Kate Rauch
Caring.com senior editor
- About
Catherine Anne Rauch, Senior Editor of the Daily Care channel, has spent more than two decades writing about health for websites and print media, including WebMD, Drugstore.com, the Washington Post Health Section, and Newsday as well as HMOs such as Kaiser Permanente (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Group Health (in Seattle). Catherine holds an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University and a B.S. in cultural geography from the University of California at Berkeley. Catherine's degree in geography led her to spend five years working as an archaeologist and anthropologist in Alaska. One of her main activities there was collecting oral histories from Eskimo elders, and she was very moved by the reverence Eskimos have for older people -- the keepers of essential wisdom and skills.
Catherine lives in Albany, California with her two children. She is the only sibling of three to live near her 80-something father, enjoying the still developing richness of their relationship as they both get older. Very much a member of the "sandwich generation," she often finds herself driving her son to Little League games one moment, and touching base with her dad about his new pacemaker the next.
Recently Published on Caring.com
Monday October 06, 2008
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Blog Post - Elders Keep Falling a Secret for Fear of Losing Independence
Some elders hide their falls for fear of losing independence. Caregivers can take steps to reduce the risks of falling.
1 Comment
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Wednesday October 01, 2008
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Answer - How can I get my father to eat more?
The first thing you need to do is take your dad to...
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Monday September 29, 2008
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Blog Post - Diaper Humor is Best Left to Those Who Know What They're Talking About
A recent discussion about humor and adult diapers points out the very thin line between offensive and funny.
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Thursday September 25, 2008
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Answer - Is there a program for financial assistance to help me care for my husband and still pay our bills?
This is a difficult situation for you, and I hope you...
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Wednesday September 24, 2008
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Answer - What is the first thing that a caregiver should do when they start working with a client for the first time?
This is a wonderful question, showing your sensitivity...
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Tuesday September 23, 2008
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Checklist - 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing an In-home Healthcare Worker From an Agency
15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Home Health Care Worker from an Agency. Help find the right home health care worker for your aging parent.
2 Comments
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Monday September 22, 2008
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Blog Post - Personal To-Do Lists That Help You With Caregiving Challenges
Caring.com launches new To-Do lists to help you navigate caregiver challenges.
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Monday September 15, 2008
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Answer - How can I find any local senior communities that have a social workers on staff?
I've been thinking about your question, and reviewing...
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Blog Post - Memory Classes: They Only Work if You Really Want to Be There
Classes to enhance memory are only beneficial if the student really wants to be there.
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Tuesday September 09, 2008
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Answer - Where can I find a stroke specialist to examine my mother in hospice care?
I would start by asking her doctors or medical team...
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Monday September 08, 2008
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Blog Post - Adaptive Senior Clothing: A Welcome Solution to Dressing Challenges
Adaptive clothing makes dressing much easier for older people with arthritis, Alzheimer's, and other debilitating conditions.
1 Comment
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Thursday September 04, 2008
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Answer - I'm starting to feel abused by being a caregiver. What can I do about it?
It certainly sounds like you need to shake things up...
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Monday September 01, 2008
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Blog Post - National Grandparents Day September 7: A Day to Reach Out to All Elderly
National Grandparents Day on September 7 was conceived as a day to remember lonely nursing home residents, but now honors all the elderly.
2 Comments
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Thursday August 28, 2008
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Community Post - Attending my parents medical appointments.
You need to get guardianship or power of attorney to...
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Wednesday August 27, 2008
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Answer - How can I find transportation for my mom to get to church and the market?
This is a tough situation for you. Give yourself lots...
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Answer - Are routines the best thing for patients?
This is a wonderful question, because it shows great...
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Monday August 25, 2008
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Blog Post - Vision Problems: New Ways to "Read" When Older Eyes Fail
For seniors losing their eyesight, there's a world of services to help them read. Here are some big ones.
2 Comments
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Thursday August 21, 2008
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Article - Who to Call When Your Parent Is Seriously Ill
Three key players who can be a huge help in planning your parent's care.
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Monday August 18, 2008
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Blog Post - Are Your Parents Driving Their Caregivers to Quit?
It's a more common problem than you might think. Here's why it happens--and what to do.
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Sunday August 17, 2008
Saturday August 16, 2008
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Answer - Are there programs in Texas to help the elderly with the electric bills?
Wow, that's a whopper of a bill, I can see why you...
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Monday August 11, 2008
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Blog Post - Senior Safety Net at Your Fingertips: Dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free nationwide telephone service that connects you to all kinds of local social service referrals, including for seniors.
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Monday August 04, 2008
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Article - How to Hire Urgent In-Home Care for Your Parent
When your parent needs help at home right now, the ideal solution may be to hire an in-home caregiver. Follow these steps to find a good caregiver who can start right away.
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Blog Post - Dental Treatment for Alzheimer's Patients
For people with Alzheimer's or dementia, specially trained dentists provide a gentle touch.
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Thursday July 31, 2008
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Answer - How do you deal with a parent that is unable to communicate?
Ideas for assisting with a parent who can't communicate.
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Wednesday July 30, 2008
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Answer - Any advice on how to handle a situtaion where my father's caregiver is taking advantage of the situation?
Oh dear, lots of red flags here. I especially don't...
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Monday July 28, 2008
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Blog Post - Bathing Blocks: When an Elder Refuses to Bathe
When your parents refuse to bathe, there are ways you can help them stay clean.
1 Comment
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Saturday July 26, 2008
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Answer - Are there listings, generated geographically, for in-home healthcare workers that include basic scope of services and budget figures?
There are a few services that do this online...
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Friday July 25, 2008
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Answer - Is there a program where I get paid to be my mom's caregiver?
If your mother is on Medicaid or Medicaid eligible...
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Answer - How can I get a list of in-home care providers in Miami, FL?
Caring.com hopes to have this kind of information soon...
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Answer - Where can we find low cost dental treatments for my mom in Phoeniz, AZ?
Boy, you're not alone. Finding low-cost dental care...
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Answer - How can I convince my father to bathe more often?
I hope you got the answer I posted to your earlier email...
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Monday July 21, 2008
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Blog Post - 10 Tips for Senior Care in a Rocky Economy
Ten tips for caring for seniors in a tough economy.
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Monday July 14, 2008
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Blog Post - Navigating Senior Care in a Bleak Economy: Part 1
Senior services face major cuts in today's sagging economy. What can caregivers can do to minimize impacts on their parents?
2 Comments
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Wednesday July 09, 2008
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Answer - How can I find someone to come and regularly assess my dad to determine if he needs additional care?
Absolutely. It sounds like you're describing a geriatric...
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Monday July 07, 2008
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Answer - What sort of refreshments should I have at a wake?
This is an interesting question. And I think it has...
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Answer - Does anyone know any group that offers support in the Ft. Worth, TX area for caregivers?
A really great source for finding services related...
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Blog Post - Yummy Soft Foods For Seniors
Soft food diets don't need to be bland. A growing body of cookbooks tell you how to prepare flavorful and nutritious soft meals.
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Wednesday July 02, 2008
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Answer - What can I do to help convince my dad to bathe more often?
Issues around bathing and aging are common, which doesn...
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Tuesday July 01, 2008
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Answer - My wife, age 88, does not like to take a shower. Is this normal?
Just in the past week, I've had a number of questions...
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Monday June 30, 2008
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Blog Post - "Wings" For Frail Seniors Who Can't Travel On Their Own
Frail seniors can still travel with a little help. Here's a guide.
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Checklist - 8 Tips for Safe and Comfortable Airplane Travel
Tips to keep your parent safe and comfortable during air travel.
1 Comment
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Monday June 23, 2008
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Blog Post - Help Seniors Beat the Dangers of Summer Heat
Tips for helping your parents avoid the risks of summer heat.
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Friday June 20, 2008
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Answer - Is there any financial aid available for buying a home to house my family and my parents, who need me to care for them?
Your idea makes so much sense, and it's something many...
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Monday June 16, 2008
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Blog Post - High Gas Prices May Encourage Older Drivers to Choose the Bus
High gas prices may help older drivers give up their cars.
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Saturday June 14, 2008
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Answer - Is there such a thing as a geriatric health manager?
Geriatric health or care managers can help you assess and manage your parents' needs, even when you live far away.
1 Comment
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Thursday June 12, 2008
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Answer - How do I address the use of the stove with my mother?
Wow, this is a tough situation for you. You mention...
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Wednesday June 11, 2008
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Blog Post - Know Thy Father: A Guide to Dad's Day
Knowing your dad well is a good guide to celebrating Father's Day.
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Monday June 09, 2008
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Answer - About how much should in home caregivers get paid for a 6 hour day?
Salaries for in-home caregivers vary greatly, but there are resources to help you narrow this down.
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Article - Paratransit Service for Seniors
How paratransit can help your parents stay independent after they can no longer drive.
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Blog Post - To Protect Seniors in Natural Disasters, Talk About It Beforehand
Communication is key in protecting seniors in natural disasters.
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Wednesday June 04, 2008
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Article - Alternatives to Driving
When your parents can't drive anymore, check out these helpful transportation alternatives.
1 Comment
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Monday June 02, 2008
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Blog Post - Shingles Vaccine Strongly Recommended for Seniors
A shingles vaccine is recommended for all seniors by the Centers For Disease Control, along with other adult vaccinations.
2 Comments
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Friday May 30, 2008
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Answer - How can I get transportation assistance?
How to find transportation assistance.
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Sunday May 25, 2008
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Blog Post - Don't Wait for a Doctor's Visit to Test for High Blood Pressure
For those with high blood pressure, home monitoring is recommended by the American Heart Association and other major organizations.
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Friday May 23, 2008
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Answer - How do I find in-home care for my father?
How to find in-home care to help a sick parent.
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Answer - Nobody knows why I am having these symptoms.
Oh dear, this sounds very difficult for you...
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Answer - My mother is dying and has stopped eating. How long can the body sustain itself without food?
This must be a very intense time for you...
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Wednesday May 21, 2008
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Blog Post - Cupboards Bare? Rising Food Prices Affect Seniors
The rising cost of food is tough for many seniors, but here are some ways you can help.
5 Comments
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Monday May 19, 2008
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Blog Post - Real Men Can Have Brittle Bones
Because osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in men, the American College of Physicians issued new guidelines urging doctors to screen men for osteoporosis.
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Monday May 12, 2008
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Answer - Should I sit in on my dad's medical appointments to make sure he discusses all issues he's having?
Is is OK to sit in on your parents' medical appointments?
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Blog Post - For Older Gals: Bring on the Meat. And the Fish, Tofu, and Eggs.
Older women need to end plenty of protein to maintain muscle, which helps prevent falls.
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Blog Post - A Healthy Gift for National Women's Health Week
National Women's Health from May 11 to 17 is full of useful health prevention activities on-line and off.
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Sunday May 11, 2008
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Answer - How can I convince my mother's doctor to keep her out of a rehab facility?
Ideas for talking to your parents' doctor about a rehabilitation plan you're not happy about.
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Answer - How do I convince my father to use a walker?
How do you convince your parent with serious balance issues to use a walker.
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Buying Guide - A Buyer's Guide to Personal Emergency Response Systems
Guide to personal emergency response systems, or PERS. Home devices that connect your parent to a 24-hour call center with the push of a button.
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Sunday May 04, 2008
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Blog Post - Mom Far Away? Cool Gift Ideas, and Yes, There's Still Time!
Mother's Day ideas for a mom who lives far away.
2 Comments
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Friday May 02, 2008
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Answer - How can I convince my mother and sister to step back without hurting their feelings?
Family relations can get sensitive after serious surgery but honesty may help.
0 Comments
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Wednesday April 30, 2008
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Answer - How do we deal with my father who has heart failure who wants to travel and expects only family to care for him?
Ideas when a father wants to travel but refuses outside help.
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Monday April 28, 2008
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Blog Post - Embarrassment Assistance! The Gift of Plain Wrapping
Buying adult incontinence products online can save your parents from stressful embarrassment.
1 Comment
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Saturday April 26, 2008
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Answer - Are there any specific exercises out there that are geared towards seniors that will help them to gain better balance?
There are all kinds of exercises that improve balance; here's help in finding them.
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Friday April 25, 2008
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Answer - If I hire an aide for my father should I be responsible for payments?
There's no clear solution to the how's and who's of paying for in-home health care.
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Answer - Can I take classes and become certified for home care for my mother?
Advice on becoming a paid caregiver for your parent.
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Thursday April 24, 2008
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Answer - Where can I find resources for transportation services in the Bay Area?
Ideas for finding transportation services.
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Wednesday April 23, 2008
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Answer - Where can I find transportation information for my dad?
How to get information on senior transportation.
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Answer - How do I contact meals on wheels?
Tips for contacting Meals on Wheels and other meals and nutrition services.
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Monday April 21, 2008
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Answer - How do I get my father to bath when he refuses to do anything but just wash off?
Advice on getting a reluctant father to bathe.
0 Comments
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Sunday April 20, 2008
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Answer - Is there a resource to find a nurse who will travel to rural areas?
Suggestions for finding a nurse to visit a patient in a rural area.
0 Comments
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Thursday April 17, 2008
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Blog Post - Fire! A Teaching Tool
A tragic death in Texas serves as a reminder of how vulnerable seniors are in fires and how prevention can really help.
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Wednesday April 16, 2008
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Answer - How do I help my mother, who is being physically threatened by my father and refuses help?
Ideas for seeking help if you're concerned about the relationship between your parents.
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Answer - How can I convince my mother that she needs an assistant to run errands instead of expecting me to do it when I live two hours away?
Ideas for what to do when your mom expects you to do weekly errands, but she lives too far away for this to be practical.
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Answer - Where can I find a supportive appliance for the toilet?
How to get help with a malfunctioning toilet part.
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Sunday April 13, 2008
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Blog Post - Playgrounds for Seniors
They're marvelously designed for safe, healthy geriatric activity. And they're fun!
5 Comments
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Thursday April 10, 2008
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Answer - Mom is moving here from several states away. How do I find...
Tips for finding a good doctor for your parent.
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Answer - What size walker should I choose?
Don't choose a walker for your parent without getting her assessed by a professional.
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Answer - How do we prevent drug interaction problems?
Advice for how to avoid dangerous drug mixing.
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Answer - How can I find agencies or companies that provide in-home care in my area?
Tips for finding agencies that provide in-home caregivers to help your parent.
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Monday April 07, 2008
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Blog Post - The Adult Diaper Wars: A Call to Arms!
A Canadian government official's threat to wear diapers triggers open talk of how to keep seniors who wear diapers comfortable and healthy.
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Community Post - How can I ensure my mother's getting good medical care?
A good friend's mom is deteriorating, with asthma,...
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Monday March 31, 2008
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Blog Post - Wii Senior Sports Craze May Get Your Parents Moving
The Wii video game is a hit among seniors; a fun and gentle way to get them moving.
4 Comments
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Tuesday March 25, 2008
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Answer - How do I talk to my father about the mess he makes in the bathroom when he urinates?
How to talk to your father about messy urination.
2 Comments
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Monday March 24, 2008
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Answer - How do I get help, such as someone to assist with housework, for a relative undergoing cancer treatment that also lives alone?
How to find in-home help for a sick relative.
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Answer - What would be a reasonable bonus to pay a home health care worker who has taken care of an ill parent after that parent has passed away?
What's a reasonable bonus for a home health worker.
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Answer - My father needs thickened foods - where can I find recipes?
How to find recipes for thickened foods.
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Blog Post - When You Can't Check in With Your Parents, Cops (Often) Can
Numerous services will check in on your parent when you can't. Find them by searching "senior check-in" and your parents' town.
1 Comment
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Thursday March 20, 2008
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Checklist - Ten Things to Make Sure You've Told Your Parent's New Caregiver Before Her First Day of Work
Ten things to make sure you've discussed with your parent's new caregiver.
1 Comment
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Wednesday March 19, 2008
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Article - 8 Ways to Help Your Parent Stay Active and Engaged
A variety of reasonably priced programs and services can help elderly people become more active and engaged. Making a good match for your parent depends largely on his condition and needs.
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Monday March 17, 2008
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Blog Post - Falling: A Deadly Problem Helped by Prevention
Falls are a deadly problem that can be helped through prevention.
2 Comments
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Saturday March 08, 2008
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Blog Post - Aging Parents and Dental Care: A Life-and-Death Issue
Regular dental care for your parents can be a matter of life and death.
2 Comments
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Monday February 25, 2008
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Answer - I'm trying to decide which personal alert (device) program is best for my father. Which is best?
See the Caring.com Buying Guide to learn more about personal alert or emergency response systems.
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Friday February 01, 2008
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Article - Managing Friends and Family When You're the Primary Caregiver
From holding family planning meetings to running your...
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Wednesday December 26, 2007
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Checklist - Family Meeting Agenda: How to Manage Friends and Family
Use this agenda as a guide for a family (or friends) meeting on how to help your parent.
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Checklist - 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing an In-home Health Worker on Your Own
Home health care interview questions. Use these 15 interview questions to find the right home health care worker for your parent or loved one.
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Monday November 12, 2007
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Checklist - 6 Essential Supplies for Caring for Your Parent's Hair
Your elderly parent's hair requires special care. A checklist of the six most useful supplies for shampooing and grooming.
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Friday November 09, 2007
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Article - The Basics of Shampooing Your Parent's Hair
Step-by-step guidelines to shampooing your parents hair -- what supplies you'll need and tips to help keep them comfortable.
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Checklist - 10 Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
The PERS (personal emergency response system) market is highly competitive. Know what to ask to find a reputable provider and get the best deal.
0 Comments
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Wednesday October 17, 2007
Tuesday September 04, 2007
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Article - Giving Your Parent a Bed Bath: A Step-by-Step Guide
Giving Your Parent a Bed Bath: A Step-by-Step Guide. When getting to the shower or tub is impossible, a bed bath is the only option.
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Friday August 31, 2007
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Article - Bathing Your Mom: A Beginner's Guide
Strategies for tackling one of the trickiest and most intimate parts of caring for your mother when she's unable to care for herself.
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Article - Bathing Your Dad: A Beginner's Guide
Strategies for tackling one of the trickiest and most intimate parts of caring for your father when he's unable to care for himself.
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Checklist - 6 Ways to Make Bathing Your Parent More Comfortable
There's no getting around the inherent awkwardness...
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Checklist - 8 Essentials for Bathing Your Parent
Having these items on hand will make bathtime safer...
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