How to Know When It’s Time to Move Your Parents or Aging Loved Ones

By Roz Jones

As our parents and loved one’s age, it’s natural to worry about their safety and well-being. At some point, many families face the difficult decision of whether to move their loved ones out of their homes and into a care facility. This decision can be fraught with emotion and can feel overwhelming, but there are signs you can watch for that can help you determine when it’s time to make that move.

Changes in Health: As our loved ones age, their health can decline, and they may require more specialized care. If your loved one has experienced a serious illness or injury or is living with a chronic condition that requires frequent medical attention, it may be time to consider moving them to a care facility.
Difficulties with Activities of Daily Living: As our loved ones age, they may experience difficulty with basic activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. If your loved one is struggling to manage these tasks on their own, it may be time to consider a move to a facility where they can receive assistance with these activities.
Increased Isolation: Social isolation can have a significant impact on our loved one’s physical and mental health. If your loved one is becoming increasingly isolated and doesn’t have access to social activities or support, it may be time to consider moving them to a care facility where they can be surrounded by peers and have access to social activities.
Home Safety Concerns: As our loved ones age, their homes may no longer be safe for them to live in. This could be due to mobility issues, difficulty with stairs, or other safety concerns. If you notice that your loved one’s home is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and your loved one is experiencing falls, inability to manage medications, and other health-related issues, it may be time to consider moving your aging loved one or parent.
Emotional well-being: If your loved one is experiencing loneliness, depression, or other emotional issues, a move to a new living situation with a supportive community and access to mental health resources may be beneficial.
Caregiver Burnout: If you are the primary caregiver for your aging loved one and your are experiencing caregiver burnout, it may be time to consider a move to a care facility. Caregiver burnout can manifest in many ways, including physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of isolation, and a decreased ability to provide care.

Making the decision to move a loved one into a care facility is never easy, but it may be the best option for their health, safety, and well-being. It’s important to involve your aging loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Listen to their concerns and preferences, and work together to find a living situation that meets their needs and respects their wishes. It’s important to carefully consider their physical and emotional needs, as well as their overall safety and well-being. If you notice any of the signs listed above, it may be time to have a conversation with your loved one about their living situation and explore other options. By working together and keeping your loved one’s best interests in mind, you can find a living situation that provides the necessary support and allows your aging loved one to thrive in their golden years.

Secure Your Loved One’s Future & Protect Their Health by Purchasing the Caregiving & Advance Health Directives Checklist!

When creating an Advance Directive, it’s important for you to identify the treatments you want and don’t want at the end of life. In order to begin this process, you will need to complete state specific forms. This worksheet can prepare you for those decisions you’re going to make on those forms, and for conversations you need to have with family and doctors.

Take Me There!

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We founded The Caregiver Cafe Shopify Store with one simple goal: to help you experiment with your passion while at the same time providing amazing prices. We were tired of cookie-cutter stores with lackluster selections, and boring gifts. Instead of offering a huge unoriginal collection, we carefully curate just a few unique pieces perfectly suited for people the taste buds like you.

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***Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…***

**1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE:** The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting.

**2. Tools and Resources:** Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregivers’ experiences.

**3. LEARN TO:** Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver.

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Transforming Your Stress into Success

By Roz Jones

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. With the right mindset and techniques, we can transform stress into success. Here are some ways to do it:

Change your perception of stress: Rather than viewing stress as a negative force that needs to be avoided, try to see it as a challenge that can help you grow and develop.

Identify the source of your stress: Understanding what is causing your stress can help you find ways to address it. It could be a particular situation, a person, or even your own thoughts and behaviors.

Practice self-care: Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, get enough sleep, and take time to relax and recharge.

Develop coping strategies: Find healthy ways to manage your stress, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or talking to a friend or therapist.

Set realistic goals: Instead of trying to do everything at once, break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way to stay motivated.

Embrace failure: Failure is a natural part of the learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Use your failures as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than beating yourself up over them.

Stay positive: Focus on the good things in your life and practice gratitude. Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform stress into a positive force that helps you achieve success in all areas of your life.

Secure Your Loved One’s Future & Protect Their Health by Purchasing the Caregiving & Advance Health Directives Checklist!

Take Me There!

Shop The Caregiver Cafe E-Commerce Store!

We focus on items that get you excited about shopping again,
as we believe buying online should always be fun!

SHOP NOW!

Subscribe to The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Newsletter!

Subscribe Now!

The Signs, Symptoms, and Occurrence Facts of Prostate Cancer

By Roz Jones

Jerry Orbach; Red Buttons; Clarabell on the Howdy Doody Show; Don Ameche; Telly Savales; and Bill Bixby (The Hulk) – all these actors had one thing in common; they all died of prostate cancer.

Occurring more frequently after age 45 and by age 80, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. It is estimated that half the men found to have cancer of the prostate have an early form of the disease that has not spread outside the prostate gland. If the cancer is not discovered early, it may spread to other parts of the body.

To determine if one has prostate cancer, a blood test along with a rectal exam is performed. If cancer is suspected, your doctor may refer you to a urologist or oncologist who will recommend a biopsy of the gland. An ultrasound and x-ray of the kidneys and bladder may also be recommended. If the biopsy is positive, a CT scan will be performed to determine if cancer has spread to the bones.

Depending upon the man’s age, overall health, and whether or not sexual function is to be preserved; may define the course of treatment. So too, if the disease has spread, other options will be considered. If, for example, the cancer is localized within the prostate; it may be removed. The downside is that removal of the prostate may cause impotence. However, there are surgical procedures wherein the nerves which control the ability to have erections can be preserved.

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of prostate cancer may not reveal themselves for years, but if they do occur they would include: urinating many times during the night; unable to urinate; burning and pain during urination; blood in the urine; painful ejaculations; and pain in the lower back.

The other condition which may mirror prostate cancer is prostatitis. This is an inflammation of the prostate gland and is caused by a urinary tract infection that has spread to the prostate. Accompanied by fever, chills, and pain around the base of the penis and behind the scrotum, you may have an urge to move your bowels or may find it difficult to urinate. Antibiotics are the recommended course of treatment.

For more information on prostate cancer; there are a plethora of resources available on the National Cancer Institute’s website at www.cancer.gov/prostate/ or you can visit your local library or book store and learn as much as you can about this disease. It seems there are so many hidden diseases affecting men, most of which cannot be detected early. But in this case, having rectal exams frequently can make all the difference in ascertaining if you have a prostate problem.

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Learn the importance of transparency as a Caregiver by checking out my podcast to discover healthy boundaries and more!

Sometimes when taking care of a loved one, especially family there seems to be a lack of transparency on what is really going on.

In this episode, we are back again with Dr. Herbert as we highlight the importance of being transparent.

We talk about;
Importance of full disclosure between the caregiver and loved one
Healthy boundaries

Listen Now!

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ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting and check out my latest post regarding the risks of dehydration and not drinking water.

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

Why People Don’t Forgive

By Roz Jones

We’ve all been hurt by people we love and trust. Too often, we’re told to ‘forgive and forget.’

That’s easier said than done.

Things happen and it becomes more and more difficult to move on. This is either because of a certain pattern forcing us to stay stuck and not let go.

We gathered five reasons why people don’t forgive, and ways you can move forward.

They Don’t Know How to Forgive

Before we can forgive, we have to understand what forgiveness actually is. When you forgive someone, you don’t have to be okay with them as a person, nor do you have to sign off on what they did.

If you wait until you feel that way, you may never forgive the other party at all. What they did will always trigger negative emotions any time you recall.

The alternative is to look at forgiveness as a cancellation of debt. Forgiving someone is finally feeling like no one owes you anything.

You let them out of any obligation towards you, even an apology. It’s just taking a step towards freeing your heart from any responsibilities.

They Find It Hard Letting Go of the Bitterness

If you’re feeling bitter and sad, it can be hard to forgive. You always feel stuck and powerless.

Plus, many times, it’s just easier to deal with the added benefits of having been wronged. We feel sorry for ourselves. Then, we talk and complain, and it makes people listen. That kind of attention can be addictive, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons. It makes us feel important and wanted.

Not only that, but not forgiving can also be because holding onto the bitterness is just simpler. Playing the victim becomes part of who we are. Soon, we lose sight of everything else, even the good things that make us interesting and fun.

One of our favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela is, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

In a nutshell, you’re much more than one bad situation. You’re a beautiful individual deserving of living a fully engaging life.

They Attach Present Losses with the Past

Any time someone abuses our trust, it can trigger past pains. If left unchecked, it can cause a snowball effect of deep, intense emotions. The worst part is when it becomes a pattern that keeps repeating itself whenever we’re hurt.

Forgiving something like that can be extremely difficult. Many times it’s only because what we end up facing is too overwhelming and big, so much so that we don’t even know where to start.

The only way out is to stop recreating those patterns of pain. Let go of the past and separate yourself from the cycle of hurt. Once you do that, you can stop putting yourself in a position of having to forgive people over and over again.

They’re Not Being Honest with Themselves

When we’re hurt, the quickest and safest reaction is to cover it up. Or at least not be honest about the real reason why we’re upset.

Maybe you’re mad at your sister for not calling you back. But you’re actually secretly furious that she said something snarky about the state of your marriage.

So, the first step is to be honest with yourself about what’s really making you angry. Then, letting go and forgiving becomes easier.

They Don’t Want to Be Vulnerable

Feeling mad and angry makes us feel in control and tough. It even acts as an armor to keep the hurt away.

At the same time, not forgiving someone keeps you stuck. It forces you to keep replaying that painful situation in your mind. It leaves you feeling weak, vulnerable, and lacking in self-confidence.

However, there’s power in forgiveness. By letting go of the resentment and pain, you actually have more control than you think.

You no longer feel anxious or threatened every time you see them. As a result, you take away whatever control they have over you.

So, what does that mean? It means that forgiving takes strength and willpower. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak don’t forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”

EXCITING NEWS!!

I am excited and thrilled to share with you my new adventure, “The Caregiver Café Podcast”. This podcast tackles and highlights the daily situations caregivers face with their aging loved ones. We also empower you to navigate the care and challenges of your loved one with relevant topics and through the voices of your peers and their life experiences.

Monday April 4th we launched our first episode, and you can learn all about it at this link.

Visit http://www.rozjonesent.com for more information on addressing issues that caregivers face on a daily basis, and check out my newly-published book!

9 Ways to Cut Prescription Costs, Part 2

By Roz Jones

For April, we’re covering spring cleaning – getting your ducks in a row in your physical home, as well as clearing your mental space by practicing forgiveness. We hope you’ll be ready to charge into May with a new spring in your step!

This week, we’re continuing a two-part post on how you and your loved ones can save money on prescription costs.

6. Find a new pharmacy. Pharmacies frequently offer gift cards as an incentive for transferring a prescription to their store. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you’re not going to pay a lot more for the prescription. Shop around and see what’s out there.

7. Get it online. There are many online pharmacies that tend to be significantly less expensive than local pharmacies. This makes sense, since they don’t have stores and all the related expenses that go along with them.

You may have heard about ordering from Canadian pharmacies, where prescriptions cost about 50% less. You should know that the FDA doesn’t approve of using this option, and it’s technically illegal to have pharmaceuticals shipped into the country.
The website www.legitscript.com can tell you if an online pharmacy meets the legal requirements of US law.

8. Ask for free samples. Pharmaceutical sales reps often provide free samples to physicians. In fact, some physicians refuse to talk to reps unless they provide free samples. It never hurts to ask.

9. Apply for free medications. Medications are frequently made available to those of lower income. You can find low-cost and no-cost prescriptions at www.needymeds.org. If you don’t have insurance, you’re likely to get at least some relief.

There are many options available to reduce your prescription expense.

In many cases, prescriptions can be obtained for a greatly reduced cost compared to what you might be paying now. There is even the possibility of getting your meds for free if you can prove financial need.

If you’re having a financial challenge with your meds, there are solutions. Use the above tips to lower your costs and keep more money in your bank account.

Congratulations, you want to start a business! Once you get over the initial excitement, it’s time to break down the process of launching your startup into manageable chunks. So do you feel overwhelmed with the items on your to-do list? Not to worry; I’ve divided this startup Essential Business Bundle Checklists into the primary tasks you need to do now, and those that you can defer until later. These documents will help you navigate, structure, and create systems specific to our business.

It’s here, I am so excited to share a new caregiver app called CircleOf….This app will allow you to surround yourself with resources and experts from your community including ME!!!! As you are looking through the app, you will see my familiar face. I’m excited about this partnership and new ways to support you as you support your loved one. Here’s the link so you can explore the app. I would love your feedback and spread the word by sharing the link to family and friends.

Visit http://www.rozjonesent.com for more information on addressing mental health as a caregiver and check out my upcoming book!