Maria M. Meyer and Paula Derr

Contributing Writers

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Friday January 29, 2010

    1. Dental Care for Seniors

      Article - Dental care is important for overall wellness. Follow these tips when scheduling a visit to the dentist. 3 Comments

  2. Wednesday January 27, 2010

    1. Questions to Ask the Doctor About Medications

      Article - Medications can be costly, confusing to use, and have unwanted side effects. Be sure to ask questions when medicines are prescribed and prescriptions are filled. 1 Comment

  3. Thursday July 30, 2009

    1. Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

      Article - Urinary tract infection may be present if the person has any of the following signs or symptoms:

  4. Friday July 24, 2009

    1. The Importance of Exercise to Physical and Emotional Well Being

      Article - Physical activity and good nutrition are perfect partners in good health. This winning combination finds a balance between what one eats and one's daily activities. Together they help in managing weight and providing energy. Physical activity not only burns calories, but it can also help the person in... 1 Comment

  5. Wednesday July 22, 2009

    1. Cincinnati Stroke Scale

      Article - F (face) FACIAL DROOP: Have patient smile or show teeth. Is the smile even or lop-sided? Normal: Both sides of the face move equally or not at all. Abnormal: One side of the patient's face droops.

    2. Dealing With Anger

      Article - Communicating When the Person in Your Care Is Angry

    3. Toileting

      Article - Practical steps to help caregivers learn how to reduce toileting stress and incontinence.

  6. Friday July 10, 2009

    1. Symptoms of Depression for Caregivers

      Article - Just as depression endangers your care receiver's recovery, it also endangers your health and well-being as a caregiver.

  7. Thursday July 09, 2009

    1. Oral Care Tips for Caregivers

      Article - Tips on providing oral care, including teeth and mouth cleaning, to your loved one.

  8. Wednesday July 08, 2009

    1. Toileting Advice When Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - Practical steps to help caregivers learn how to work with all stages of Alzheimer's to reduce toileting stress.

  9. Tuesday July 07, 2009

    1. Chronic Lung Disease Home Care

      Article - Find out what is required to provide home care for someone with chronic lung disease, including necessary steps to take and where to get support.

    2. The Doctor-Patient-Caregiver Relationship

      Article - Learn about the relationship that develops between a doctor, patient and caregiver, how to strengthen that dynamic and improve communication.

    3. Making the Kitchen Safe and Convenient for Seniors

      Article - Learn how to make the kitchen safer for relatives in old age.

  10. Wednesday July 01, 2009

    1. Making Outdoor Areas Safe and Convenient for Seniors

      Article - Learn how to make outdoor areas more safe for elderly relatives for protection from potential hazards, easy access and mobility.

  11. Tuesday June 09, 2009

    1. Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

      Article - Find out what causes COPD, and the risk factors associated with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease.

    2. Preparing for Hospice Care

      Article - Find out how to prepare a loved one for hospice, and why hospice preparation is important for care and comfort.

    3. Setting Up a Care Plan

      Article - Learn how to establish an elder care plan for older relatives after a hospital stay, to keep track of necessary treatments and caregiving tasks. 1 Comment

    4. Is Home Care for You?

      Article - Knowing if an elder care service is necessary can be difficult. Learn whether home care is the right decision for you or a loved one in need.

    5. Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Program

      Article - There are more than a few important questions to ask when selecting a hospice care program for a loved one. Find out what to ask and why.

  12. Monday June 01, 2009

    1. How to Screen a Personal Home Care Hire

      Article - When someone is going to be hired, ask for the names of people who can tell you about this person's work and personal habits. Here are some questions you can ask:

  13. Friday May 29, 2009

    1. Exercise and the Daily Routine

      Article - A good exercise regimen can help a person maintain mobility.

  14. Tuesday May 05, 2009

    1. Using Life Insurance to Pay for Alzheimer's Care

      Tip - Life insurance can be a source of cash. The person with Alzheimer's may be able to receive part of the face value of the policy as a loan called a critical loan that is paid off when the person dies. 1 Comment

  15. Thursday April 30, 2009

    1. How to Help Someone With Alzheimer's Find the Front Door

      Tip - Apartment dwellers should hang a personalized item on the front door to help the person with Alzheimer's Disease recognize his apartment.

  16. Tuesday April 28, 2009

    1. Questions to Ask the Pharmacist

      Article - Some prescription drugs are not covered by health insurance, so shop around for the drug store with the lowest prices, and then stay with it. The pharmacist will come to know the care receiver's condition and can advise you about problems that might come up...

    2. What to Do If the Person in Your Care Falls

      Article - When you suspect a broken bone, follow these steps:

  17. Friday April 24, 2009

    1. Transportation

      Article - There is a network of transportation services, public and private, that will pick up the disabled and the elderly at their homes. These services rely on vans and paid drivers and run on a schedule to specific locations. Free transportation is available from community volunteer organizations, although most public services charge on a sliding scale...

    2. How to Watch Out for Someone's Best Interests in the Hospital

      Article - A person in the hospital is at greater risk than others, so be ready to keep tabs on treatments, ask questions, and act as an advocate. 1 Comment

  18. Thursday April 23, 2009

    1. Preparing a Home for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease

      Article - How to create a home that is calming, safe, and supportive for someone with Alzheimer's.

    2. The Importance of Respite for Family Caregivers

      Article - Every caregiver needs respite time if she is to last. It may be hard to think of yourself and your needs at this time, but if you don't, your life will be consumed by your duties and you will burn out. Respite (a temporary break from responsibility) is not a luxury, it is a necessity. 3 Comments

  19. Monday April 13, 2009

    1. Making the Bedroom Safe for Seniors

      Article - Ideally, provide three bedrooms—one for the person in care, one for yourself, and one for the home health aide. Also

    2. Community-Based Services

      Article - Many services are provided free by local or community groups. The groups are sometimes repaid by state, local, and federal governments, but often volunteers provide meals and social and health care services.

    3. Dealing with Boredom

      Article - Boredom is another problem for people who are ill, and fighting it can take all your creativity. Try:

    4. Eating Problems and Solutions

      Article - Drooling—Use a straw if possible; help close the mouth with your hand. (However, sometimes the use of a straw can cause choking if liquid touches the back of the mouth too quickly.)

  20. Thursday March 26, 2009

    1. How to Pay for Equipment and Supplies

      Article - If you need assistance in paying for medical equipment:

  21. Tuesday February 10, 2009

    1. Knowing When to Seek Help

      Article - “Why doesn't anyone ask how I am doing?” It is easy to feel invisible, as if no one can see you. Everyone's attention is on the person with the illness, and they don't seem to understand what the caregiver is going through. Many caregivers say that nobody even asks how they're doing... 2 Comments

  22. Friday February 06, 2009

    1. Public Pay Options for Stroke Care: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

      Article - Health Maintenance Organizations are prepaid health insurance plans that give complete medical coverage for a fixed premium. Knowing whether an HMO is right for the person in your care requires careful study.

  23. Wednesday January 21, 2009

    1. Travel

      Article - Some group tours and cruise lines cater to the elderly or disabled traveler. Before traveling long distances with a person who has a chronic condition, however, consult the person's doctor.

  24. Thursday January 08, 2009

    1. Mobility Aids

      Article - Practical tips on how to help your elderly parents cope when mobility is impaired -- and how to help them get around.

    2. Eating Tips for Stroke Survivors

      Article - A few practical tips to make eating safer after a stroke.

  25. Wednesday January 07, 2009

    1. Dressing Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - Practical tips for dressing and undressing a loved one with chronic lung disease.

    2. Catheters and Stroke Survivors

      Article - Background on catheters, Foley catheters, and practical tips for providing care to a patient with a catheter.

    3. Skin Care and Prevention of Pressure Sores or Bed Sores

      Article - Practical tips for skin care and preventing pressure sores and bed sores.

    4. Feeding the Person Who Is Disabled

      Article - A few practical tips to make eating safer and less stressful for a disabled loved one -- and help him get the nutrition he needs.

    5. Foot Care for Stroke Survivors

      Article - Practical steps to help caregivers learn how to provide proper foot care for a stroke survivor.

  26. Thursday December 18, 2008

    1. Nutrition Assessment

      Article - To assess nutrition risk for the person in your care, check the following questions. If the answer to most of the points is Yes, the person is at risk and you need to contact the doctor for a diet. Answer the questions every six months or whenever you notice big changes in weight or eating habits. 4 Comments

  27. Friday December 12, 2008

    1. In the Emergency Room

      Article - Be sure you understand the instructions for care before leaving the emergency room. Call the patient's personal doctor as soon as possible and let him or her know about the emergency room care.

  28. Thursday December 04, 2008

    1. Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to Tests, Medications, and Surgery

      Article - Before you begin discussing medical treatment with the doctor, explain that the person in your care does not want any unnecessary tests or treatments. Then ask these questions:

  29. Tuesday December 02, 2008

    1. Making the Bathroom Safe and Convenient for Seniors

      Article - Many accidents happen in bathrooms, so check the safety of the bathroom that you will use for home care.

    2. What to Do When You Suspect Elder Abuse

      Article - Help the person in your care identify a trusted person who can be called on for help. The Adult Protective Services Agency—a component of the human service agency in most states—is typically responsible for investigating reports of domestic elder abuse and providing families with help and guidance...

  30. Friday November 14, 2008

    1. What a Home Health Care Agency Will Do

      Article - Expect the Agency to:

  31. Tuesday October 28, 2008

    1. Medical Equipment for the Bathroom

      Article - The equipment you will need depends on the person's needs. You should consider providing the following:

  32. Monday October 27, 2008

    1. Vision Care

      Article - Regular eye exams every two years by a specialist in eye disease (ophthalmologist) or someone who examines the eyes (optometrist) are necessary, especially after age 50. These exams can also spot or detect other serious diseases such as diabetes. Finding and treating disease early can prevent serious diseases from getting worse and leading to blindness...

  33. Sunday October 26, 2008

    1. When to Call for an Ambulance

      Article - Call for an ambulance if a person: 1 Comment

    2. Speech Therapy for Stroke Survivors

      Article - Speech therapy is the treatment of disorders that involve speaking, hearing, writing, reading, and other communication required for the activities of daily living. Speech therapists also teach people to swallow foods and liquids safely.

    3. Falls and Related Injuries

      Article - Preventive measures include:

  34. Saturday October 25, 2008

    1. Falls and Related Injuries

      Article - Preventive measures include:

    2. Emergency Information

      Article - Have this information posted near telephones or on the refrigerator, where it can be used by anyone in the household in case of emergency.

  35. Friday October 24, 2008

    1. When You Doubt the Time Is Right for Discharge

      Article - NOTE: According to federal law, a hospital must release patients in a safe manner or else must keep them in the hospital. Letting a patient leave the hospital is not wise if the person has constant fever, infection or pain that cannot be controlled, confusion, disorientation (no sense of time or place), or is unable to take food and liquids by mouth...

  36. Thursday October 23, 2008

    1. Choosing and Managing an In-Home Worker to Care for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - Before you hire someone, try to get a clear idea of what you would want him or her to do and the number of hours of work involved. It will cause problems if you do not express your expectations and agree on a plan. Also be sure to provide a good picture of the person who needs care--not only the physical...

    2. How to Select an Agency When Hiring In-Home Help

      Article - How to successfully hire a reputable in-home care agency for your parent with Alzheimer's.

    3. Checklist: Travel for Someone With a Chronic Condition

      Article - Let the person's primary care doctor know of your travel plans. Take more of the person's medications than needed, along with a list of names and dosages. Check with the doctor to see if an immunization against Hepatitis A is recommended if traveling to high-risk areas. Take a list of all medical conditions...

    4. Checklist: Coming Home From The Hospital

    5. How To Determine If an HMO Is Right for the Person in Your Care

      Article - NOTE: To find out how many patient complaints were registered against an HMO, call your state insurance commissioner in the phone book under State Government.

    6. Coming Home from the Hospital

      Article - Assess the person's condition and needs. Understand the diagnosis (what is wrong) and prognosis (what will happen). Become part of the health care team (doctor, nurse, therapists) so you can learn how to provide care. Get complete written instructions from the doctor. If there is anything you don't understand, ASK QUESTIONS...

  37. Tuesday October 21, 2008

    1. Making the Home Safe and Convenient for Seniors

      Article - The ideal home for the care of elderly or disabled persons is on one level (ground floor). Having more than one floor is all right as long as there is an elevator or other approved lift device. The ideal care home is laid out so that the caregiver and the person in care can see each other from other rooms...

  38. Wednesday October 15, 2008

    1. Dealing with Physical and Emotional Burdens

      Article - Do not allow the person in your care to take unfair advantage of you by being overly demanding. Live one day at a time. List priorities, decide what to leave undone, and think of ways to make the work easier.When doing a long, boring care task, use the time to relax or listen to music... 3 Comments

  39. Saturday October 11, 2008

    1. Where to Find Professional Help or Support Groups

      Article - the community pages of the phone directory the local county medical society, which can provide a list of counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists religious service agencies community health clinics religious and spiritual advisors United Way's "First Call for Help" a hospital's social service...

    2. Where to Find Professional Help and Support Groups

      Article - Ask for help from a counselor who is familiar with the needs of caregivers. 1 Comment

    3. Things to Do Before Selecting an Agency

      Article - Interview several agencies. Get references and CHECK THEM. Make a list of services you want and ask the agency what it will cost. Ask what the steps are in the care planning and management process and how long each will take. Find out how and when you can contact the care manager... 1 Comment

  40. Friday October 10, 2008

    1. Bed Making With Someone in It

      Article - Making a bed with someone in it will be easier if you follow these steps:

    2. Boosting Calorie or Protein Intake

      Article - Offer most of the food when the person is most hungry. Encourage the person to eat food with the fingers if it increases intake. Add non-fat powdered milk to any food with liquid in it, such as desserts, soups, gravy, and cereal. Add butter, whipped cream, or sour cream to foods... 1 Comment

  41. Thursday October 09, 2008

    1. Eating Advice When Caring for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - Mealtimes are important because they provide a welcome break in the day. If it is not too distracting for the person in your care, meals can be eaten with the family. It is important that mealtimes be enjoyable so that the person will look forward to eating...

    2. What to Buy When Providing Home Care for Someone With Stroke

      Article - antibacterial hand cleaner (kills germs) bacteriostatic ointment (stops the growth of germs) bandages, gauze pads, tape blankets (2 or 3) cotton balls and swabs toothbrush, toothpaste denture or dental care items kidney-shaped basin for oral care container for disposing of syringes (needles) disposable...

    3. Where to Borrow Equipment When Providing Home Care

      Article - For short-term use, think about borrowing equipment from the following local groups:

    4. Staying Actively Involved in the Health Care of Someone in Your Care

      Article - When you care for someone in the home, you must also manage that person's health care. This means choosing a good medical team, keeping costs down, arranging for medical appointments, and getting the best, least expensive medicines. It also means knowing what the insurance rules are and, most important, being an advocate for the person in your care...

    5. Recording and Managing Medications

      Article - Always be sure that the person in your care takes the medication exactly as prescribed. Keep an accurate list of these medications and when they should be taken. 4 Comments

    6. Nail Care

      Article - When providing nail care, you can watch for signs of irritation or infection. This is especially important in a person with diabetes, for whom a small infection can develop into something more serious. Fingernails and toenails can thicken with age, which will make them more difficult to trim.

    7. Nurse Practitioners

      Article - Seek out a medical practice that incorporates the services of a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. These mid- level practitioners provide health screening, perform physical examinations, order laboratory tests, and prescribe specific medications authorized by the physician. Nurse practitioners also educate patients about staying healthy...

    8. Financial Management Forms and Documents

      Article - Will—a legal document that spells out how money and property is to be given out after death. If a person is disabled or does not have the physical or mental abilities to tend to his or her own affairs, other legal papers are needed.

    9. Equipment and Supplies

      Article - To provide proper at-home care, you will need certain supplies. There are two types:

    10. Case Management

      Article - Case management is an important resource for families living with chronic illness. It is easy to become stressed out with the demands of the disease and with the red tape of the health care and social services network. Case managers need to have a basic understanding of the special needs of persons with chronic illness...

    11. Choosing a Doctor

      Article - Call your local medical or dental society for the names of doctors who specialize in the field in which you seek care. Think about using doctors who are allied with medical schools. They tend to have the most up-to-date information, especially about complicated illnesses.

    12. Healthcare Team for Stroke: Acute Rehab Stage

      Article - To be admitted to acute rehabilitation, your survivor must be able to do three hours of rehab a day -- 90 minutes of physical therapy and 90 minutes of occupational therapy. The links in this part of the chain include: 1 Comment

    13. Healthcare Team for Stroke: At-Home Care Stage

      Article - There are many levels of outpatient care programs. In some, therapists come to the home to deliver therapy; others may require the survivor to go into a facility. Either way, it will be a therapist and not a doctor who is involved with the survivor and family caregiver on a day-to-day basis...

  42. Wednesday October 08, 2008

    1. Healthcare Team for Stroke: Acute Rehab Stage

      Article - To be admitted to acute rehabilitation, your survivor must be able to do three hours of rehab a day -- 90 minutes of physical therapy and 90 minutes of occupational therapy. The links in this part of the chain include:

    2. Case Management for Diabetes Care

      Article - Case management is an important resource for families living with chronic illness. It is easy to become stressed out with the demands of the disease and with the red tape of the health care and social services network. Case managers need to have a basic understanding of the special needs of persons with chronic illness...

  43. Tuesday October 07, 2008

    1. Healthcare Team for Stroke: Acute Stage

      Article - The professionals at work during this stage of care may well save your survivor's life. As the caregiver, you won't have much interaction with this group. Think of your survivor's care as a chain of survival, and each professional is a link in that chain.

    2. How to Pay for Medical Equipment

      Article - If you need assistance in paying for medical equipment:

    3. Medical Equipment for the Bedroom

      Article - The equipment you need to have depends on the person's medical condition. This equipment might include some of the items listed below. 1 Comment

  44. Monday October 06, 2008

    1. Equipment and Supplies

      Article - To provide proper at-home care, you will need certain supplies. There are two types:

    2. Health Care Team for Stroke

      Article - There are many levels of outpatient care programs. In some, therapists come to the home to deliver therapy; others may require the survivor to go into a facility. Either way, it will be a therapist and not a doctor who is involved with the survivor and family caregiver on a day-to-day basis...

  45. Sunday October 05, 2008

    1. Preparing for a Visit to the Doctor

      Article - NOTE: Be sure shots for tetanus, flu, and pneumonia are up-to-date. For those on Medicare, flu and pneumonia shots are covered.

    2. Changes to Report to the Doctor

      Checklist - Contact the doctor right away if the following changes occur. Fever may be caused by an infection and should always be reported.

  46. Saturday October 04, 2008

    1. Oxygen Therapy

      Article - When lung disease progresses to the point that the lungs can't supply enough oxygen to meet the needs of the body, the doctor may prescribe home oxygen therapy. The following symptoms and signs will show that oxygen may be needed:

  47. Thursday October 02, 2008

    1. Can Someone With Dementia Continue to Drive?

      Article - Encouragement and practicals steps for caregivers who wonder if their parents with dementia can still drive safely.

    2. Special Occasions and Challenges When Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - Help for those sorting through whether to travel or attend weddings, graduations and other cermonies with their loved one with Alzheimer's.

    3. How to Stop Someone With Alzheimer's from Driving

      Article - When it's time for someone with Alzheimer's to stop driving, it takes a plan and empathy from the caregiver. This article covers both why you might meet resistance and what do to provide alternative transportation.

  48. Wednesday October 01, 2008

    1. Kitchen Safety for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - How to keep your loved one with Alzheimer's safe in the kitchen, with recommendations through the stages.

    2. Hospital Care for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - The ways that caregivers can help someone with Alzheimer's during a hospital stay. 3 Comments

    3. Financial and Legal Planning for Someone with Alzheimer's

      Article - The how's and why's of financial and legal planning for your loved one with Alzheimer's will help you get started planning for how to pay for care and where to find help.

    4. Home Care

      Article - The need to provide care for another person arises for many reasons. Often, the person who needs care does not realize it and family members must step in to help make decisions. One of those decisions involves who the caregiver will be and where care will be provided. The choices can be difficult unless you know what to consider...

    5. Using the Older Americans Act and Social Services Block Grant to Cover Alzheimer's Care Expenses

      Article - Don't forget to investigate services provided for in the Older Americans Act. You may find services for loved ones with Alzheimer's.

    6. Paying for the Care of Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - How to plan for the financial resources your family will need to pay for care through the stages of Alzheimer's.

  49. Tuesday September 30, 2008

    1. How to Screen an Independent (Non-Agency) In-Home Caregiver

      Article - An interview guide for successfully hiring an independent in-home caregiver: six questions you should ask the caregiver and how to evaluate their references.

    2. Lots of Light and Contrasting Colors Help Someone With Alzheimer's See

      Tip - An 85-year-old needs about three times the amount of light a 15-year-old needs to see the same thing. Contrasting colors play a big part in seeing well. As much as possible, the color of furniture, toilet seats, counters, etc. should be different from the floor color. 3 Comments

    3. Helping Someone With Alzheimer's Cope With Memory Problems

      Tip - Here are some everyday steps that can help: