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FAMILY CAREGIVING TIP OF THE WEEK
June 1, 2010
This month and for the month of July, we are focusing on youth issues and caregiving. The radio shows will highlight many issues involving teenagers today, and families today. It is estimated that 1.4 million children are caregiving for a parent, grandparent, or disabled relative. There is surely more research needed in this area as the demographics continue to escalate.
May 20, 2010
This week we are focusing on animals, seniors, the many benefits of having and owning a pet. Hand-In-Paw (non-profit organization) is my featured guest, along with Dr. Jerome Williams, a veterinarian, and Kim Preskitt, an occupational therapist. Kim will also bring along her dog, "Bella" to the show. This should be fun! Don't forget to watch me on ABC 3340 every week on Thursdays from 9-10 A.M. too! Have a great week!
May 10-14, 2010
Question: What is your advice on how to deal with family members who are constantly fighting over mom and dad's possessions?
Answer: You got it right! They are not your possessions. Be careful about fighting over stuff even before your parents have passed away. There is no magic or quick answer when you are dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics. Many of our family problems have been rooted and passed down for many generations. It is imperative that you attempt to get an understanding of how your role can enhance the situation, not make it worse. You can't change others, but you can be responsible for your own actions. Here is a personal tip in understanding others:
1. In every conflict situation, there is a root cause, and it is usually selfishness.
2. Listen more than you talk. Keep your cool. Be genuinely sweet, not phony.
3. Forgive. I know. It sounds mushy, but it works. Love and foregiveness are two powerful emotions. Be patient, and in the process keep your heart focused on what's best for your aging parents.
3. Remember, material possessions are not worth dividing your family. I hope and pray you will have the strength to endure the persecution and isolation that you may encounter. Don't forget, what goes around, comes back on you, eventually. Have a great week!
Clarissa
April 26-30, 2010
Question: | am a 55 year-old widow. I often slip getting into the tub. What should I do?
Answer: This week on ABC 3340, I will discussing the importance of bathing safely for older adults. As we get older, may have to think about redesigning our entire bathrooms to meet our aging needs. Now, anyone may lose their balance in a tub or shower, it doesn't have to be someone over 65. In fact, I lost my balance more than once over the past week, especially coming out of the tub. I will be demonstrating simple safety aids such as: tub bench, tub chair, hand held shower, tub mats, tub rails, and even a shower or bath caddy. My advice is this...just take your time! Move slowly. Sit in the tub, then run the water. Use non-slip strips or a mat with self adhesive or grip on the bottom. You can put a mat on the chair too to keep from sliding, or a wet towel. Just go slow! Only because I care. Have a great week!
Clarissa
April 19-23, 2010
Question: Do I need to conduct a background check or have any sort of contract with a family member who is caring for my grandfather? Why is this necessary?
Answer: It is very important to check the following things if you are hiring a caregiver for your aging parent, or disabled loved one:
1. Have them complete an application, background check, DMV records, and drug and alcohol screeing. You don't want a drunk or drug abuser taking care of your loved one. Family members perform 85% of all caregiving tasks, therefore, they participate in the majority of abuse, especially financial exploitation. It's best to be safe than sorry, so check them out!
2. Complete a caregiver contract. You may find this in the tools section of my website on the front page. This puts everything in writing, and documents your expectations for your hired family member.
3. Don't interview over the internet. Be sure to include your loved one in the process. If you are hiring privately, you need to protect yourself from liabilty by having insurance. If you hire your loved one as an independent contractor, they can use a 1099 to be responsible for their own taxes.
4. You may want to hire an agency to help you with this process. They will conduct your application process, interview, provide insurance, and should be bonded. Many are Medicare certified. This may be a little more expensive but in many cases, is quite appropriate. Don't forget to watch me on ABC 3340 tomorrow!
Have a great week!
Clarissa
April 12-16, 2010
I have had a lot of fun this week! I tell you...when you are in your life's purpose, there's no stopping you! I spoke yesterday and UAB's Mary Mahoney Nurse's Group at 12:00 noon! It was a lot of fun and very informative. There were retired and active duty nurses present. The topic was the importance of putting your affairs in order from a personal and caregiving perspective. By the way, the lunch was great and on time! I was hungry because I skipped breakfast. I never eat before I speak because I need all of my cognitive juices flowing! I look forward to an ongoing relationship with that organization and group of good people!
Later that evening, I visited Positive Maturity, an organization full of community resources, companion and volunteer services for senior citizens. I will be the "Master of Ceremony" for their April 23, 2010, RSVP Awards Celebration! Can you believe that! We are expecting over 400 senior volunteers to attend this event. I am so excited!
This Thursday on The Caregiving Doctor Show, the topic will be, "Dental Health and Older People: The Link Between Gum, Heart, and Respiratory Disease." Dental health is critical for everyone, but those who are 65 and older are at an increased risk for gum disease for many reasons. Don't forget to listen to the show today. Tomorrow, we are featuring "Youth In Aging." This program conducts health fairs around Jefferson County and surrounding areas, including church congregations.
I will talk with you later. Don't forget to hit my fan page on facebook. For the record, I am not a celebrity, a fan page is what they call it! Have a great week!
Clarissa
April 5-10, 2010
Thanks for your continued support! Thursday, April 8, 2010, be sure to watch "Talk of Alabama," where the topic will be "Falls and the Elderly." Also, be sure to listen to The Caregiving Doctor Radio Show on WAGG from 2:00-3:00 P.M. There my topic will be "Startling Facts About the Rise of STDs Among Senior Citizens!" After all, April is Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month!
Friday's topic will be "What Every Caregiver Needs to Know About Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network." Keep listening and watching!
Have a great week!
Clarissa
March 29, 2010
Question: What is your very next seminar? I think my sister and I need to attend.
Answer: I will be the key speaker at Town Village, Vestavia, Hills Retirement Community. The coordinator for this even is Shanna Black, Director of Community Relations. You may attend and it is free to the public. The session for family caregivers will be 5:30-7:00 P.M. The topic is: "The ABC's of Aging Wisely." I will be joined with many other great health care professionals in aging and the senior market. You may contact Town Village at (205) 979-2702. In fact, if you missed The Caregiving Doctor Show on WERC Talk Radio Show on Saturday, 4-5 P.M., you missed a treat! Don't forget to tune in this week! Go have fun everyone! Well, I need to take my own advice on that one!
Clarissa
March 18-20, 2010
Question: What should I do if my 76 year-old mother yells at me? I am 44 years-old. I don't have to take it.
Answer: You should never disrespect your mother or father. Well, any other elder for that matter. Arguing, fussing, and yelling will get you nowhere. Being in a caregiving role doesn't give you the power to retailiate or dominate in any manner. However, I do understand that caregivers are sometimes abused by their loved ones. That's when you need to walk away or set boundaries. You cannot change another person, but you can control your actions.
Hold your tongue. Sometimes our parents are in the beginning stages of dementia as they are growing older. If you see a change in personality or behavior, please encourage him or her to contact the doctor because medically or mentally speaking, something may be going wrong.
Remember that you cannot "parent your parent." They will always be your parent, regardless of the care they need or their age. The biblical principle still stands, "Honor thy Father and thy Mother, that thy days will be long!" So do you want your days on this earth extended? We will one day reap what we have sown, good or bad.
Because I care,
Clarissa
March 11-13, 2010
Question: Clarissa, my mother-in-law needs a will. Is there a place to get it done for free?
Answer: Sure. If your mother-in-law is age 60 or older, there is an agency that will assist her with completing her will for free. The resource is called The Legal Counsel for the Elderly, you can reach them at (205) 328-3540. You may also want to call both the Alabama and Birmingham Bar Associations. Most elder law attorneys will charge a reasonable fee; however, many will work with you financially. Your mother-in-law definitely needs to have a will, just as we all should. Otherwise, she'll run the risk of having the family's possessions held up in probate court. Thanks for asking and have a great week!
Clarissa
February 24-27, 2010
Hello everyone! I've had such a busy week! Please be sure to tune in to "The Caregiving Doctor Show" on Heaven 610 WAGG A.M. from 2-3 P.M. on Thursday and Friday and WERC Talk Radio 105 FM at 4-5 P.M on Saturday. I am also very proud of my daughter, Destiny, she is on CBS42.com's Black History Moments 2010. For link Click Here. That's all for now.
Thanks to everyone,
Clarissa
February 18-20, 2010
I hope everyone is doing just fine! I've had a great week updating my website, adding TV footage, and talking with my family and fans on facebook! I am so thankful to have found my purpose in life. I understand that many people die with their music inside, I won't.
Friday and Saturday on the show my guest is Executive Director, Bill Voigt, of the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizen Services. He will highlight the Area Agency on Aging's many services to over 115,000 senior citizens in Jefferson County. The show will air on both WAGG and WERC.
This week on "The Caregiving Doctor Show" on Heaven 610 WAGG A.M. from 2-3 P.M. will feature Black History Month. My guests are Myrna Carter Jackson, Clifton Casey, and Shirley Floyd. These were foot soldiers during the Civil Rights Movement. They will tell their untold story. As an African American myself, I am proud of the progress that has been made, but I believe we have many more miles to travel. If we could just learn that we are all somehow interconnected, and we have more in common than we realize. We must stop fearing what we don't understand.
I am thankful for the opportunity to play a leadership role in educating about family caregiving, for not just African-Americans, but for all people. Caregiving crosses all racial, ethnic, color, and sociological paths because if we live long enough, we will need someone to help us.
I have personally endured many struggles, always having to prove my qualifications, credentials, and experience to people of all races. I welcome the challenge because the truth does not have to defend itself. When you get to a point in your life when you are not concerned or held captive by the opinions of others, then you are best able to fly freely, because you understand that God has a plan for your life. Family caregiving is a heart issue, not a color issue. I will not buy into the "skin color" trap. I will continue to serve as long as I am breathing. That's the beauty of family caregiving.
Much love to all,
Clarissa
February 11, 2010
Hi everyone! Today I will be interviewed by ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama television program! It is a great opportunity to educate the public about the importance of family caregiving today, especially since caregivers save the health care system around 306 billion dollars a year.
On "The Caregiving Doctor Show" my topic is divorce and caregiving. Click here to view show lineup and expert guest information.
The impact of family caregiving can take its toll on relationships, family, and the caregiver. This show will air on Heaven 610, WAGG AM radio from 2-3 PM today. You may call in to the show between 2:00 and 3:00 at (205) 741-9244. I really appreciated your support! I love family caregivers! Happy Valentine's Day!
February 4, 2010
Hello everyone! I am so excited today because on "The Caregiving Doctor Show" we will have a special guest, Beth Jerome, the Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Birmingham. Her organization is seeking applicants to qualify for a Habitat home! I want to really help facilitate that process! Joining me today on my show with Beth Jerome is Cindy Monk, Realtor, and Aging-in-Place Specialist to talk about how older people can help to stay in their homes. Join us at WAGG, Heaven 610 A.M., from 2-3 P.M. today! We will open the telephone lines at (205)741-9244 or you may stream us on line the web! Have a great week and remember this is Black History Month!
January 30, 2010
Greetings today! It is Saturday, and I am headed to the WERC Studio for "The Caregiving Doctor Show." My show guest today is Tamaria Penick, Marketing and Educational Coordinator of Alacare Home Health and Hospice. The show will feature Tamaria explaining the entire hospice program and services for families and patients who are terminally ill. I am looking forward to a great time with Tamaria. Log onto: alacare.com for more information. Have a great day!
Clarissa
January 28-29, 2010
Hello to everyone! Today and tomorrow on my show I am interviewing Rev. Cornell Myricks, Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center Counselor of the Zucoski Center (Pearson Hall) here in Birmingham. Cornell has over 22 years of experience in dealing with persons who are addicted to alcoholism. He is a counselor. We will be joined tomorrow by David Harkins, a former alcoholic and recovering drug addict. His contact information is: The Zucoski Outpatient Center, and the telephone number is (205) 785-5787.
You may not be aware of the fact that many caregivers are alcoholics. Those who care for the sick, terminally ill, and those with dementia are at a high risk of alcohol abuse because of the intensity of care. In fact, many caregivers are caring for relatives and aging parents who are alcoholics. This conversation should be one of great interest to may audience and we are hoping to bring great tips and information for how to get help. This show will air on WAGG Heaven 610 A.M. from 2-3 P.M. today. Keep listening!
Clarissa
January 23, 2010
Hello! Alexis Chamento is the program director for the southeast region of the Arthritis Foundation. She will be defining arthritis, it's causes, symptoms, and new treatments. She will also discuss healthy eating, exercise, and general diet recommendations. These shows will air on Heaven 610, WAGG (Call in at 205-741-9244) AM and WERC, 105 FM (888-9105-105).
January 21-22, 2010
Hello Everyone! I hope you are having a great week. I have been extremely busy with The Caregiving Doctor Show and speaking to local community groups. This week on the The Caregiving Doctor Show, my guest is Lyndsay Rutland, the public relations and marketing program coordinator of Wiregrass Hospice. She will be discussing the who, what, when, where, and why hospice is a great resource for the patient and family.
This show will be on Heaven 610 WAGG from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. I am sure you will learn quite a bit of valuable information.
Talk with you later!
Clarissa
January 15-16, 2010
Greetings everyone! It was a great day yesterday on The Caregiving Doctor Show! My guest was Joyce McKay,LPC, CSAT (certified sex addiction therapist) and we hopefully helped a lot of people. We were able to focus on women and sex addiction. The show will air again today from 2-3 P.M., on WAGG, Heaven 610 A.M. Today my guest is Adam Calvert, LPC, of Wellspring Christian Clinic. He is an expert in dealing with sex addiction, hosting support groups, and educating others about this condition.
Adam's resources will be listed on my website. Sex addiction affects caregiving families around the world, including the religious community. Keep listening to The Caregiving Doctor Show!
Clarissa
January 14, 2010
Hello everyone! I hope all this is a wonderful year so far for all of you! If you have been listening to my show, The Caregiving Doctor Show, I hope you are learning a lot! I surely am. I have the best experts in family caregiving and elder-care issues on my show. Today my special guest is Joyce McKay, a licensed professional counselor, and our subject is: "Sexual Addiction: What everyone needs to know." We will address this from a caregiving perspective and its impact on families, relationships, older people, and care. It will be an exciting show I am sure. I am having fun and meeting great people! You will find me on facebook too! Have a great day!
Clarissa
CONGRATULATIONS CLARISSA, The Caregiving Doctor!
I am officially a columnist now with The Birmingham Times newspaper! I will appear twice a month under the column, "Health and Beauty." My column is entitled, "Just Ask The Caregiving Doctor." This is quite an honor! Hard work, passion, and dedication to your calling in life really does pay off! Thanks to the staff at Birmingham Times for making another one of my dreams come true!
January 8-9, 2010,
Hello everyone! I hope all is fine, and that caregivers are getting the necessary support that they need. I am urging caregivers to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night for the sake of their health.
Today on The Caregiving Doctor Show, my guest will be Sarah Evans, Public Affairs Specialist, of the Social Security Administration here in Birmingham. She has extensive experience as a former claims representative, but now conducts much public education and training on Social Security benefits. This show will be aired on Heaven 610 AM WAGG, Cox Radio Network. She will giving us updates on Social Security, and what aging parents and older people need to know about their benefits. Also, Sarah will discuss the prescription drug benefit through the Social Security Administration. I am so excited to have her! We will be taking calls. Sara Evans will also appear on my WERC show on Saturday, January 9, 2010, from 4-5 on WERC Talk Radio on 105.5.
It is so important for our older adults to stay abreast on changes in their benefits as health care bills are implemented. Her contact information is posted on my resource page. Thanks for an opportunity to provide credible information!
Clarissa
January 2, 2010,
Happy New Year! I am really looking forward to this year. I will be significantly increasing my visibility from a national perspective this year with my Caregiving Doctor brand. I am excited about my children's books, and will be holding book signings throughout the state and around the nation this year. I believe that it's time for the world to understand that caregivers are the true backbone of our health care system.
Today on The Caregiving Doctor Show, my guest is Dr. Spencer Stephens, of Stephens Pharmacy, located on highway 280. He was highly recommended by many professionals in the Birmingham area. We will be discussing: Medications and Older People: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know." This show will air on 105.5 FM, WERC Talk Radio on Saturday, January 2, 2010 from 4-5 P.M. I am so excited to build an ongoing relationship with all of my guests. You will find his contact information on my resource page. It's information you really do need to know. We will be taking callers as usual!
Best wishes in 2010,
Clarissa
December 19, 2009
Today on The Caregiving Doctor Show...we will have Dawn Stephens, Small Groups Coordinator, at The Church at Brook hills, and Bonnie Roberts, Counselor, at Wellspring Christian Counseling, to discuss holiday grief, stress, and depression. This will be aired on WERC Talk Radio on 105.5 FM from 4-5 P.M. We will be taking telephone calls at 1-888-9-105-105 from the audience to discuss this important topic especially for the holiday season. Contact information for show guests is listed under the resources section of my website. Keep listening! This will be a great show! Happy Holidays everyone!
Clarissa
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