Caregiving February 6

First, I need to an apologize that again this is longer than I want. Second, I have been using the figure of near 40 in this group. As not only a teacher of math, and chair of the math committee for elementary schools, I need to practice my counting. Feel free to correct me on anything. I guess I have to accept that I am getting older.

Welcome friends, I hope this finds you having a better winter than last month. We are out of the freezer, and older students are wearing no jackets and shorts walking around. I’m still using my above-zero jacket, hat, and gloves tucked in the pockets. I have heard from some of you that things are starting to turn around for you as well with the weather. I miss those days down south. Enjoy, celebrate the moments, and give thanks for the opportunities.

It has been a very busy couple of weeks with 30 new links I have saved, and another couple dozen leftovers from the last two months. Out of the 50-plus links, I considered throwing darts at the list, but then I realized that I would be out buying a new computer. I cut it in half and am praying for God’s intervention in guiding me to the ones I need to share this time. He is always a big help for me.

This newsletter will be a smorgasbord of links. Please look for my comments (in red) in some of the links that hopefully help just a little more or direct you to other resources. Please remember to ask me for other links I have saved that you might find useful. Call or send an email and let me know what you are looking for. I have a few people who are not in this group I work with on some of the same problems that call me seeking help.

Since it is Super Bowl Weekend, this link gives some help from a football analogy. I am not making a joke, but rather a unique perspective. This is shared with permission from Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. I have been a part of LSS online groups.

B. This group of links focuses on helping the senior have a quality life.

C. Unfortunately, abuse does happen in senior care. Fortunately, I have not personally experienced any abuse of the people I have cared for. A nursing home in Moorhead was closed down because of abuse and lack of care. When Luann died, the Minnesota State Department of Health and Human Services did an investigation into her sudden death. I was interviewed and later informed by that department of those results. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything, and please remember to document your questions and their answers. Journaling is very important. I used that when I fired the county nurse who wanted to run everything.

D. This last link I can’t share because of space, but feel it’s important to let you know. Email or call if you want to a copy. “Should Spouse Be Part of Care Decisions”

FROM DEL: I am giving a resounding yes. When caring for my parents, Luann saw me with the struggles and frustrations I had from that caregiving. I needed her support, understanding, and ideas. We didn’t have video conference calls as a family, but rather I called each one. My siblings, who lived far away. You do not want a spouse who is loud or dominant to be in a meeting. Meetings need to be calm, open, honest, and most of all supportive of each other. I have experienced this with others.

E. Below is a list of articles that were not selected for this newsletter. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to get in touch at the email address below, and I will help you find them.

Not Used :

Husband getting scammed

Consistency In Home caregiving

Moving Father to Long Term Care

Do I need to Help in caring for mom

Family Caregiver No one talks to

How to Cope With Burnout

How to Love Practically Speaking

Should Spouses Be part of care discussions

Consistency In Home care

Feel Guilty not Primary Caregiver

You Don’t stop Being Caregiver after move