Thanks, Janine. I guess it all depends on where your Mom is regarding openness to the idea. The main pitch is 'just in case' safety, but from what I understand of the ECHO Alexa piece, you could have easy 2-way calls just by asking to call.
There are always pros and cons if someone is less tech savvy or doesn't 'get' Alexa or how to use an app.
We used a camera upstairs to help us watch over Dad while sleeping, so we could have a couple of hours to ourselves, reducing the hyper-vigilant monitoring.
You could start by making it easy to connect a call, with the added bonus of checking in for your peace of mind and not needing to disturb her.
FYI I do know a couple of carers here in the UK who were 'over-called' by their parents or their husbands.
Hi Erica/Family Values at work - I've just shared one of your articles. Thank YOU for your articles and caregiving as well! I hope you'll have a look around the desktop version of Carer Mentor as there are many more articles, resources and connections that could be of service.
Thanks, Ruhie! We don't know how much we know until we compile this information! I keep adding to the list. I hope it reaches far and wide - especially the Go-Bag tips. Here in the UK, the average wait time in the accident-emergency IN the treatment area is 4-6 hours or more on 'busy' times., longest so far was with Dad 14 hrs.
You really gave caregivers a service. This comprehensive piece of work will help caregivers tackle the hardest of jobs. I see ways we can ready ourselves. Thank you.
I think you’re right. The more prepared we are, the smoother the crises. I’m going to put together a go-bag for Jenny and I. And I like your tip of being ready to call for an Uber.
You're very welcome, Judi! Yes, this is precisely what I hope to do. Crises are scary, passing on support can hopefully prime and help others prepare. xo
Thank you as always for having all this information in one place. That emergency bag is so important and reduces the stress of worrying if you have packed everything in an emergency. I have all my mom's information in an excel file that I've shared with my siblings but I still carry some paperwork of the basics and her medicine list with me just in case.
You're very welcome. If you're comfortable sharing a little more about your mother perhaps I can offer other ideas. My Dad had heart failure, vascular dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and bladder cancer so Mum and I went through a LOT of 'hacks' as the care routine kept needing to be shifted and changed as symptoms changed and risks increased.
Feel free to DM me. There are several other writers who I can suggest to connect to too.
Excellent advice to share with anyone who is caregiving or likely to be. I actually think these tips and skills should be taught in schools. Anyone of any age could have an accident or fall ill, and the people around them need to know what to do.
Thanks, Geraldine! I agree these life-skills need to be shared. If you have any tips let me know. I hope we can spread this to anyone who needs it. Thank you for your support.
This is great information! I'm sharing this with my community and saving it for myself. I'm disabled and you've reminded me of some things I need to do for myself too.
I'm so glad this is useful for you and your community, Dawn. Please feel free to share any hacks/tips and I'll be sure to include them and attribute them to you. I find that there are hundreds of little things we've 'hacked' to make our lives easier! THOSE are the things others need to hear about! xoxo
I think you covered practically everything! But, I'd add making sure your phone is set up that emergency contacts and medical information is accessible in case of incapacitation, like in an accident or something. Especially with blood type in case of needing a blood transfusion. I have O negative RH negative blood type and can only receive that type. O positive or any other can be harmful, for example.
Such an incredible resource with valuable information!
Any suggestions on how to talk to a parent about installing cameras inside for their safety?
Thanks, Janine. I guess it all depends on where your Mom is regarding openness to the idea. The main pitch is 'just in case' safety, but from what I understand of the ECHO Alexa piece, you could have easy 2-way calls just by asking to call.
There are always pros and cons if someone is less tech savvy or doesn't 'get' Alexa or how to use an app.
We used a camera upstairs to help us watch over Dad while sleeping, so we could have a couple of hours to ourselves, reducing the hyper-vigilant monitoring.
You could start by making it easy to connect a call, with the added bonus of checking in for your peace of mind and not needing to disturb her.
FYI I do know a couple of carers here in the UK who were 'over-called' by their parents or their husbands.
I hope that offers some ideas.
All about baby steps. She has had someone come in finally to help and that has been huge!
That's great, Janine.
A truly invaluable resource! Thanks so much for giving back to those who give so much.
Hi Erica/Family Values at work - I've just shared one of your articles. Thank YOU for your articles and caregiving as well! I hope you'll have a look around the desktop version of Carer Mentor as there are many more articles, resources and connections that could be of service.
Here's an introduction you may like to read first:https://www.carermentor.com/p/who-started-carer-mentor-and-why-cb9
This is brilliant Victoria!! Such a useful compilation of tips and tools for caregivers 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks, Ruhie! We don't know how much we know until we compile this information! I keep adding to the list. I hope it reaches far and wide - especially the Go-Bag tips. Here in the UK, the average wait time in the accident-emergency IN the treatment area is 4-6 hours or more on 'busy' times., longest so far was with Dad 14 hrs.
It’s just crazy isn’t it?!
Yup! There are a lot of good people trying their best but the wait and stress is still unbelievable.
Thank U for the "Rolling List of Ideas." You are providing valuable resources and support for Caregivers everywhere! Thank U
You really gave caregivers a service. This comprehensive piece of work will help caregivers tackle the hardest of jobs. I see ways we can ready ourselves. Thank you.
I think you’re right. The more prepared we are, the smoother the crises. I’m going to put together a go-bag for Jenny and I. And I like your tip of being ready to call for an Uber.
I'm so glad this can help you and Jenny, Judi. Emergencies are so ugggh our go bags are always primed, refreshed - 1 less thing to think about.
You're very welcome, Judi! Yes, this is precisely what I hope to do. Crises are scary, passing on support can hopefully prime and help others prepare. xo
Thank you as always for having all this information in one place. That emergency bag is so important and reduces the stress of worrying if you have packed everything in an emergency. I have all my mom's information in an excel file that I've shared with my siblings but I still carry some paperwork of the basics and her medicine list with me just in case.
Thanks, Janine - I'm trying to reformat things for easier navigation and access. Several other things in the pipeline xo
Thank you for all this information. My mother needs increasing help and many of the mobility devices and hacks will help with her care.
You're very welcome. If you're comfortable sharing a little more about your mother perhaps I can offer other ideas. My Dad had heart failure, vascular dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and bladder cancer so Mum and I went through a LOT of 'hacks' as the care routine kept needing to be shifted and changed as symptoms changed and risks increased.
Feel free to DM me. There are several other writers who I can suggest to connect to too.
Take care. You're not alone xoxo
Excellent advice to share with anyone who is caregiving or likely to be. I actually think these tips and skills should be taught in schools. Anyone of any age could have an accident or fall ill, and the people around them need to know what to do.
Thanks, Geraldine! I agree these life-skills need to be shared. If you have any tips let me know. I hope we can spread this to anyone who needs it. Thank you for your support.
This is great information! I'm sharing this with my community and saving it for myself. I'm disabled and you've reminded me of some things I need to do for myself too.
I'm so glad this is useful for you and your community, Dawn. Please feel free to share any hacks/tips and I'll be sure to include them and attribute them to you. I find that there are hundreds of little things we've 'hacked' to make our lives easier! THOSE are the things others need to hear about! xoxo
I think you covered practically everything! But, I'd add making sure your phone is set up that emergency contacts and medical information is accessible in case of incapacitation, like in an accident or something. Especially with blood type in case of needing a blood transfusion. I have O negative RH negative blood type and can only receive that type. O positive or any other can be harmful, for example.
Excellent points! thanks!
You're welcome!