Ann Cason, Geriatric Care Consultant
Caring.com Expert
Ann Cason is a geriatric care manager based in Portland,Oregon. She helps families find solutions to issues related to the care of their aging loved ones. She is a pioneer in bringing mindfulness and awareness into caregiving and aging and is the author of Circles of Care: How to Set up Quality Home Care for Our Elders (Shambhala Publications). Website: www.anncason.com.
Why I Care
Decades ago, by seeming accident, I started working with the elderly, finding genuine connection in working with older people and their caregivers. I feel that it is important that human beings can have a healthy and dignified life, even in the midst of sickness and old age, and that society as a whole can experience basic goodness by participating in a culture of kindness.
Recently Published on Caring.com
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Does Alzheimer's cause insomnia? — May 21, 2013I am touched by the tenderness with which you ask this question. This is one of the most difficult issues that caregivers go through. Also, it is one that brings many of u...
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How to make a home safe for someone with Parkinson's? — May 21, 2013I'm not sure whether I understand the question. Medicare won't pay for the actual care giving. They will pay for the equipment that the doctor orders. There is good news ... -
My heart goes out to you because Alzheirmer's Disease doesn't just strike one person. Everyone involved needs care. Both you and your husband have needs and both may be... -
A Caregiving Memory — Mar 26, 2013My family is together in Morro Bay, California, driving down the highway on our way to lunch. My father, who is an invalid, is in the back seat, chanting. "The rock, the ro... -
Very often out of town siblings don't understand that mom needs help. Try to get professional assistance from a geriatric care manager, social worker, or nurse to assess y... -
Can my aunt be forced out of a hospital if the doctors think she's better? What is the best next step in care? — Mar 25, 2013I don't think it is so much of whether your aunt can be forced out of the hospital as it is of whether insurance will pay. You must check with medicare to find out whether... -
Independent Living -- or Assisted Living? — Mar 18, 2013The question of independent living vs. assisted living for your grandmother could partly be decided by location. It is nice if she is close to the family who will visit he... -
What are shift options for 24/7 caregiving for mom? — Feb 03, 2013In additionn to the above. Sometimes in independent living residences there are others who need help twice a day and don't really need 4 hours at a time. You may be able t... -
How can we help his alcoholics parents as they age? — Jan 31, 2013Helping alcoholic parents is not easy. As long as the alcoholic is drinking, which only he or she can decide to do or not, I had a friend who put her alcoholic mother into... -
There is an old saying that you can't help another unless you have walked in his moccasins. Your life experiences are leading you to growth in understanding that could be ... -
I am touched by all the caring work you have done. Now you are being required to help your whole family. Look at a move to assisted living as a way to add many arms and e... -
I am sorry to hear of your mother's trouble. You need to be in touch with the local network to find if there are in-home care providers through public benefit programs. ... -
How can I transfer Mom from assisted living to in-home care? — Jul 01, 2011If you want to transfer from assisted living to in-home care in Scranton, you should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Ask for Home and Community Based Service... -
I am sorry to hear of your troubles. There are depending on where you live, ih-home services that can care for sick people within their own homes. Caring.com has a service... -
I googled medical equipment in Louisville, Kentucky and goto the name and phone number of 5 medical supply stores in Louisville. THey will either have one or know where yo... -
Are there any agencies that can help give care to my father who requires 24 hour care? — Jun 10, 2011Yes, there are agencies who will help you set up home care for your frail father. 24 hour care is very expensive, but sometimes you don't need that much help. What you ne... -
Where can I get help caring for my wife with dementia? — May 21, 2011There are ways to start. Since you need caregiving assistance for dementia, you need help that is skilled in working with Alzheimer's as well as understanding the care tha... -
Is it time to switch my friend's in-home care provider? — May 07, 2011Changing home care providers is difficult on all levels. This work is not like working on an assembly line. Caring for old people is the front line of compassion. But it is... -
You could use the web site elderlawanswers.com to ask any legal questions about caring for your parent at home. To me this is not a legal question. Very old people or the ... -
Is it time to switch my friend's in-home care provider? — May 05, 2011It does sound as if you need to change home care providers! You need a fresh start. But remember this: Caregivers need something they often don't get. You can help by helpi... -
As an in-home caregiver, do I get breaks and lunch breaks? — May 05, 2011Caregiving is a service where a break is so much needed. We shouldn't have to ask, but we often do. What are our rights as employees? Do we get paid caregiver breaks to ea... -
Physical therapy for a broken hip is very effective. But the plan must be laid out by a physcial therapist depending on the type of break and the kindof treatment. I woul... -
I am sorry to hear about your mother's declining health. It can be tempting to talk too much about caregiving to thoughtful people who inquire. At the same time, you want ... -
As a live in caregiver, am I being paid enough? — Mar 29, 2011Your pay should be $500 a week. Many people make more than $500. But, $500.00 sounds reasonable if it inclucdes room and board. One way to look at it is this. Find out how... -
What is an appropriate gift amount to give to a caregiver? — Mar 09, 2011Gifts for caregivers can be a sensitive subject. Sometimes elders try to get caregivers to work for very low pay with the promise that they will be remembered in the will. ...
