Maria M. Meyer and Paula Derr

Contributing Writers

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Wednesday March 10, 2010

    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's paid off when the person dies. 1 Comment

  2. Wednesday March 03, 2010

    1. Travel

      Article - Tips for traveling safely and comfortably with older adults.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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: 1 Comment

  6. 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

  7. Wednesday July 22, 2009

    1. Dealing With Anger

      Article - Communicating When the Person in Your Care Is Angry 3 Comments

    2. Toileting

      Article - Practical steps to help caregivers learn how to reduce toileting stress and incontinence. 2 Comments

    3. 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.

  8. 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. 19 Comments

  9. 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. 5 Comments

  10. 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. 19 Comments

  11. Tuesday July 07, 2009

    1. Making the Kitchen Safe and Convenient for Seniors

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

    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. 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. 1 Comment

  12. 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.

  13. Tuesday June 09, 2009

    1. 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. 8 Comments

    2. 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 Comments

    3. 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. 3 Comments

    4. 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. 6 Comments

    5. 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. 2 Comments

  14. 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:

  15. Friday May 29, 2009

    1. Exercise and the Daily Routine

      Article - A good exercise regimen can help a person maintain mobility. 2 Comments

  16. 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.

  17. 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...