A Caregiver's Journal provides information, insight, enlightenment and shared experiences for new caregivers and encouragement for long time caregivers. The focus of this blog is our transition from empty nesters to caregivers for my 81 year old god-sister, Gladys, a stroke survivor. RSS Subscribe to RSS

Caregiving Directives - Are Your Legal Documents In Order

Between my daughter, Nichole and I, we have been Gladys’ caregivers for the past three years.  Even though we stepped into caregiving under unfortunate circumstances, we were glad that Gladys had the foresight to take care of legal documents and directives.  In 1993 she had her attorney draw up all the necessary paperwork to give me her Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney.

In this video Scott Solkoff shares information on: Living Wills, Health Care Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogates and Do Not Resuscitate Orders.

Related Reading:
Caregiver’s Legal Stuff: Bank Accounts, Pensions, Social Security


The Funny Side of Dementia - She’s Still Got It!

If you are a caregiver for a parent or someone with dementia who was an authority figure in your life, then you know how difficult it is to see them become childlike and totally dependent upon you.  I look at my god-sister, Gladys, and remember what a strong, opinionated and self sufficient woman she used to be.  Today she is a shell of her former self.  That being said, I want to share something that recently occurred at her Adult Day Center.

I needed my husband Fred to accompany me to Costco so he could lift a 60 pound bag of cat litter for me. So we both went to take Gladys to day care.  The nurse stopped us on the way out to tell us about an altercation between Gladys and one of their other clients.  It seems like there is another elderly woman at the center who is very bossy and decided she was going to “help” Gladys with her lunch.  After telling the lady several times to leave her alone, Gladys yelled at the lady, “If you don’t leave me alone I’m going to knock the hell out of you.”

It seems like the other clients were shocked at the outburst because everyone at the center thinks Gladys is “such a sweet little lady.”  Fred, poor soul, was quite surprised and at a loss for words.  I, on the other hand, was trying unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh.  My response was, “Now that’s the woman I grew up with!”  I’m still laughing about this.  It’s just below the surface but she’s still got it.


Posted on : Oct 06 2008
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Posted under Caregiving, Dementia, Just for Fun |

Elder Care: Don’t Rush an Old Lady - YouTube Video

If we live long enough, eventually we will all slow down. It’s not nice to rush our elderly.

Don’t Rush an Old Lady

           


Posted on : Aug 16 2008
Tags: ,
Posted under Elder care, Just for Fun |