Dan Tobin, M.D.

Family Caregiving & Dynamics and Home Safety Expert

About

Dan Tobin is the CEO of Care Support of America, a national service providing telephonic and local nurse counsel to adult children caring for aging parents. Dr. Tobin is the author of books and articles focused on the practical and positive aspects of family caregiving.

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Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Monday November 16, 2009

    1. Are there state regulations governing the reimbursement by...

      Answer - Each state has a Department of Insurance that does regulate insurance practices within that state. To find the number for any particular state one can go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (web site www.naic.org/state_web_map...

    2. How can I get him to a dental visit?

      Answer - Contact the area agency on aging in your county to see if there are low cost transportation services for the elderly in your area. In the absence of that, may need to privately hire (non medical in home care company) someone to transport. Call a local dentist (the family dentist...

  2. Sunday November 15, 2009

    1. What options are there to care for a parent we'd prefer not in our home?

      Answer - Firstly, you deserve credit for being honest about a dilemma many of us share; choosing care options for a parent where we feel obligated to provide shelter but anticipate it won’t work in the long run. If you can continue to being helpful but straightforward I expect your family feels relief already even if unspoken...

    2. Where do I start in planning care for my parents, who have dementia?

      Answer - You are already doing the first thing you need to do to help them. You are showing interest in their welfare; surely they are isolated enough from the world already but you are minimizing that isolation. Please do not underestimate how much your contact probably means to them. The next step is to problem solve around your mother-in-law’s immobility...

  3. Tuesday September 01, 2009

    1. Can a lack of hair indicate heart disease?

      Answer - Hi:

  4. Thursday July 02, 2009

    1. How long can my Mom live with stage 4 metastatic bladder cancer?

      Answer - Hi:

  5. Wednesday July 01, 2009

    1. When can you travel after broken hip surgery?

      Answer - Hi:

    2. Is black spot on tongue a problem?

      Answer - Hi:

    3. Would a CAT scan show metastases?

      Answer - Hi:

    4. What is the typical breast cancer life expectancy?

      Answer - Hi:

  6. Monday June 22, 2009

    1. How do I say, “Grandma’s house is no hotel”?

      Answer - Hi:

    2. Can we report someone stealing medication?

      Answer - Hi:

  7. Tuesday June 16, 2009

    1. Will Dad be recovering from heart failure?

      Answer - Hi:

    2. What can I expect in end-stage MDS?

      Answer - Hi:

  8. Sunday June 07, 2009

    1. What could severe back pain signify?

      Answer - Hi:

    2. What causes pain months after hip surgery?

      Answer - Hi

    3. Should an 18 year old be expected to become a full time caregiver?

      Answer - Hi:

  9. Thursday June 04, 2009

    1. Is a lump common with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

      Answer - Hi:

  10. Saturday May 30, 2009

    1. Are pets a danger to someone with low blood counts?

      Answer - Hi:In trying to figure out if pets can be a danger to your son’s low blood count it is best to contact his treating doctor with that exact question. Every case of low blood count is individual and the treating physicians will have the right answer for your specific case...

    2. Is there an alternative to a trach?

      Answer - Hi:You are asking an important question during a difficult time for your family. The suggestion for a tracheotomy is usually due to the fact that mechanical ventilation for a long time creates other problems that need to be avoided. Keep in mind that a trach can be reversed and does not have to be permanent...

    3. What causes memory loss and aggressive acts?

      Answer - Hi:Memory loss and aggression can be signs of dementia but before making any conclusions it would best for your Mother to have a comprehensive examination and testing to determine what is going on. Be sure to contact a local doctor with experience treating aging parents with similar symptoms...

  11. Saturday May 23, 2009

    1. Will sex aggravate a heart condition?

      Answer - Hi. Your Uncle sounds like a great guy. Many seniors are living much longer with CHF due to their medications helping their symptoms . It is good to talk with him and ask him what his concerns are so he can express his feelings. Best to check with his doctor to see if there are any restrictions on him having sex...

    2. Is it ok to use antibiotics with chemo?

      Answer - Hi. It is usually fine to use antibiotics and chemotherapy but it is important to ask this question of the treating physicians. There can always be side effects of medications and many times different doses of chemotherapy are being used for different cases. It is important to feel comfortable asking your brother’s doctors any questions you may have...

    3. Can cancer recur in a different area?

      Answer - Hi. It is always possible for cancer to appear in another part of the body but you can schedule regular exams with your doctor and try not to think about the danger of this occurring often. In other words, try and eat well so you get proper nutrition, exercise often if you can and think positively...

    4. Does a lung mass equal cancer?

      Answer - Hi. It is important to ask your doctor what type of mass you have. A mass can be cancer as well as not. Your doctor will tell you what test have been done and what type of mass, cancer or not you have. It is of ten intimidating to ask doctors important questions but you should schedule time in the office...

    5. How do I get adult treatment from my mom?

      Answer - Hi. It is important for you to have a calm conversation with your mother and explain to her that the two of you have to work on your new relationship and that she has to treat you like an adult. It may help to have another family member of counselor involved if you think she will not be able to hear you or the conversation will become a battle...

    6. Can a blood test detect cancer?

      Answer - Blood test detection of cancer is not the best way to go but it is important to determine what you are actually concerned about. Depending on your age , family history and specific symptoms you may have there are more specific ways to look for cancer . Sometimes we can worry ourselves in to a bad situation thinking that we are going to get cancer...

    7. Can we donate brain tissue?

      Answer - Hi. Best for you to contact your local medical center and they will help you be specific about organ or tissue donation. All the best,Dan Tobin

  12. Monday April 20, 2009

    1. What can I do if my parent refuses to receive medical treatment?

      Answer - Greetings:

  13. Sunday April 19, 2009

    1. I want to support my wife while her father is dying; what can I do?

      Answer - Greetings: