Hector Elizondo
is a Tony Award
winning Broadway
star and
well-renowned
television and movie
actor, appearing in
television programs
including Chicago
Hope, The Rockford
Files and Monk and
movies such as
American Gigolo and
Pretty Woman. He has
also been a conga
player with a Latin
band, a classical
guitarist and
singer, a
weightlifting coach,
a ballet dancer, as
well as family
caregiver. Elizondo
spent years as a
caregiver to his
mother who was
living with
Alzheimer’s disease,
as well as a support
to his dad who was
the family’s primary
caregiver. He
has become an
enthusiastic
caregiving advocate,
traveling the nation
talking about the
needs of Alzheimer’s
caregivers.
Editor-in-Chief Gary
Barg sat down with
this multi-talented
entertainer for a
wide-ranging
conversation about
topics near and dear
to his heart.
Gary
Barg: What were the first signs of your mother’s
Alzheimer’s disease?
Hector Elizondo: The first signs of her
illness were very subtle; just forgetfulness, the usual stuff, the
shopping list, the keys, and then a pattern started to emerge.
Realizing that now in retrospect, back then it was, “Oh Mom, please,
you asked that question before, you know, a half hour ago.” But the
first real red flag was when she lost her way in her neighborhood...continued
Take
care
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
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Feature Article
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OCD in Elderly for Caregivers
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by Cheryl Ellis, Staff Writer
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is defined in part by the Merck
Manual as “anxiety provoking thoughts and urges.” While the publication
(a staple in the medical field for years) notes that symptoms are not
often prominent in the elderly, caregivers may disagree....continued
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Guest Column
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Special Telephone Equipment
By Eileen Alter
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We live in an age where most people take using the
telephone for granted. At least several times a day, most of
us use a telephone to call friends and family members,
schedule appointments, place orders, and handle any one of a
number of other tasks. A person’s inability to use a
telephone due to a physical disability can often result in
loneliness, isolation and a sense of increased
vulnerability. With the proper assistive telecommunication
equipment, many individuals can regain their independence. ...continued
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Caretips
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Home Safety Tips
By Jennifer B. Buckley
You feel safe and secure with your
loved one watching television close by in the next room.
On a daily basis, you meticulously monitor their diet,
hygiene and warnings on their over-the-counter and
prescription medication. Nothing has been left to
chance, so you think. What about making your home safe
from injuries? Hidden dangers in the home can cause your
loved one to have a terrible fall but it can be avoided.. .continued
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Sharing Wisdom - Caregiver Tips
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From Pat W.
in Erie, PA
My husband, who has PD, complains about his feet being
cold now that the weather has changed. An extra blanket at
his feet keeps him warm, but the weight wakes him up or
causes him to have restless legs. Now I microwave a heating
pad and put it on his knee... off to never-never-land he
goes and is warm for the night. I also rub a lymph oil on
his leg which stimulates circulation and promotes the
drainage of the lymph system. It also initiates the positive
suggestion of "This will help me sleep!"
From a caregiver in CT
To anyone
thinking of bringing an aging parent into their home, get
with an attorney to write up a "lifecare" agreement. Be sure
to include some respite care. We did not and have found it
very difficult to get away or take a break from it. If you
have siblings, make sure they are aware and involved.
The best ideas and solutions for taking care of your
loved one often come from other caregivers. Please post your ideas
and insights and we will share them with your fellow caregivers.
http://www.caregiver.com/sharing_wisdom/index.htm
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Caregiver.com
Support Group Directory. Click
here
for information about any caregiver support groups in your area.
Caregivers
need your help.
Please add information about your local support
groups to our
Support
Group Directory. Include the name of the group, where and when it
meets, city and state and support group leader contact information.
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Have
an idea for an article? We are always looking for contributing writers.
For more information contact editor@caregiver.com
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