RSS Feed

Tag Archives: #family

“Caregiver and Survivor” is out ! Stories by The Suzette Brown

http://paper.li/caissg/1329056556?edition_id=2a73aff0-0242-11e5-bc01-0cc47a0d164b

Thank you for the share – of my ITRC Blog.

I try to inform caregivers and family members of the importance of first securing a reputable Elder Law Attorney for your loved one – which in turn, makes the caregiver ALSO accountable to the Elder Attorney.

Please clean up house or rooms of your loved one. AS DPOA – remove invoices, bills, statements, personal information with DOB and social security numbers on display, all cash within reason, and pertinent information that could be used incorrectly.

Monitor phone calls, get caller ID and ability to block telemarketers who prey on the elderly.

AS DPOA – Have a password issued AT the bank or credit union so loved one cannot have access to an open account/amount of cash. They will find a way to get to the bank or credit union. Mom’s credit union urged and begged me to instill a password on her account. She would show up constantly and take out money. She was obsessed with her MONEY.

The cash would invariably disappear when she returned to the facility – assisted living facility. Was it in her clothes? Did she hide it? Did she lose it? Did she leave it somewhere? Was it stolen? The password STOPPED her withdrawing hundreds of dollars in cash.

AS DPOA – Be aware – keep up with the bills and invoices, keep accurate financial records, be prepared to give weekly updates to loved ones elder attorney, and set up a filing system to organize all records.

Ensure your loved one is taken care of: financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Thank you to “Caregiving Survivor” on Twitter for this amazing share.

SUZ

Great info – for caregivers, family, elder attorney, friends, and medical community.

“Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes” – on “Plaid Radio” !!

“Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes” – on “Plaid Radio” !!

Thank you, shout out to Sarah Zink.

I am honored to have been featured on their “Plaid Radio” show…
talking about caregiving, family and being a caregiver for my Mother. Many tips, resources, organizations, “should” and “could” have done – for caregivers.

SUZ

5* Book Review – “Hit the Nail on the Head”

5* Book Review – “Hit the Nail on the Head”

New 5* review that is eloquently written with beautifully relayed sentiment. Refreshing expression – of an often misunderstood responsibility.

“That said, I would recommend this book not only to caregivers but also to those who support or criticize the role of a caregiver in their family”. The reviewer goes on to say – many instances that only caregivers can relate to….”

“The book is instructive, and it hit on most of the highs and lows I experienced. It’s all too easy to give instruction to caregivers when you’re not one, and it’s even easier to dot every conversation with a caregiver with “helpful hints,” even if the speaker doesn’t have a clue what he or she is talking about…”

Thank you – MJ Plaster.

SUZ

I can’t wear my Timberland boots to the wedding?

I can’t wear my Timberland boots to the wedding?

My son’s wedding was a lovely occasion – a happy time – and I had to make several promises to my son regarding the garb I would or would not wear. I had to promise him that I would not wear my Timberland boots to his wedding.

My shoe attire cannot include heels anymore, my knees have both been replaced and one of them has a knee revision where the replacement came loose. My Timberland’s would have been perfect. So comfortable, warm, great support to feet and ankles, rather nice looking – well I think anyway.

I sent him the picture of my shoe selection to wear with my dress outfit. His response was – “you are not wearing Timberland boots to my wedding”. Sure, I was disappointed, but I understood. Now, it was time to delve into shoes that I could actually wear – that matched my outfit.

I am no fashion diva – I dress for comfort. Long skirts, a nice sweater (or t-shirt) and long scarf – with my Timberland boots are my style, and they work well for me. Many have told me that I am the only one that can “pull off” some of the fashion exhibits that I wear. To me, its a compliment.

I love my son – so I had to put the Timberlands back in the closet and head to a department store for “dressy” and uncomfortable shoes.

Surely, I could bear horribly tight and uncomfortable shoes for a few hours.

I also have a pair of Timberlands in pink, those are my favorite.

SUZ

“Indie Author News” – FAB author interview – “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”….

“Indie Author News” – FAB author interview – “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”….

Check it out on “Indie Author News”. My author interview.

http://www.indieauthornews.com/2015/04/author-interview-with-suzette-brown.html

Self Publisher’s Showcase – author interview, “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”…

Self Publisher’s Showcase – author interview, “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”…

http://selfpublishersshowcase.com/interview-suzette-brown-author-of-alzheimers-through-my-mothers-eyes/

Thank you Self Publisher’s Showcase for a FAB author interview.

SUZ

Traumatized Flower…..

My son was getting married. It was his first marriage and he had no children. No child support or alimony to pay, which is a very good thing. It was an exciting time…we were looking forward to going.

I knew his wedding would be in Charlotte, NC and of course I wanted to bring our dogs. I even suggested that Flower, our Therapy Dog be in his wedding as the “ring holder”. She could also help calm the nerves I thought, yea that was a good idea. She provided therapy after all to patients and residents in convalescent centers, assisted living facilities, retirement homes, etc. Surely there could be a place for her at their wedding. She could do her “job” and work the wedding guests with her big brown eyes that speak volumes to us humans.

What else could she participate in? She couldn’t serve guests dinner, she couldn’t help clean up tables, she couldn’t dance or be the Deejay, and she couldn’t be the minister. I was running out of ideas. My son had already told me that Flower was not going to be in the wedding, dogs were not welcome. That didn’t matter to me – I still thought up suggestions on duties she could perform.

Last attempt – maybe she could be a bridesmaid? Has anyone ever had a dog as a bridesmaid? The thing about it was, she was our dog and didn’t belong to the bride – so that was a no brainer. That wouldn’t work. Flower did have a cute dog “dress” she could have worn though.

OK, I told my son, who continued to tell me that Flower couldn’t come to the wedding – I guess I’ll have to board her. Her and I are a team when we do our volunteer therapy work. She whines and cries when I leave her at home. We are inseparable.

The question is – who would miss who more? I think I know the answer to that one.

Boarding results – more on that later.
SUZ

Flower, snuggled up on the couch reading her Mom’s book, “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”…

Flower-Birds 020

Our Therapy Dog International, Flower, checking out her Mom’s book, “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes.

Radio Talk – with Sarah Zink – “Plaid for Women”

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sarahzink/2015/03/26/alzheimers-through-my-mothers-eyes-with-suzette-brown

Honored to be chosen to partake in “Plaid for Women’s” Radio Talk show.  My experiences as a caregiver – day to day life and the frustrations of being a caregiver.

Many subjects broached to help those who are in the same situation I was in.  Driving – get your loved one off the road—If you can do a better job – please take over.  Do not take the change in your loved one personally – it is the disease speaking.

Many more discussed from my experiences over the yeas.

Please share any comments, suggestions or ideas – they are always welcome.

Thank you Ms. Zink !

SUZ