myhomehelper - award winning memory aid

myhomehelper - award winning memory aid

what is myhomehelper?

myhomehelper is the innovative new memory aid developed from the personal experience of assisting a family member living with dementia.

It is a 9.7 inch on-line digital display, specifically designed to support people living with memory impairment and learning difficulties in their own homes. myhomehelper helps to reduce anxiety and isolation and gives peace of mind, reassurance and confidence to family and carers.

    Features
    Calendar Clock
    Diary
    Timed and Random Reminders
    Photos
    News Headlines
    Auto answer Skype Video Calling
    Facebook Messages
    Night Mode
    Multi User Access
    SMS and e-mail system to carers
    Multi Language

Developed from ideas and feedback given from service users and carers in trials of the system over the last 3 years, the user centred design ensures that it is ideal for people with no computer or IT experience and requires no interaction from the user for it to work.
how does it work?

myhomehelper comes pre-installed on a tablet computer that has been configured to run the system optimally from the moment that you turn it on.

A simple set-up system can be accessed by family, friends and carers to tailor the system to suit individual needs via the myhomehelper website, from anywhere that has access to an internet connection - be that at home, work or even on holiday.

It has been designed as an "always on" system and once set-up only needs to be maintained when new activities, appointments or photos etc need adding. The end user does not have to do anything but look at the display occasionally to benefit from it - there is no other interaction required.

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how much does it cost?

myhomehelper costs £333.33 (ex VAT) for the first year and then either £7.49 per month or £77.88 per year thereafter to continue using the on-line features.

The price includes:

    a tablet computer configured for myhomehelper
    12 month myhomehelper subscription
    tablet stand
    18 month warranty
    on-line technical support

New US Goverment organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL). WE should be able to live at home

About ACL

All Americans—including people with disabilities and older adults—should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions. To help meet these needs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.

Caregivers

A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need. In this section, we provide links to a wealth of information on the Internet designed to assist family members and caregivers.

Alzheimers.gov
This site is the government’s resource for Alzheimer&rsqup;s and related dementias.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Center
This site provides information about day-to-day help and services in your community; getting support; or preparing for the future.
ARCH National Respite Network
The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center provides resources to help families locate respite and crisis care services.
- Consumer Information
- Respite Locator
Family Caregiver Alliance
The site contains a wide array of publications and services based on caregiver needs, including a Family Care Navigator.
National Alliance for Caregiving
The site contains publications and resources for caregivers, including the Family Care Resource Connection, where you can find reviews and ratings on over 1,000 books, videos, Web sites, and other materials on caregiving.
Caregiver Action Network
The site offers a virtual library of information and educational materials for family caregivers.
eXtension
This website was created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative Extension System. Here, caregivers and advocates can access a wide range of information and materials designed to help them learn about and provide supportive services to family and relative caregivers. Topics include disaster preparedness, military families, grandparents raising grandchildren, housing, and nutrition.
HHS Office of Women’s Health (OWH)
The OWH website provides an extensive list of links of interest to caregivers.

Older Adults

Alzheimers.gov – This site is the government's resource for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Eldercare Locator – The ACL Eldercare Locator is a website and call center that links you to state and local agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
Check for Benefits – The BenefitsCheckUp Website helps consumers find benefits programs that help them pay for prescription drugs, health care, rent, utilities, and other needs. The BenefitsCheckUp Website includes information from more than 1,650 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and DC.
Find Helpful Publications and Website Resources – A part of the Eldercare Locator Website, here you will find useful topic-specific resources for older adults, caregivers and aging professionals.
Long-Term Care Planning – Long-term care includes a variety of services and supports to meet health or personal care needs over an extended period of time. The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information Website provides information and resources to help individuals plan for future long-term care.

Understanding theDementia Experience

Understanding theDementia Experience

by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller, B.A., R.N., M.Sc.N.

Smashwords Edition 2012

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This free ebook may be given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please send the entire book only, not a partial sampling. This book may not be sold except if printed on paper in its entirety and only for the exact cost of the materials only. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Further information about sharing is in 'Note Written in 2002.'

Thoughtful Dementia Care ^TM

ISBN: 978-0-9881678-2-7

Coach Broyle's Playbook alzheimersplaybook.pdf

alzheimersplaybook.pdf

Loads PDF file for reading on your browser now:
This “Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers”
is a social model, not a medical model (doing things with
her, not for her). It was written to give you practical tips
to help guide you in taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease

Frank Broyles

University of Arkansas,

Razorback Athletic Director Emeritus

Available from Amazon | Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide

Alzheimer's and Dementia: Global Resources

Alzheimer's and Dementia: Global Resources: Worldwide, at least 44 million people are living with dementia. To serve this global population, as well as their families and caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association has translated its most popular and unique online resources and tools.

Jean Dickinson

Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter

It's time to celebrate. Our group is now 20,000 members strong. This includes many members from around the world. It's also indicative of the growing interest in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and the increasing number of people affected each day.

The Alzheimer's Association has "gone global," too. Please take a moment to visit our new Web portal at http://www.alz.org/global/ It has information in many languages along with in-country resources. We encourage you to link to us!

Alzheimer's & Dementia: Global Resources
    Country-specific Alzheimer's statistics, research plans and local support services.
    Educational content covering risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
    An overview of the Alzheimer's Association role in funding critical dementia research.
    An interactive brain tour.
    A call to action for the global community to join the cause.

Content can be accessed by country or language.

Gina Shaw, It Takes a Team: How to coordinate your loved one's care—and take care of yourself in the process. -- American Academy of Neurology

It Takes a Team: How to coordinate your loved one's care—and take care of yourself in the process. -- American Academy of Neurology
You may have been thrust into the role of caregiver for a loved one with a neurologic condition suddenly—perhaps as the result of a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Or it may have happened more slowly, with the progression of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease. Either way, you will need a team of experts to help you coordinate your loved one's care. These professionals can be of enormous help, but sometimes just figuring out who is involved in your loved one's care, and what they do, can seem insurmountable.

To help you, we've identified some of the key healthcare professionals involved in caring for someone with a serious...... condition. Here's how you can work with them.

ALZ Connected - Alzheimer's Association

ALZ Connected - Alzheimer's Association
Here's a
PDF brochure from the Alzheimer's Association that describes/discusses
legal planning and documents for the care of persons with AD/dementia.
It includes discussions on POAs and guardianships.
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_legalplans.pdf

The Validity of Online Contracts

The Validity of Online Contracts

It is basic, black letter, first week in law school law
that in order to have a valid contract, there must be at least 3
essential elements.   These elements are an offer, acceptance and
consideration.

        The concept of “offer” is simple: a web site offers goods,
services, software, membership in the site etc. etc. and that offer is
contained, for the sake of this article, in some sort of agreement
posted on the site.

        “Consideration” for the sake of extreme simplicity and
because it is not germane to this article, involves something of value
being exchanged between the parties. Let’s just leave it at that.

        This article deals with how, in the context of the
Internet, the element of “acceptance” can be satisfied so that, assuming
the validity of a given offer and a valid consideration, a binding
obligation can be created.

Family Caregiver Stress Relief | Caregiver Stress

Family Caregiver Stress Relief | Caregiver Stress

There are ways to make personal care tasks easier, though. As a senior
care professional, you’ve likely learned to overcome those awkward
situations with your patients as well. Here are seven suggestions you
can recommend to family caregivers. {end quote}

Ask Dr. Amy

Dr. Amy D'Aprix, MSW, PhD, CSA, is Executive Director of the DAI Foundation on Caregiving.

Dr. D'Aprix's focus on providing service for seniors and their caregivers started at the State University of New York at Albany, where she concentrated on Aging Studies in both her BS and MSW programs. During her doctorial program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio, Dr. D'Aprix received a Doctoral Fellowship from the Mandel Alzheimer's Caregiving Institute. In addition to her university degrees, Dr. D'Aprix holds the designation of Certified Senior Advisor and is currently on the International Faculty for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors and the Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors.

Ten Things to Think About: Lawsuits - FindLaw

Lawsuits
are serious business, requiring plenty of time, energy, and money. Here
are some things to consider if you are involved in litigation - See
more at:
http://litigation.findlaw.com/filing-a-lawsuit/ten-things-to-think-about-lawsuits.html#sthash.tWbzQLv0.dpuf

Lawsuits
are serious business, requiring plenty of time, energy, and money. Here
are some things to consider if you are involved in litigation. - See
more at:
http://litigation.findlaw.com/filing-a-lawsuit/ten-things-to-think-about-lawsuits.html#sthash.tWbzQLv0.dpuf

IKOR of Greater Columbus: How to choose an aide/caregiver/unlicensed personnel

ABOUT NON-AGENCY CAREGIVERS

Who will be providing oversight?
Who will conduct the background search to make sure this person does not have a criminal past?
What happens if this person gets injured on the job? Are YOU willing
to pay for workers comp insurance so the person does not try to sue you
or your loved one if injured while caregiving?
Will you document the care for tax reasons? Bills can add up quickly
and can make a big difference during tax time if you can write off the
expenses, or not write them off if you are not tracking expenses.
What about other insurance and bonds to protect your loved one that is provided by reputable agencies.
Again- not all agencies have these protections in place, make sure you do your due diligence!

Seniors staying in their homes more instead of moving to assisted living centers

Seniors staying in their homes more instead of moving to assisted living centers

"Samah Assad/SAssad@MorningJournal.com

Samah covers Oberlin, Westlake, Sheffield, and crime and cops. She loves all things Cleveland. Reach the author at sassad@morningjournal.com
or follow Samah on Twitter: @SAssadMJ.

John Schlotterer, left, of Elyria has been the full-time primary
caregiver for his 85-year-old mother Helen. They have recently begun
utilizing the Home Instead Senior Care office that serves Lorain County"

Karin Wolff, a registered nurse and owner of the Home Instead Senior
Care office, which helps seniors and their caregivers in Lorain County
prepare older adults for aging, said 85 percent of seniors have not
educated themselves as to dangers they could face in the home. The
center’s caregivers primarily visit homes and provide transportation,
housekeeping and personal care for seniors.

A Guide to Durable Medical Equipment And Medical Supplies - AgingCare.com

Caregiver Resilience: What It Is and Why It Matters for Family Caregivers | Griswold

In Resilience, Steven Southwick and Dennis Charney (2012) outline ten ways that resilient people tend to cope with stress. The good news is that these can be learned and developed.

1. Realistic Optimism: Viewing life in a hopeful,
confident way. Anticipating a bright future. Believing that good things
are coming and hard work will yield success. Realistic optimism is the
foundation of resilience, and fuels each of the following resilience
factors.

2. Social Support: Connecting with other people by
seeking out and accepting help that is offered, and also by giving help
to those in need.

3. Facing Fear: Using thoughts and behaviors to triumph
over fear. Acting in spite of fear to accomplish goals and become
stronger.

4. Religion and Spirituality: Turning to God, or a Higher
Power. Engaging in formal religious services or private spiritual
practices. Finding inspiration in nature or the arts.

5. Meaning, Purpose and Growth: Finding strength and
courage by pursuing an inspiring goal. Using adversity as a catalyst
for growth. Actively serving a purpose that is greater than
self-interest. Transcending traumatic experiences by helping others who
have been traumatized. Choosing to be a victor, rather than a victim.

6. Moral compass/Altruism: Engaging in right actions and avoiding doing wrong. Thinking of and serving others.

7. Role models: Imitating people who demonstrate positive
ways of handling adversity. Identifying real people, living or dead;
fictional characters, famous individuals or historic figures.
Replicating small aspects of their behavior that have led to positive,
desired outcomes.

8. Training: Improve physical health and preventing or
diminishing the effects of chronic illnesses by keeping the body fit.
Mastering physical challenges to also improve mental health and
emotional regulation.

9. Brain fitness: Focusing thoughts, and challenging the
mind so the intellect is sharp and continues to grow. Regulating
emotions to eliminate feelings that undermine effective coping.

10. Flexibility: Employing a variety of mental and
emotional strategies to handle adversity; accept what can’t be changed;
learn from failure; transform negative energy into positive energy; and
find opportunity and meaning in adversity.

link should be shared by Alzheimer's caregivers, among their family and friends, in support groups, and with the over 150 million U.S. citizens that are touched by Alzheimer's and struggling to understand the disease.

How Alzheimer's Destroys the Brain -- Video | Alzheimer's Reading Room

By Bob DeMarco

+Alzheimer's Reading Room

I would like to see every single member of the Collective Brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room share the link to this article with the entire Alzheimer's community.

The link should be shared by Alzheimer's caregivers, among their
family and friends, in support groups, and with the over 150 million
U.S. citizens that are touched by Alzheimer's and struggling to
understand the disease.

Anyone, regardless of stature or tenure in the Alzheimer's Community will benefit from watching this video.

A good understanding of how Alzheimer's effects the hippocampus in the
brain, and how plagues and tangles spread throughout the brain and cause
the various stages of Alzheimer's is important for anyone that wants to
deal effectively with an Alzheimer's patient.

Gatekeepers | Safety Gates | Stair Gates | Customized, Removable Safety Gates - Gatekeepers, DeForest, WI

Gatekeepers | Safety Gates | Stair Gates | Customized, Removable Safety Gates - Gatekeepers, DeForest, WI

Gatekeepers was born out of the need to protect our child with a
durable and completely reliable baby gate. But over the years, as our
company has grown, we’ve realized there are several different reasons to
install a safety gate in a home or business. In addition to Baby Gates and Pet Gates
we’ve found that caretakers of older adults or children with special
needs find safety gates of great benefit. We also make gates to protect
little ones from fireplaces, provide containment on decks and for
businesses looking to restrict access to certain areas.

Not only are our gates absolutely beautiful, but most importantly, our gates are safe. Our popular Swing Gate has successfully passed the ASTM F1004 Performance Test
and has been pressure tested to 500 pounds. Too many safety gates
offer little more than a visual deterrent, while Gatekeepers safety
gates are made of solid wood, securely mounted and feature sturdy
hardware.

Every Gatekeepers specialty safety gate offers the following features:

Custom-crafted to fit any size stairway, door opening or hallway
Mounted with safe, strong, minimally invasive hardware
Innovative slide rail system allows for easy removal
Unique latches that offer a level of difficulty for a child, yet are simple enough for an adult to open with one hand
Available in maple, oak or cherry wood with unlimited Sherwin Williams stain/paint colors

Not only will you be impressed with our products, you’ll also appreciate the service and support Gatekeepers provides. From initial measurements and consultation to final installation of your new gate, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Elder Community Care | Marlborough, MA 01752

Elder Community Care a team of trained social workers & mental health clinicians

Elder Community Care is a network of agencies working together to serve elders in their own homes. We provide comprehensive assessment and counseling services to elders and their families in Metrowest. We provide comprehensive assessment, counseling and referral services.

Need a Patient Advocate?

Do I Need a Patient Advocate by Barbara Hales, M.D.
June 30, 2014

“A patient advocate is someone who works for the benefit of patients and their families”. “A patient advocate can lend a helping hand when you need it most...”

“Individuals need an unbiased person to speak on their behalf while providing guidance, friendship and emotional support. Advocates help make choices and empower patients with access to relevant information.”

*Patient Advocates/Navigators – The responsibilities of a patient advocate are many and can include:
Medication reviews and coordinating various drugs
Explaining diagnosis and treatment options
Liaise between all the specialists that the patient is seeing so they know what was diagnosed, which treatments were given, and which tests were done or are pending
Assistance in monitoring in-hospital
Medical record reviews
Accompaniment to doctor’s appointments
Aiding in comprehension for the patient

*Health care Mediation and Conflict Resolution – A health care mediator seeks to facilitate an agreement between all the involved stakeholders, i.e. various family members, medical staff and friends.

*Shared Decision Makers

*Health Exchange/Marketplace Navigators

*Medical Bills and Claim Reviewers.

*Senior/Legal Advocates

*Statutory Advocacy

*Hospital Patient Advocates or Representatives – Hired by the hospital

*Health Coaches –

Patient advocates work for:

Hospitals – serving the patients while they are admitted
Social Service Agencies – for client outreach
Insurance Companies
Private/Freelance – serving the clients themselves

Read full article:

Caregivers' Newsbasket Blog