Family Caregiver Blog

At ABC Hospice, we understand the pressures you are under as a family caregiver. This blog is designed to support you in the incredibly important work that you do.

As the [Your Service Area] experts in family caregiving, we have resources, tips and information that can make your life much easier.

If you would like help, give us a call at: 707-555-1212.


Signs of stroke or “TIA”

A stroke is a disabling, and potentially deadly condition. A blood clot gets lodged in the brain, denying blood and oxygen to those cells. In a very short period of time, that part of the brain can be damaged permanently. Depending on the location of the clot, a stroke can impair functions such as speech,…

Read more …

Drug misuse

Surprising but true: Adults over age 65 are candidates for drug overuse and abuse. Drug abuse is not common among elders. And it is often unintentional. But the misuse of prescription drugs poses exceptional dangers. Older adults are prescribed more drugs than any other age group. Roughly 80 percent of those over age 65 have…

Read more …

The role of humor in caregiving

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” So quipped comedian Victor Borge. And indeed, studies bear him out. Laughter, especially when it’s a shared joke, creates a bond between people that generates a feeling of intimacy. Humor reduces tension and lowers stress. It also helps people to think more creatively and come up with…

Read more …

If your loved one becomes seriously ill while traveling

Taking Mom to visit family this holiday? You may rest more easily knowing there are options for getting home if she gets sick or injured on the trip. Air Ambulance If your family member becomes critically ill, hire an air ambulance. An air ambulance is a chartered plane or other aircraft outfitted with life-support equipment….

Read more …

Is a reverse mortgage appropriate?

If your loved one is worried about having enough money, he or she may be considering a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage enables a homeowner to turn some of the equity in a home into cash. You might think of it as an advance payment on the accrued value of the home. An approved lender…

Read more …

Cataracts can be corrected

Too often older adults assume that poor eyesight is a given. Indeed, half of us will have cataracts by the time we are 80 years old. But surgery is easier now and extremely effective. The importance of monitoring Cataracts involve a clouding of the lens of the eye. Cataracts develop slowly and require regular checking….

Read more …

Take a break: Options for respite

Go to bed when you’re ready, sleep without interruption, and do what you want all day. Ahhh… If you’re providing full-time care for your loved one, you may long for a night to call your own. Better yet, a few days and nights of R&R. An extended respite break isn’t indulgent, it’s smart. Providing care…

Read more …

When family comes visiting

If you have family coming to visit this season, you may be feeling both excited and concerned—excited about brightening your loved one’s life with family gatherings and holiday events, and concerned that your loved one may become tired or anxious with the extra activity. It is wise to think ahead about factors that could add…

Read more …

Car gadgets and tips

Providing transportation involves a lot more than having a car and time available. Getting your relative safely in and out of a vehicle can be a special challenge—for your loved one, but also for you. Back problems are the most common caregiving injury! Here are some tips: Don’t rush. Give yourselves 15 minutes extra, in…

Read more …

A clear mind in the hospital

It used to be considered normal and harmless for a hospital patient to be disoriented following surgery or while recovering from illness. Studies now show that delirium actually has serious consequences. In particular, it can make memory loss and dementia worse. It can last long after the hospitalization. And it seems to even increase the…

Read more …