Elder Care LP » hospital rehab

Fighting Cancer with Pearls

eldercare — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:00:17 +0000

Just the possibility or the mention of the word cancer can put fear into the hearts of even the bravest. The fight against cancer has come a long way, and many lives have been saved due to the development of cutting edge treatments and early diagnosis. Yet regardless of progress and the strength of the fighter, the battle rages on as new cases continue to be diagnosed daily. Many of us personally know someone who has cancer or is a survivor. The fight is not easy, and unless you have walked in their shoes, you will probably never witness the strength, courage and grace that has been demonstrated by patients and their families as they have battled for their tomorrows.

There are not many times that we can personally benefit by helping others. Lucky for us, Margaret Palmer has constructed one of those opportunities. Margaret Palmer, the designer behind Margaret Palmer Jewelry, has created the perfect way to both give and receive. If you are like most people, you are aware that pink is synonymous for breast cancer. Did you know that there is a rainbow of colors assigned to many other cancers?

The Colors of Cancer*

· All Cancers – Lavender

· Bladder – Yellow

· Bone/Sarcoma – Light Yellow

· Brain – Gray

· Breast – Pink

· Childhood – Gold

· Cervical – White

· Colon/Colorectal – Dk Blue

· Esophageal – Hot Pink

· Stomach – Periwinkle

· Head & Neck – Red & White Stripe

· Hodgkin’s Disease – Violet

· Kidney/Renal – Kelly Green

· Leimyosarcoma – Purple

· Leukemia – Orange

· Liver – Yellow

· Lung – Clear

· Lymphoma – Lime Green

· Male Breast – Blue/Pink

· Melanoma – Black

· Mesothelioma – Royal Blue

· Multiple Myeloma – Burgundy

· Ovarian – Teal

· Pancreatic – Purple

· Prostate – Light Blue

· Retinoblastoma – White

· Testicular – Yellow

· Thyroid – Light Blue

· Uterine – Peach

Margaret created her Cancer Pearl Collection as a way for us to publically acknowledge the hope that we have for all of those that we carry in our hearts as they battle for victory. Margaret’s personal mission is not only to bring awareness of cancer through education, but she also donates 15% of her sales to the fight against cancer. If you would like to support those battling cancer, acknowledge a cancer survivor, or pay tribute to someone who lost their fight you can visit http://www.margaretpalmerjewelry.com to see how you can both give and receive.

*Margaret Palmer Jewelry

Driving Ms. Delilah: When is it time to hand over the keys?

eldercare — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:17:51 +0000

When do we need to stop driving? As early adolescents, daydreams of driving start to become more frequent for both males and females. What will it be like to be able to drive and not have to depend on anyone else? Will mom and dad let me have my own car? Will I be able to drive to school every day? There is nothing like that magic day when it arrives and you finally have your license in hand. To be able to go anywhere you want whenever you want. Swing by to pick up friends and then you are off. Did you think to ask yourself how long I will be able to drive? The answer on that day is forever. Fast forward fifty or sixty years, and the answer may be different. Age doesn’t change our desire for freedom and independence, but unfortunately health and physical limitations may. When does it become unsafe for seniors to drive? A recent study by the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine demonstrated that there is not a clear answer to this difficult question. Dr Betz, the author of the study, states that someone in their nineties could be more capable of driving than someone who is in their sixties. It all comes down to your health, mental alertness, reflex time and physical strength. Surprisingly, the study also showed that seniors favor mandatory retesting to renew their driver’s license. Deciding when it is no longer safe for someone to continue driving is an emotional subject that many of us may put off longer than we should.

1. Have you noticed new dings, scratches, or dents on the car?

2. Has your loved one recently been in an accident?

3. Are routine errands like going to the grocery store taking a little longer?

4. Is your senior starting to arrive late for appointments and a little flustered when they do arrive?

We all get lost once in awhile or forget where we are going, but if this begins to happen more frequently your senior may need to stop driving. All of these could be signs that you need to have a conversation about driving safety. Retesting may give you the empirical data that you need to support your suspicions, but you still need to address the emotional loss before you will be able to get them to voluntarily hang up their keys. Encourage your loved one to voice their feelings. Remind them that your primary concern is for their safety and those of others on the road. Many seniors aware that they should no longer be driving continue on because they don’t want to be a burden, fear loss of independence, or feel that there is no other alternative. Before you broach the subject make sure that you have solutions to all of their concerns or protest. Contact your city, church or Senior center for a list of driving alternatives such as public transportation, volunteers or agencies that provide transportation. Have bus schedules and telephone numbers available. Explore solutions like carpooling with other seniors that still drive. Enlist family or friends to be available when your senior needs a ride. Driving grandma or grandpa to appointments can be a great way for grandchildren to strengthen their relationship and pay it forward by providing the same help that they themselves may need one day. If your loved one is still not convinced, consider enlisting the help of their physician or other professionals. As a last resort, you may need to disable the car, such as removing spark plugs, or take their keys.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_18141802

FAQs

eldercare — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:31:03 +0000

Are your services covered by insurance?
Yes, many long term insurance policies do cover home care.
Can I have part-time help?
Yes, we will be happy working with you to personalize a schedule of care that fits your needs.
If I need to go to the hospital can my caregiver stay with me?
Yes, your caregiver can accompany you to the hospital, rehab, nursing facility or wherever you need them.
Can you help me file my insurance?
Yes, we will be happy to assist you with filing your insurance?
Can you have my medical equipment delivered to my hospital before I leave?
Yes, we can deliver any equipment that you need to the hospital before you are discharged. We will also deliver any equipment you need to your home and have it ready for you when you arrive.
Do I have to sign a long term contract?
No, we do not require you to sign a contract.
Have all caregivers been background screened?
Yes, all of our caregivers have been through a background screening and are bonded for your protection.
Do you offer around the clock care?
Yes, we do offer live-in care as well as hourly. In addition, we have different price points for both types of care.
Can my caregiver drive me to the doctor and run errands with me?
Yes, your caregiver will be happy to drive you anywhere you need to go.
Does Medicare cover around the clock care?
No, but your long term care insurance may cover you.

Seniors

Kris — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:46:04 +0000

Many seniors want to live independently and not feel like they are a burden to their families. Yet sometimes there are concerns about their ability to perform everyday activities due to a stroke, dementia, loss of strength, vision or mobility. Let Elder Care LP help ease your concerns with hourly or live-in caregivers. With a little extra help most elderly family members can remain independent in their homes, retirement communities, or assisted living facilities. If for some reason your loved one must go to the hospital, rehab facility or assisted living their caregiver will gladly go with them to ease the transition and help with concerns about being in a new environment. There’s no place like home. We believe everyone should be able to live independently.

Caregivers are also available to escort seniors to special occasions such as weddings, parties and other social events. Their caregiver will pick your loved one up at their residence, stay with them during the event and then make sure that they arrive back home.

Here are some of the many activities caregivers can assist with to make life more enjoyable for you and your family:

• Transportation to doctors appointments,
errands, grocery shopping, outings with friends

• Meal preparation

• Medication reminders

• Oral hygiene

• Bathing and dressing

• Eating

• Light housekeeping

• Toileting

• Incontinence care

• Transferring & positioning

• Conversation & Companionship

• Mail management

• Assistance with organization

… as you can see, caregivers from Elder Care LP can help you with anything you want to do during your day. Give us a call at 972-279-2011 if you need help with part or all of your day.