Podcast

Elder Abuse is not heard of very often in the media. Is it under reported or not really a problem? What are the different types of abuse? What are some of the scams people should know about and be aware of? What personal information is safe to share with callers/e-mailers? Who is most often the person that victimizes the elderly? Who do you report suspected abuse to? How can others get involved in ending abuse and making a difference? What do you do if you suspect some form of abuse or financial exploitation within your own family? What are some signs of caregiver burnout, and could this lead to some forms of abuse or neglect? Is everyone equipped to be a family caregiver? What if there is a history of abuse within a family?

What affects can the role of caregiver have on your physical health? What affect can the role of caregiver have on your mental and emotion health? In your role as health promotions coordinator at Area Agency on Aging, what do you feel can be done to minimize those affects? Tell us about some of the healthy aging programs that are available nationally to help caregivers? Are their specific national programs that are more beneficial to the care recipient? Falls are the number one reason for hospitalization across the country, are there programs designed to reduce falls and therefore reduce the need for increased caregiving? How would someone find a program in their area? Is their typically a cost to these programs?

What do you mean by home adaptation How can products and adaptations to my home make it easier for my every day activities as a caregiver So adaptations and techniques to help a person be more independent and safe can also benefit the caregiver? Where do I start - how do I prepare my home? Who do I go to for ideas that will work for my home and person I'm caring for? I don't want a lot of changes to my home and I think that fewer changes will be less confusing for the person I'm caring for- how do I keep it simple but useful? What is Universal design and benefits from it? What are the most common obstacles or barriers in homes? What are some common home modifications that can be done to make a person more independent/safe in their own home? What are some examples of adaptive equipment used in the home to help an individual be more independent/safe? Why would Universal Design be good for someone without a disability? Where can I get some of these products? These sound like some practical ideas but how can I afford these products or changes?

What are "first steps" that a caregiver should take when starting the caregiver journey? Do all family caregivers identify themselves as a "Caregiver"? Why do family members often fail to identify themselves as a "caregiver"? Explain the Ostrich Effect - many fail to do anything until in crisis...How do the "first steps" change for those who do not start the process of seeking help and information early in their caregiver journey? What is an Area Agency on Aging, and is there one in "my area?" What services do AAA's provide? What kind of classes should a caregiver consider taking? Are there different types of family caregivers? If so, what are they?

Why is it important for caregivers to eat healthy? What are some priorities for eating healthy? Any tips for how to make mealtime less stressful? How important is it to stay hydrated? Should caregivers take multivitamins? What are the best options for takeout? What are some meals to avoid? Where can caregivers get more information on healthy eating? Possible question about evidence based exercise classes - call AAA to find out what is available in your area Any differences you have noticed when the caregiver is a male? Why is it important for care recipients to eat healthy? Are there any differences in nutritional requirements for the care recipient? Are there any tips on how to make mealtimes easier for the person with Alzheimer's/dementia? How important is hydration for the care recipient? Can the care recipient help with meal prep?

Do males providing care strick you as strange? It shouldn't. In this episode a male family caregiver talks about the issues he faces while providing care.

What are many families feuding about? What are the hot button issues for siblings? What influence does birth order have on family caregivers? What are some tips to help seniors communicate with their boomer-aged children? Do any of these tips help the kids communicate with their parents? Do you have any suggestions as to how planning can be done within families?

Having "the talk" about aging/healthcare issues: communicating with the elderly. When should you start talking? What's the best way to get started? What are the hot topics families should discuss? Who should be involved in the discussion? What do you do if they won't listen? What are some pitfalls to avoid? What is the value of a family meeting in helping to prepare family members for some of the above conversations and care planning? When should one consider having discussion with family and loved one's regarding end of life care? Who should be included in the conversation? What are some practical tips on how to communicate more effectively with a frail older adult loved one? How might your approach change in communicating with older persons with dementia (cognitive impairment)?

What is the holistic approach? How can the holistic approach be applied toward caregiving? What types of activities can be considered holistic? The holistic approach recognizes the connection between the mind, body, and soul, or spirit. Which activities can be done by caregivers at home to stimulate the mind? How can caregivers find ways to activate their loved ones body at home? How can caregivers at home keep their loved ones active in stimulating their spirit, or soul? Is nutrition involved in the holistic approach, and if so how can caregivers make sure they are providing their loved ones with a balanced diet? Are there any environmental concerns with applying a holistic caregiving strategy? You mentioned Pet Therapy and Music Therapy, are there any other types of therapies that may be included as part of the holistic approach? We have discussed how to provide a holistic approach to caregiving; are there ways the caregiver can make sure they themselves are living a holistic life?

What are some of the challenges people face when losing sight? How do friends and family figure in the picture when you work with a visually impaired client? What are typical or common responses to loss of sight? Responses of the blind person, and of the friend or family member? What is most helpful in supporting a person experiencing loss of sight/ What is found to be unhelpful or even harmful in relating to, helping or dealing with a blind person, or person facing loss of sight? Are there things that friends and family need to bear in mind about themselves when attempting to support or adjust to the loss of sight of a loved one? What types of services are available in most communities, and where can someone turn for help? How does it work having sighted people work with the blind community as experts on teaching the blind? How do you know if your work with a blind person is successful? What programs, training or activities for the blind would surprise the general public? What is worse, loss of mobility, sight, or hearing? What is worse, or better, gradual loss of sight, sudden loss of sight, or congenital blindness? Isn't it depressing working with blind people all the time, since they can't enjoy so much of what gives people pleasure? What are the causes of hearing loss? Can hearing loss be corrected medically or surgically? I see a lot of ads for hearing aids. Do they all work the same? Why are hearing aids so expensive? Can I do anything to protect my hearing? What are the consequences of not correcting my hearing loss? How does my hearing loss affect family members, co-workers and others? What other types of technology can assist my hearing loss? Are there any support groups on the internet that will help me?