Mama's Keeper
A work at home caregiver's journey.
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Senate Says No to Senior Stipend
March 8th, 2010
The senate rejected the $250 check to elderly, veterans and people with disabilities. This especially hurts the elderly since there was no cost of living increase this year.
Read more here, Senate rejects $250 checks for elderly.
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Posted in Government. No Comments »
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Grey’s Anatomy Covers Caregiving
March 4th, 2010
On tonight’s Grey’s Anatomy, two stories touch upon the subject of caregiving.
One story focuses on a woman and her mother. The mother had hearing difficulties, so they were always shouting. There was much tension because the daughter “had to” move in with the mother.
The other story focuses on a resident and his grandfather. The grandfather is stubborn and only sees thing his way. The grandson, trying to find his own path is seeking acceptance and respect.
Posted in Television. No Comments »
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Making the case for Saturday Postal Delivery
Every so often, Grandma does want her voice to be heard. So I will be transcribing today.
Full mailbox.
“Everyone does not have access to a computer or email.”
“Even though phone calls are nice, there is something to be said about receiving a hand written note. It says that the person took the time to think about you.”
What do you think? Will a break from the mail make think more manageable? Let us know in the comments.
Posted in Soapbox. No Comments »
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Checklist for Elders during Snowstorms
February 26th, 2010
Snowstorms or not, its important to have a checklist of items prepared.
Here are a few items you may or may not already thought about.
- If your elder has a home, do they need to go out in a storm? If they are anything like mine, they don’t want to go out.
- Make sure they have all the groceries and medicine that they need.
- Does snow accumulate at their entrance, make sure you have someone you trust shovel for them
- Also make it a point to check in regularly during the day whether it be by calling or having a trusty neighbor stop by.
Posted in Caregiving, Eldercare, Tips. No Comments »
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Why do they wait til the last minute?
February 25th, 2010
I admit it. I brought this on myself. Gram waited until the last minute to tell me that the painter was coming. I asked her why she didn’t tell anybody. She said she thought she could move everything herself.
Of course, I couldn’t drop everything because of client work and not to mention the weather in the east and public transit slowing down.
Now she’s trying to put everything back. Hence the “can you pick this up on the way over, because I can’t find it.” call.
Posted in Soapbox. No Comments »
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Its never too late to deal with the clutter
January 24th, 2010
I stumbled upon this post from Uncluttered about dealing with someone’s stuff after they passed. Unfortunately, this has been me for the past 4.5 years (13 if you count my great-grandmother’s things).
Everytime I try to bring up the subject with my grandmother, she throws a fit (yes, old people can have tantrums too) and cries which forces me to lay off. I tell her how holding on to their stuff cannot be healthy for anyone.
A few weeks ago she asked for my Mom’s table. I told her she can’t have her table until she gets rid of the one that she has. After all, I had to sell quite a few of my things in order to have my Mom’s things in my apartment. She agreed and we will move it in the spring.
With the table out of the way, it will finally give me time to go through the rest of the things in storage and finally start to clean it out once and for all.
Posted in Administrative, Caregiving, Family, Tips. 1 Comment »
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The Christmas Stocking
December 20th, 2009
My mother made the stocking for a sewing class while she was in high school.
When I was little, Grandma and I would hang up my mother’s stocking. One year a doll would be in it, or another year candy. As I got older, gift cards would appear.
Grandma recently asked about the stocking and we thought that the other had it.
Now we are both searching for the stocking, one of the many reminders as to why Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday.
Now, I have a stocking that I brought with my Mom, but it will never be the same as the original.
Posted in Family. 1 Comment »
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When you have to say “no” to an elder
December 13th, 2009
We know what happens when a child throws a temper tantrum, but what to do when an elder throws one?
Recently I had to tell Gram “no” on several things, thanks to the economy. One would think that she being a child of the depression, that this wouldn’t be anything new.
I tell her that I haven’t forgotten, but I would like to get paid so that I can get the things for her. After all, she’s gotten so many things for me.
There was one time she nearly cried because I brought up a sensitive topic. The best thing I could do was to table it, which is the strategy I am using for most requests unless it absolutely essential like food, and shelter.
How do you handle it when you and your elder have a disagreement?
Posted in Caregiving. No Comments »
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Be Weary when Elders Handle Repairs
December 6th, 2009
Its that time of year again, when everyone would want to contribute to hanging up holiday decorations.
However, its important to lay down some ground rules, especially when elders are involved before its too late.
Whenever Gram wants to hang something, she has to wait until someone comes over to help.
This is also the rule with smoke detectors, curtains and lights.
What understanding do you have with your elder(s) when it comes to handling repairs?
Posted in Eldercare, Tips. No Comments »
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Grandma saves Thanksgiving
November 30th, 2009
Who knew? Grandma had a frozen turkey in the freezer since last Christmas. Luckily, she had it or it wouldn’t have been much of a Thanksgiving. Of course we had our regular standard sides since Grant’s tomb. However, it just wouldn’t of been the same.
Of course, in the end we are definitely thankful to be together as a family. After all, that’s what its all about.
Posted in Family. No Comments »
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