Elder Care

A Compassionate Medical Procedure or Murder?
by Lisa Bayer, President, LMR Elder Care
When a friend of mine suggested I write an article for Butterfly about the death of Jack Kevorkian (dubbed “Dr. Death” by many) I thought to myself “what does Kevorkian have to do with elder care?” Read More

Cold Weather, Warm Hearts
by Lisa Bayer, President, LMR Elder Care
As record-breaking cold, ice and snow affects many most of the nation in the past few weeks there are things we can do to help our older loved ones stay warm and avoid hypothermia. Read More

A Caregiver’s Story
by Lisa Bayer, President, LMR Elder Care
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and in honor and support of those touched by the disease, contributors to Butterfly were asked to share personal stories. I thought about reaching out to my (several) friends who are survivors and asking them to share their challenges and triumphs. Read More

Back to School Not Just for Children
by Lisa Bayer, President, LMR Elder Care
Labor Day often coincides with back to school for children and young adults across the nation. But expanding one’s education, or helping someone else foster theirs, should not be limited to those under 30. Read More

I Know Exactly Where We Are!
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
If ever you have been in the car with my husband you better hope he has been to the destination, or somewhere close, before. I am sorry to generalize, and I know there are exceptions to every rule, but it is a well-known fact that most men don’t like to ask for directions. And my husband is no exception. Read More

First Do No Harm
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
So, you are not feeling so well and you call the doctor for an appointment. What’s one of the first things you are asked when you make the appointment with a new doctor (often before the scheduler will even begin looking at availability)? You got it. “What insurance do you have?” And then, if the doctor is a specialist, that is usually followed with “Do you need a referral?” Read More

Help! I Just Can’t Handle It Anymore!
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
As moms consider returning-to-work or struggle to keep up the pace of the job they are in, many are being pulled in a million directions not only by the needs of their children, but also by those of their aging parents. Read More

Special Nutrition Concerns of Older Adults
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
National Nutrition Month takes place each March and is an educational and informational campaign sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. Lack of proper nutrition leads to problems for persons of all ages, but there are special concerns for older adults that may indicate the presence of or lead to the development of multiple emotional and physical disorders and conditions. Read More

Taking care of the Caregiver—Part I—Exercise
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S., 2004, the typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 60% of family caregivers are women. Read More

November is Caregivers Month
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
Each year the National Family Caregivers Association organizes National Family Caregivers Month as a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. Read More

We Go Together Like Rama Lama Lama…
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
Yes, those are the opening lyrics for Grease’s finale when, despite all the challenges the characters face throughout the program, they realize that they really do “belong together.” Like Danny and Sandy, it is even more important for all of the professionals involved in working on behalf of older adults to work together towards their shared goal: peace of mind and body for their clients. Read More

Economic and Non-Economic Benefits
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
Often we read articles about and see advertisements for services and opportunities that will allow older adults to age gracefully and safely while enjoying a full life. Home care workers can assist seniors with activities of daily living such as preparing healthy meals, light housekeeping, and help with bathing and dressing. Adult day care facilities can provide stimulating activities in a safe and productive environment. Durable medical equipment or making structural changes to one’s home can increase mobility and accessibility where there may not have been before. Read More

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
Sometimes people just can’t do it all. It can be physically and emotionally taxing to be mother, worker AND caregiver. In recognition of this, there are federal and state laws that require certain employers to provide unpaid, and sometimes even paid leave, to eligible employees. Read More

Helping your Older Loved Ones Navigate the Health Care Maze
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
Doctor’s appointments can be anxiety-producing for everyone, particularly older adults who may suffer from multiple chronic health conditions, decreased mobility, memory-loss, and depression. Your senior loved ones might benefit greatly from having someone other than themselves make appointments, coordinate doctors' visits, arrange for rides to and from the office or testing center, assist with insurance concerns, and relay information to and between physicians, residential facilities, paid caregivers and other family members. Read More

Paid Home Care Assistance
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
Paid home care assistance is a type of support service that can assist a person who is recuperating from an acute injury or suffering from a chronic illness or disease. Services can vary from skilled care performed by a registered nurse to unskilled housekeeping services provided by an individual with life long experience. Home care makes it possible for people to remain safe and comfortable in their homes. Read More

Caregiving and the Economy
by Lisa Bayer, President, Life Management Resources LLC
The fallout from the economic situation our country, and the world, is facing has had an overwhelming effect on family caregivers who, even in good times, often struggle just to get themselves and their loved ones through the day. Read More

Lisa Cook Bayer, President Of Life Management Resources, Discusses Elder Care Advocacy:
Whether you are a teenager, middle-age or a sectagenarian it is just so hard being the kid sometimes! As a teenager you are frustrated because you don’t want to listen to your parents, and as a sixty year-old you are frustrated because your parents refuse to listen to you. Read More

Lisa Cook Bayer, President Of Life Management Resources, Discusses Elder Care Advocacy:
You’ve recently returned from a weekend with your parents and mom kept repeating the same story over and over about her next door neighbor’s pot roast. Your friend’s dad, who lives alone, recently fell and ended up in the hospital. You and your friend know that your parents cannot continue in the same living arrangement but...Read More >>>

Lisa Cook Bayer, President Of Life Management Resources, Discusses Elder Care Advocacy:
“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” These are the famous words of the sweet old lady on the Lifealert medical response commercial. When this first came on in the late 80’s (before the DVR when we actually had to watch commercials) it was a sign to run and get that quick glass of water before the show started again. Now, if we are lucky enough to have time to even watch television, it is our cue to grab a pen and paper (or our PDA) and jot down the number—and remember to call mom tomorrow with it.
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