Tips for the Caregiver in Your Life

11 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in A Place for Mom, Blogging, Caregivers, Caregivers.com, Finding a Facility, Grieving, Guilt and Regrets, Helpful Resources, Products, Safety, Technology, The Early Years, Tips

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I saw this post today at A Place For Mom, and felt it was worth sharing. One of the hardest parts of this journey is knowing when it’s time for assisted living or some other care arrangement. With that comes finding the right fit, having some very difficult discussions, and dealing with your own guilt and grief. The article provides some excellent information and useful tips; if you feel your family is headed down this path, it’s worth a read: How To Recognize Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living.

Also my Caregivers post today might be of help to you or the caregiver in your life. I’m going to be reviewing several caregiver smartphone apps in the coming weeks, and today I’m taking a look at CareZone. It’s a great little tool that’s definitely worth a look. I can say without question, it would have made my life easier all the way back to when Mom was still living independently. Check it out and share with anyone who might benefit: Getting Organized: There’s an App for That!

Stats and Safety Tips

04 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in ALZ Assn - National, Blogging, Caregivers, Caregivers.com, Facts & Figures, Helpful Resources, Safety

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Did you know that:

80% of care provided at home is delivered by family caregivers.
In 2011, family members and friends provided an estimated 17.4 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than $210 billion.
43% of those caring for Alzheimer’s patients reported the physical stress of caregiving was high to very high, and the physical and emotional impact of ALZ and dementia caregiving is estimated to result in $8.7 billion in increased health care costs in the U.S.
65% of caregivers with full or part-time jobs reported having to alter their work schedules or take time off, while 20% have had to take a leave of absence.
43% of those caring for loved ones with ALZ have been providing care for 1 to 4 years; 32% for 5 years or more.

As you can see based on these statistics, caregiving for ALZ and dementia patients is on the rise, and a significant portion of this care is provided in the home. Today on Caregivers, some tips and resources for creating a safe environment for your loved ones at home: In Home Safety: 10 Tips For Caregivers

Source for statistics: http://www.alz.org/downloads/facts_figures_2012.pdf

Thurs, Jan 31st – Alert issued for missing Delaware man with ALZ

31 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Elopement, Safety, Wandering

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Note: Mr. Petrovich was found safe on Friday morning….

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Source: http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/01/31/delware-missing-endangered-adult-alert-issued.html

Alert Issued For Missing Delaware Adult With Alzheimer’s

Thursday January 31, 2013 9:07 PM
UPDATED: Thursday January 31, 2013 9:10 PM

DELAWARE, Ohio – Authorities have issued a endangered missing adult alert for a Delaware man.

Milan Petrovich, 57, was last seen Thursday at 2:30 p.m. on Lantern Chase Dr. in Delaware.

Petrovich suffers Alzheimer’s disease and may be reistant to authority, according to officials.

Petrovich is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black coat and red hat.

Please contact the Delaware Police Department at 740-203-1111 if you see Petrovich.

Watch 10TV and refresh 10TV.com for the latest information.

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My mom eloped from Outlook Manor on a night very much like this – dark, snowy, and very cold. She was found walking along Cooper Road in Westerville, actually IN the road; spotted by a man who realized something was wrong. He stopped and picked her up, took her to his house, and called the police. The story could have had a much different ending… Please keep an eye out and call the number above if you see someone you think might be Mr. Petrovich.