Caregivers need a moral movement so health care addresses the full range of needs of caregivers and those they are caring for.

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How can getting eldercare for someone with Alzheimer's be better in Peru? To begin with, the cost of living is so much lower in Peru than in the United States. Instead of $600 a day, Barabra Drakes father lived like a king on $600 a month.

If you're listening to this episode, you may be facing terrifying options for a loved one. The cost of care in countries like America, Canada & the United Kingdom can be prohibitively expensive. Many families are faced with choices that are unacceptable but they don't have better options.

It is possible to retire outside the United States. It takes careful research and planning but it may be an option worth considering. Barbar's blog can help you start your research correctly and maybe you too will have a Peruvian Alzheimer's Adventure with your loved one.

What type of caregiving adventure have you been on? We're always looking for guests with interesting stories, helpful advice, anything that might help. Are you a potential guest or know someone who could be? Contact us at fadingmemoriespodcast.com with ideas, suggestions or if you just want to say hi!

Peruvian Alzheimer's Adventure Blog

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Be sure to share this podcast with other caregivers! Thanks. You can find us on social media at the following links.  Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

Also, check out our new YouTube channel where you can see us in action!

 

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Because of our aging population, more people over the age of 65 are facing caregiving & employment struggles. A significant portion of people at retirement age are at risk of having to care for a parent. Some of these workers may also be caring for a spouse.

Caregiving is largely an unpaid, family responsibility. However, this responsibility is already causing a decrease in employment, productivity, and innovation. Neither of these facts is sustainable.

Currently, 22% of retirees left the workforce early due to competing caregiving and employment struggles. Additionally, 25% of Alzheimer's caregivers are sandwiched between caring for parents and children.

At first glance, it would be understandable if corporations thought being part of the solution was expensive. Thankfully, the opposite is true. Organizations can gain a competitive advantage by becoming a caring corporation with little financial outlay.
What Can Corporations Do?
Good news amongst such a challenge. The purpose of this episode is to spark conversations on solving this growing crisis. A study by Harvard Business School (Focus on Work) lays out 6 suggestions. Most of the suggestions add to duties already in practice. One of the most important things a corporation can do is listen. Employees need to be open about their caregiving and employment struggles.

The study suggests that employers understand that caregiving employees are committed to their jobs. We still have outdated assumptions that this is not the case. Allowing workplace flexibility is crucial for employees at all levels of caregiving. This can include child-rearing and eldercare.

For hourly employees do away with no-fault absenteeism policies. Understanding their struggles will differentiate dedicated employees from others. Knowing that they are dedicated to their jobs, just pulled in many directions makes a difference.

Provide education and training about having caregivers on the job. Also important, train managers to understand caregiver discrimination. This benefits the organization in many ways, not just the employee.

Offering eldercare support, resources and referral services can help tremendously. Most family caregivers end up in their situation due to an emergency. This situation does not allow for planning or research. The availability of these resources is nearly a no-cost benefit with huge rewards.

Implementing recruitment practices that recognize the unique variety of skills caregivers acquire. Understanding these unique skills will benefit organizations tremendously.

Regardless of the industry, all organizations can easily become caring companies. Coupled with being the morally right thing to do caring companies can also gain a competitive advantage.

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Be sure to share this podcast with other caregivers! Thanks. You can find us on social media at the following links.  Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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Activities are important for keeping someone living with Alzheimer's engaged and productive. However, as their disease progresses activities they once loved become impossible to manage.

Activities offer important benefits like cognitive stimulation, the opportunity to connect with another person, relaxation and more. If you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's you may struggle to find activities that they are capable of doing without adding stress to your day. What options do we have to keep them busy and happy?

Finding the right balance between what is good for them and what is good for you is an endless challenge. It's a challenge that is fraught with emotional struggles. Is it even worth bothering?

Taking what they once loved and simplifying the task is a great start. Unfortunately, our being aware of what they can actually accomplish. Sometimes we have to take a step back and see if we're expecting more from them than they are capable of handling.

Tune in to learn more about activities for people living with Alzheimer's.

Get Judy's book!

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Be sure to share this podcast with other caregivers! Thanks. You can find us on social media at the following links.  Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

Also, check out our new YouTube channel where you can see us in action!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download