Your Parent's Train Wrecks

I would like to share with you links to two articles I have recently published regarding adult children caring for their parents.

The first article "Your Parents Train Wreck, can you see it coming" provides information for adult children dealing with their parents when they can see something is wrong but not sure what:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Your-Parents-Train-Wreck,-Can-You-See-It-Coming?&id=2081687

The second article "Fixing Your Parents Train Wreck, what's next" is a step by step insight into what comes after the "train wreck".
http://ezinearticles.com/?Fixing-Your-Parents-Train-Wreck---Whats-Next?&id=2111689

Medication Management

I recently seen a new machine for medication management. It's offered by Aurora Visiting Nurses called the MD2. It has many unique features including a option for families to go on line to see if the medications have been taken. To learn more about MD2 click on this link: www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/vna/md2/index.asp

IRS and Private Pay Caretakers

It is not uncommon for people to seek out the cheapest way to provide care for themselves or loved ones. Most people are unaware of their legal obligation to the IRS if they choose to employ private pay caretakers. If you pay more than $1600.00 in wages, the employer is required to pay social security and Medicare taxes. The employer will be held responsible for these taxes even if the employee does not properly file their taxes. I have provided this link to the IRS Publication 926 to learn more: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p926/ar02.html

Non-medical In-home care FAQ's

I've recently published an article for family caregivers regarding in-home non-meidcal care that I thought may be of interest. Here is the link to that article:

http://ezinearticles.com/?In-Home-Non-Medical-Care---FAQs&id=2024011

Caregiver Stress

Here are some interesting facts regarding caregiving.

Caregiver stress appears to affect women more than men. About 75 percent of caregivers who report feeling very strained emotionally, physically, or financially are women.

One research study found that elderly people who felt stressed while taking care of their disabled spouses were 63 percent more likely to die within 4 years than caregivers who were not feeling stressed.

* Data provided by the US DHHS, Office on Women’s Health

Time and time again I see spouses thinking they can handle the cares and fail. Unfortunately when the caregivers fails, there is no plan in place and both parties end up in a nursing home. If you see this happening with your loved ones, sit with them and express your concerns and encourage create a plan. With a plan, family members can honor the wishes, especially if their wish is to remain at home.