News
Beyond the Clock: How Long Can My Loved One Be in Hospice Care?
I get this question a lot: “How long can a dying loved one be in hospice care?” Unfortunately, I don’t get this question early enough in the life-care planning process from many Patient Advocacy clients. (Although, in my experience, I always try to find a way to bring it up tactfully as a necessary discussion.) […]
Board-Certified Patient Advocate: A Guide & Protector of Autonomy
I’ve been inspired recently. That’s not to say life has been fun or easy. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you’re likely familiar with my dual personal and professional roles as a Board-certified Patient Advocate and care partner to my life partner, Brian. While guiding elders and families here in the Clearwater, FL […]
Journeying with Compassion: Person-Centered Care for Dementia
We’ve certainly discussed person-centered care before. Also known as person-focused care, it’s a care philosophy that empowers the individual(s) at the center of the treatment and compassion required in the aging process. That is, your loved one – in good health or bad. Person-centered care for dementia is particularly important due to the regressive and […]
Navigating the Shadows: 7 End-Stage Dementia Care Strategies for Caregivers
My Brian’s eyes would play tricks with him when was still living at home in earlier stages of his Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Especially at night. The shadows cast from the moonlight out our window over Tampa Bay, which normally looked so peaceful, caused hallucinations and paranoia and led to many sleepless nights. Dementia care […]
Legal Documents Every Caregiver Must Have in Florida
By Maureen RulisonCaregiver Support and Resources I shudder to describe the horror stories. As I’ve said before, being the most compassionate care partner possible is a labor of love. But it’s even more difficult to manage in the shadow of healthcare and legal bureaucracy. Imagine, in the worst-case scenario, not being able to advocate for […]
Are You Really Ready for Your Loved One’s Next Doctor Visit?
By Maureen RulisonCaregiver Support and Resources Well, are you? As a devoted care partner, readying for your loved one’s next doctor visit may not be your highest priority in the day-to-day. Lord knows, you have a million-and-one other things to do and worry about in providing the love and care your loved one deserves. But […]