This approach will help create harmony in the long run.</li>
<li>Caregivers need to take time off to sustain a healthy mind and body &#8211; is there an understanding of self-care and a resourcefulness to organize this?</li>
<li>Is everyone in the home truly on-board with this decision?  <em>Everyones</em> perspective should be considered including the children.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>I read a startling statistic put out by AARP several years ago that found that nearly 70 percent of adult children have not talked to their parents about issues related to aging.</em>  There isn&#8217;t just one blueprint for these important conversations.  Advice I have heard to get the conversation ball rolling is to talk to your parents about their values and what they would do in any certain situation.  Asking <em>your parents</em> for advice and seeking <em>their </em>wisdom in helping you help them often has great success.  Also realizing that making these decisions is truly a process and that no one resolves the future in one afternoon can help take some of the pressure off.</p>
<p>Please share below if you have had experience in this area.  Hearing others stories helps inform us all!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>I Was Almost Scammed: Lessons Learned</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/i-was-almost-scammed-lessons-learned/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/i-was-almost-scammed-lessons-learned/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Caregiving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advocate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[craigslist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fraud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caregivers.com/?p=1249</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I must admit, I am embarrassed to share this with you. But the fact is that I was just almost scammed out of several hundred dollars! I just wrote a blog at the end of March 2012 on scams and fraud. And yet, it happened to me. I hope that in sharing this story it… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiving/i-was-almost-scammed-lessons-learned/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiving%2Fi-was-almost-scammed-lessons-learned%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caregivers.com%2Fcaregiving%2Fi-was-almost-scammed-lessons-learned%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1252" title="iStock_000017413531XSmall" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/iStock_000017413531XSmall-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>I must admit, I am embarrassed to share this with you. But the fact is that I was just almost scammed out of several hundred dollars! I just wrote a blog at the end of March 2012 on <a href="../elder-law/elder-abuse-how-to-report-the-crime-of-the-21st-century/" target="_blank">scams and fraud</a>. And yet, it happened to me.</p>
<p>I hope that in sharing this story it will allow you to have a greater appreciation for how complex these situations can be. I know I do!  We all need to be cautious for ourselves and supportive to the elders in our lives.</p>
<p>They were good, I must admit. They had their story down. I was looking for a home to rent and found my way to Craigslist. There is a fervor in the air in my area; demand is high and supply is low in the rental housing arena. Their ad provided a legitimate address and a note saying that they were missionaries in Africa that decided not to come home for awhile longer and they needed to rent their place. They did not have any friends or property manager to show me the house. I called Africa to get more details. The man and his “wife” answered. We spoke for awhile and somehow it was all making sense to me, until they asked that I “wire” them the deposit so they could FedEx me the keys to get in and take a look around. They said they needed some assurance that I wouldn’t just move into their home.  Of course, a part of me knew this was a gamble but I thought for a few hundreds dollars it was worth taking the risk. After all this was my dream (for-right-now) home. I did my do-diligence and went to the neighborhood to knock on a few doors and explore my reservations, only to find it was, indeed, a scam. There are a few more gory details that I just can’t bear to share. But I think you get the gist of it!</p>
<p>Fortunately, I came out unscathed with an essential lesson learned. I reported the scam to Craigslist and phoned the real property managers letting them know of the situation. Sadly, they were not shocked. Although my tail is still between my legs, I felt it was important to be courageous and write this down for all to see.</p>
<p>The four things I learned:</p>
<ol start="1">
<li>Don’t let your desire for some “thing” material or monetary override your senses</li>
<li>If the word “wire” comes up, hang up and flag the ad</li>
<li>Do your research. Google it, ask friends for advice, etc.</li>
<li>And consider the age old adage, ‘If it is too good to be true’&#8230;it probably is!</li>
</ol>
<p>As caregivers, have you experienced something like this for yourself or a loved one? I would love to hear that I am not the only misguided one~!</p>
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		<title>They Call Me Chuck: A Story From Joan Lunden&#8217;s New Caregiver&#8217;s Book</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/family-caregivers-story/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/family-caregivers-story/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:35:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DanaLarsen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Assisted Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caregiving]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Chicken Soup for the Soul&#8217;s Family Caregivers: 101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice, and Bonding is great for any caregiver&#8217;s book shelf. This story about &#8220;Grampa Charlie&#8221; or &#8220;Chuck&#8221; is a wonderful story about when a move to assisted living goes right. In his prime, Grampa Charlie stood at 6’3” and weighed in around 220 pounds. He’d… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/assisted-living/family-caregivers-story/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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<p><em>Chicken Soup for the Soul&#8217;s Family Caregivers: 101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice, and Bonding is great for any caregiver&#8217;s book shelf. This story about &#8220;Grampa Charlie&#8221; or &#8220;Chuck&#8221; is a wonderful story about when a move to assisted living goes right.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/they-call-me-chuck.jpg"><img class="alignright" title="Family Caregivers Story: They Call Me Chuck" src="http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/they-call-me-chuck-150x150.jpg" alt="apple with heart" width="150" height="150" /></a>In his prime, Grampa Charlie stood at 6’3” and weighed in around 220 pounds. He’d graduated from Central Washington Normal School and taught school for two years outside Tacoma. Then he earned a law degree from the University of Washington, but he never used it. In his heart, he was always a farmer.</p>
<p>Gramps liked working with his hands, to till the earth and watch things grow, and took pride in baling his own hay to feed his dairy cows.</p>
<p>“Take a bite of this,” he said long ago, slicing off a portion of an apple with his pocketknife. “Know what kind of apple that is?”</p>
<p>I shook my head.</p>
<p>“Smell it,” said Gramps.</p>
<p>Dutifully, I sniffed the apple, but it didn’t reveal any useful clues.</p>
<p>“That’s a Gravenstein,” he explained. “Sweeter than a Macintosh. Comes on right after the Transparents and earlier than the Kings. Gravensteins are best for eating off the tree and for making applesauce.”</p>
<p>I chewed my piece of apple and nodded thoughtfully, trying hard to remember everything he ever tried to teach me.</p>
<p>Fast-forward a few years, and now Gramps and I claimed the same alma mater. He gave me his old brass school bell “to call the kids in from recess,” and his rubber-tipped pointer “so you can point to things on the map without getting in the way.”</p>
<p>Another decade went by, and it nearly broke my heart when Gramps, at age 94, needed to move into a care facility where there were people who were better equipped to help him with his day-to-day challenges.</p>
<p>Gramps was a World War I veteran, and we found the perfect place for him to be with other men with his background. At first I worried that the people we entrusted his care to wouldn’t really listen to him; that he’d be just another old war vet.</p>
<p>When I went to see him one day and found his bed empty, I asked at the closest nurses’ station where I could find him. “Chuck’s out back,” I was told.</p>
<p>“Chuck? Who’s Chuck?”</p>
<p>“Well,” said the young nurse’s aide, “we already had a Charles and two Charlies, so your grandfather said we could call him Chuck because that was what they called him in college.”</p>
<p>“I never knew that.” I smiled and shook my head as I went out the back doors.</p>
<p>“Chuck” was sitting in his wheelchair on the lawn, gazing out over the water.</p>
<p>“Hey, Gramps!” I called.</p>
<p>He turned and smiled. “Lookie what they did for me.” He gestured to the nearby mason wall of the rest home.</p>
<p>A 10-foot row of colorful sweet peas had been planted along the wall, and the prolifically blooming plants were climbing up a trellis. A sign next to the flowers read: “Chuck’s Pea Patch.”</p>
<p>Without a word, I sat on the lawn next to my grandfather, the sweet smell of summer washing over us both.</p>
<p>“They really care for you here, don’t they, Grampa Charlie?” I finally choked out.</p>
<p>“They call me Chuck,” said Gramps. “I like that.”</p>
<p>I liked that, too, and I never gave another thought to the quality of his care.</p>
<p><em>~Jan Bono<br />
</em><em>Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers</em></p>
<h5>Related articles</h5>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/caregiver-wellness/joan-lunden-caregiver-book-giveaway/">Joan Lunden&#8217;s &#8220;Family Caregivers&#8221; Book Giveaway</a> (caregivers.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/03/joan-lunden-caregiving_n_1317293.html">Caregiving From Coast To Coast</a> (huffingtonpost.com)</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Betty White&#8217;s Playing Pranks on the Younger Generation</title>
		<link>http://www.caregivers.com/featured/betty-whites-playing-pranks-on-the-younger-generation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.caregivers.com/featured/betty-whites-playing-pranks-on-the-younger-generation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:33:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>merretmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ageism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[betty white]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pranks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reality tv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Betty White is my hero! What a force to behold. She is 90 years young this year with a blossoming career in acting and turning ageism in America on its face. Ageism is something we all experience whether we know it or not. Wikipedia nails it, “Ageism, or age discrimination is stereotyping and discriminating against… <div class="read-more-btn"><a class="moretext" href="http://www.caregivers.com/featured/betty-whites-playing-pranks-on-the-younger-generation/">Continue Reading</a></div>]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.caregivers.com/featured/betty-whites-playing-pranks-on-the-younger-generation/attachment/betty-white-starring-in-hot-in-cleveland-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-1229"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1229" title="Betty-White-Starring-in-Hot-In-Cleveland" src="http://www.caregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Betty-White-Starring-in-Hot-In-Cleveland2-300x180.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="180" /></a>Betty White is my hero! What a force to behold. She is 90 years young this year with a blossoming career in acting and turning ageism in America on its face. Ageism is something we all experience whether we know it or not. Wikipedia nails it, “Ageism, or <strong>age discrimination</strong> is <a title="Stereotyping" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotyping">stereotyping</a> and discriminating against individuals or groups because of their age. It is a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify age based prejudice, discrimination, and subordination.<sup>” </sup>It’s not just the elderly but the aging process itself that is stereotyped. I am sure you experience this in some fashion in your own life? Well… Betty is here to break this wide open for us and shine a light on how misinformed we all are! Especially in 2012.</p>
<p>Here is how she is doing it. Betty White is using her wit and talents to produce a show called <strong>“Off Their Rockers”</strong> which airs on <strong>NBC, Wednesdays 8/7</strong>c. Elders play pranks on members of the younger generation in a similar manner of Candid Camera.</p>
<p>I find it interesting that there is a thread on sexuality that is woven through most of her episodes. There is a perception that we shut down sexually as we age. This may be true for some of us, hormones and priorities shift. But this isn’t exactly the norm and societal stigma says it is.  A scene I appreciated: an elder woman sits down next to two young men and talks loudly on her phone about the hot party she went to the night before and her frisky behaviors. You can imagine their reaction? It really is worth watching. I laughed out loud&#8230;</p>
<p>Here is the link to last night’s episode:<a href="http://www.nbc.com/betty-whites-off-their-rockers/video/episode-4/1397096" target="_blank"> Off Their Rockers Episode 4</a></p>
<p>Enjoy! Let us know what you think…</p>
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