Blog Archives

Dealing with the Post Holiday Blues

12/26/2014

We all know that this time of the year is very stressful - even if you aren't taking care of an elderly person. But for those of us that are caregivers, the post holiday blues can slow us down. Don't let that happen to you this year. Start with acknowledging that your load increases this time of year and cut back on some of your activities. Do you really need to create the perfect holiday? Does your house need to be perfect? Should every meal be a candidate for a magazine cover? No! Christmas and the New Year is not about what you see on the commercials on television. It's a time to reconnect with family, friends and perhaps faith. So cut back, ask your family to pick up some of your activities, take some time to do something for yourself. Next time you get a cup of coffee or tea at the local coffee joint - don't walk out with it. Sit down, grab a section of newspaper and drink it there before continuing your day. Build time into your day doing something you enjoy. You'll feel better for it and no one but you will be impacted. Really. Best wishes for a safe, sane, and healthy New Year! We'll see you in 2015.

Take care and stay healthy!
Debbie Carroll
Founder, The Senior Sage

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Happy Holidays to All - Please make some time for yourself!

12/21/2014

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So this year I’m taking my own caregiving advice and following Michael Plontz’s advice as well.

First, I’m taking 5 days off during the holiday season and getting away with my husband! I’ve put in place supports for my mom so that we’re both feeling confident that she will be in good hands. I’ve secured additional help from her assisted living facility, our hospice and my daughters.

Second, I’m letting go of some holiday traditions. I’ve done a great majority of my Christmas shopping online and have said no to holiday gatherings that will add stress. Let’s give each other the permission to say no and feel good about it!

I’m also taking the time to exercise if only for 15 minutes a day. Exercise is really a great stress reliever and now that I’m exercising regularly I see a HUGE difference in my mood.

Let us know what you’re planning on doing to make the holiday season easier for you and your loved ones. If we all share an idea or two it may help another caregiver!

Today’s picture is from last Christmas and is of one of my daughters and granddaughters, as well as my mama!

Take care and stay healthy,
Debbie Carroll
Founder, The Senior Sage

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Get this App for your Smart Phone

12/1/2014

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We need to preface this blog with saying that we don't have any interest in this app, the company that makes it, or anyone associated with it. We are not getting any referral fees (we make it a policy NEVER to collect a referral fee) nor do we stand to benefit in any way from app sales.

Ok, that clears the air. The App we're talking about that everyone (young, old, middle-aged) should have on their smart phone is called ManDown. (Read more on their website at www.ManDown.com) Their website says it was developed by firefighters, which makes sense when you learn what it does. Once activated, the App monitors the phone's movement. If the phone does not move after the initial alarm, it plays a sound after 30 seconds. Then, if the phone is not moved for another 30 seconds, it goes into Full Alarm mode. In Full Alarm mode the phone emits a loud signal and at the same time sends a text and email message to recipients you set. The messages also contain the GPS location of the phone.

We bought the ManDown app in the Apple App store (it is also available on Android phones) and tested it. It worked exactly as described and at a $1.99 one-time charge, it was well worth the price.

So if you care for an older person, if you have kids and want to know where they are, or if you are concerned for your own safety, get this app, install it on your phone, personalize it with your own contact information, and breathe a little easier.

Take Care and Stay Healthy,
Debbie Carroll
Founder, The Senior Sage

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Debbie Carroll is the Founder of The Senior Sage and knows first hand what it's like to be a caregiver.

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Dealing with the Post Holiday Blues

Happy Holidays to All - Please make some time for yourself!

Get this App for your Smart Phone

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