What a Terminal Illness Cannot Do

By Jenna Miosek, RN, BSN, CHPN, patient care manager While working as a nurse for Hospice of the Red River Valley, I have had numerous opportunities to take care of people at their worst physical states. In many of the cases, cancer is the devastating catalyst for their rapidly declining health. Some people may wonder how professionals can deal with death...

Six Questions to Ask an Aging Loved One—And Yourself

By Jean There’s no escaping it. At some point, our loved ones will all decline in health, and eventually pass away. Few of us enjoy thinking about this inevitable occurrence, but I guarantee, thinking about it, making plans and, more importantly, making memories with your loved ones will ease the discomfort. To help you in this process, take time to ask...

newly sprouted plant

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

After the hectic pace of the holidays, a new year provides a welcome “fresh start”—a chance to adjust our habits and attitudes in ways that make us healthier and happier. As a caregiver, a new year provides a chance to reflect on the joys and challenges of caregiving in the past year, and look for ways to make the...

Dear Santa Top 10 gift ideas for caregivers

Dear Santa … Top 10 Gift Ideas for Caregivers

There is no denying, caregiving is hard work. Between full or part-time jobs, doctor appointments, medical research and the demands of everyday life, family caregivers are pulled in many directions, usually with little time left to rest, relax and refresh—time they so desperately need. And caregiving during the holiday season is especially difficult. As you think about what to get...

Tips for Pre-Planning a Funeral Service

By Paulette Frith Do you really feel good about … … making important decisions when you are tired? … making choices under time pressure? … making important decisions without guidance? These feelings are what you and your family might go through at the time of loss without preplanning. To avoid feeling unprepared and overwhelmed with the funeral decisions that must be made, we encourage you...

Who Will Speak for You? Advanced Health Care Planning

Life changes in an instant. We never know when we may be involved in a serious car accident, suffer a stroke or be admitted to the hospital unexpectedly. If you are unable to speak for yourself, do your family members and health care providers know how to proceed with your care? Do your loved ones know which treatment options...

End Stages of Alzheimers Disease

End-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: Tips for Caregivers

by Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative, neurological disease. Progressive, yes. It is much more than “being a little bit forgetful.” The disease slowly robs a person of their ability to perform long practiced skills, recall memories and the ability to care for him or herself. As people with Alzheimer’s disease live longer into the end stage...

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4 Signs that Death is Near: A Caregiver’s Guide

Dying is a natural part of life, but few of us are prepared to care for someone in his or her final days. Family members and friends play important roles during a loved one’s final months, weeks and days. This article explains some of the changes that naturally occur and shares tips on what you can do as a...

Challenges Faced By Male Caregivers

“Caregiving is hard work. Caregiving is pain. Caregiving is loving and giving and sharing. Caregiving is accepting and learning new things and going on, and on, and on. Caregiving is lots of questions and very few answers. Caregiving is being out of the mainstream. Caregiving is learning what it means to die with dignity and making sure your loved...

Caregiver Burnout: Signs to Watch for in Yourself and Others

“The capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest significance and meaning.” -  Pablo Casals, World renowned cellist As a caregiver, you are one of many courageous people who provide care for a loved one. You provide emotional and physical support, and may also deal with medical and financial decisions. Coping with the strains and stresses of caregiving...