Caregiver Mental Health – Part 2

Making the assisted living decision

Large tree with cloudsIn Part 1 of our focus on caregiver mental health, we outlined a few of the factors that can lead to stress, anxiety and depression among caregivers. In Part 2, we take a look at one of the most difficult decisions a caregiver might face: Moving from in-home care to assisted living.

This clip from the Independent Lens documentary “You Can’t Care for Dona Anymore” shows the heart-wrenching moment when a mother leaves her intellectually disabled adult daughter in a residential facility. The mother’s guilt about her decision is apparent in the clip, as is the family’s belief that the move is the right decision for their loved one, Dona. Families face decisions like this one every day, and it can create a lot of stress and doubt.

Why consider assisted living for a disabled adult

As we discussed in Part 1, caring for a loved one with a disability can often become more challenging than anticipated. Caregiving is more than a full-time job, and all the love in the world is often not enough.

Sometimes, in-home care is the right answer, but there are a number of reasons to consider a residential facility instead:

  • If your loved one is prone to wandering, falling or risky behavior, staying in your home might lead to injury. A residential facility can provide a safe, controlled environment for an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • Level of care. Keeping track of medications, physical therapy sessions and day-to-day care can place an undue burden on the caregiver. In a residential facility, trained staff provides the right level of care for each resident’s needs.
  • Social aspects. While you can provide love and care to your loved one, he or she may still need friends or other social outlets. A group home or assisted living facility can provide that valuable social network to your loved one.
  • Caregiver’s health. In many cases, the caregiver has health concerns that can make it difficult or impossible to continue caring for a loved one with disabilities. Opting to place your loved one in assisted living allows you to focus on your own health while ensuring quality care for your loved one.

Making the right choice for you and your loved one

There are a variety of options available for adults with disabilities, including:

  • Group homes
  • Assisted living
  • Section 8 housing
  • Skilled nursing facilities

The right living arrangement for your loved one will depend on a number of factors. If your loved one can manage some level of independent care, for example, an assisted living or group home can give them some independence combined with help bathing, cleaning, managing medications and more. This article offers a helpful overview of the types of options available to you.

Another major factor in your decision will be cost. Each option comes with a different financial impact, and assistance programs and insurance only cover some options. To learn more about the financial aspect of caring for disabled adults, this article offers some guidelines and helpful links.

Managing guilt and worry

For a caregiver faced with big decisions, such as choosing assisted living or a group home, feelings of guilt and worry can become overwhelming. If you are faced with making this decision for a loved one, be gentle with yourself first and foremost. Remember that placing your loved one in a residential care facility is often the most loving and responsible choice you can make.

To cope with the feelings that arise along the way, remember to:

  • Seek support. You don’t have to keep your feelings inside. Reach out to understanding friends and family, find a support group or schedule time with a therapist. Talking honestly about your role as a caregiver can help ease some of the stress and guilt you might be feeling.
  • Take time for you. As a caregiver, you often place yourself and your needs last. As you transition your loved one to a residential facility and work to develop a new routine, be sure to take time out to enjoy your own hobbies and interests. Focusing on something other than your loved one’s care can help you relax and reduce the effects of stress and worry.
  • Acknowledge your important role. Too many caregivers are quick to brush off compliments or kudos for the care they have provided a loved one. Take a moment to honor yourself: You have provided such important love and care to someone with a disability, and now you are helping him or her achieve a new level of independence and social interaction in a residential facility. The work you have done matters.

Scott Kohner MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist in Denver, CO working with individuals, couples and families. To learn more about Scott, visit www.ScottKohner.com.

Focus on Caregiver Mental Health Risks

How to make caregiver mental health a priority

women blowing on a dandelion

In a recent article, we discussed common mental health concerns for people with physical disabilities. A related, and sometimes overlooked concern, relates to the loved ones who care for them. Caregiver mental health can decline over time without the proper resources, support and self-care.

Caregiver mental health risks

The emotional burden placed on caregivers can be intense. Often, loved ones take on the responsibility of caring for a family member who has health concerns or physical disabilities. Depending on the circumstances, this caregiver role can be short–or long-term, and many people may not be fully prepared for what the role will entail.

The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that 44 million Americans offer this type of unpaid care to their elderly family members or those with disabilities, and:

“Evidence shows that most caregivers are ill-prepared for their role and provide care with little or no support, yet more than one-third of caregivers continue to provide intense care to others while suffering from poor health themselves…

A substantial body of research shows that family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk. Emotional, mental, and physical health problems arise from complex caregiving situations and the strains of caring for frail or disabled relatives.”

The Alliance goes on to cite several alarming statistics, including:

  • Up to 70 percent of caregivers show clinical signs of depression; and up to one-half of those individuals show signs of major depression.
  • For many caregivers, depression symptoms do not ease after their loved one is placed in a nursing home or care facility.
  • Women, as well as people caring for loved ones with dementia, show the most signs of depression and anxiety related to their caregiver role.
  • Caregivers are more prone to substance abuse than non-caregivers.

Those sobering statistics indicate a significant problem in our communities. What’s more, caregivers may be reluctant to seek help or care themselves.

Caregiver resources

If you are a caregiver, or if you know someone who is providing care to a loved one, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the strain of the often stressful role. The first step is to make use of the resources available to you, which include:

  • Respite care. A variety of organizations recognize that caregiving is often high stress and that caregivers need breaks. Here in Colorado, for example, The Colorado Respite Coalition connects caregivers with respite care options. Adult day centers, senior associations and others also offer respite programs.
  • Support groups. Joining a support group for caregivers can help you feel a lot less isolated. Sharing stories with others who are on a similar caregiver journey can help ease your emotional burden. This site lists several caregiver support groups by state.
  • Counseling. Whether you are struggling with caregiver depression, stress and anxiety, or you just need a listening ear, a good therapist can help you cope with your role.
  • Other support services. Many caregivers go above and beyond caring for the individual and also care for their loved ones’ homes, pets and more. Consider hiring out some of that work to a maid service, dog-walker, handyman or other service provider who can take some of the load off your plate.

Caregiver self-care

Focusing on self-care is perhaps the most important step you can take to prevent caregiver mental health risks. If you are not taking good care of your own physical and mental health, you can’t provide the best care for your loved one. Your health matters and you deserve a break, time to enjoy your life, the company of good friends and more.

So, what qualifies as self care? In short, it’s anything that helps you feel refreshed and helps you enjoy life more. Here are a few ideas to try:

  • Eat well. Make time to eat a balanced diet, and be sure to load up on fruits and vegetables. Good nutrition is the foundation for good mental and physical health.
  • Exercise. Take a long walk, go for a bike ride, or join a weekly Zumba class. Do something active that you enjoy. It not only supports your physical health, it can be an outlet for stress, and it gives you an hour or so of time dedicated 100 percent to you.
  • Visit the doctor. As you work to keep track of your loved one’s appointments and medications, do you neglect your own? Stay on track with your own preventive health appointments.
  • Do something fun. Take an art class, go to a concert, or pack a picnic and sit in the park. Fun can take many forms, so what you do is your choice. The point is to bring back a little relaxation, enjoyment and laughter into your life.
  • Meditate. Many studies have shown the positive effects of mindfulness and meditation. Even five quiet minutes each day can make a difference. Don’t know where to start? Try a free meditation or download an app like Calm.com.

That list is just a starting point for self-care–there are many other activities and techniques you can try to boost your sense of well-being. The point is to make yourself a priority. As a caregiver, of course, your loved one’s health is top-of-mind, but be sure to place yourself on the priority list.

About the Author:

Scott Kohner MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist in Denver, CO working with individuals, couples and families. To learn more about Scott, visit www.ScottKohner.com.


1800wheelchair is committed to helping those who help others. Full time caregiving is an essential component to the aging, elderly, and disabled, here are some tips to coping with the stresses.

Whose Financial Burden Will You Become

The following is guest post from Amanda Dean of Silver Living

I think many of us fear the notion of being elderly, infirm, and helpless. We are afraid to imagine that we could be alone or reliant on others for care, with no hope for better days before we pass. It is a future that no one wants to consider might befall them. Unfortunately, this means that many Americans are not preparing for the possibility of needing long term care in their senior years. Yet many will. So with no savings or plan in place, the fear could easily become a reality. This is the crux of a financial crisis looming over the country. Previously I discussed the problem America faces with an aging population and the lack of financial readiness (both personal and nation-wide) to support the coming need. So what options are there to face this problem and create some stability for America’s future retirees (which most of us will be at some point)?

 

pockets-out

Private long term care insurance (LTCI) is a possibility for many who want to make sure they will have some security as they age. But the market is struggling right now, partly because not enough people are buying in. It is a case where healthy people think they will never need it (or erroneously expect Medicare to cover it) and unhealthy people are using all of the assets in the system. Coupled with low returns on investments, the pool of money to pay out claims is dwindling. Many private companies are pulling out of the market or raising premiums to cover costs and so it is becoming increasingly difficult for the middle class to get and afford coverage. Even those that buy in early could be faced with large rate hikes in the future (some already have), making coverage less affordable for the elderly who need it and less attractive for younger buyers who finance it.

 

The Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) committee members agree that the current setup is not viable in the long run. As they stand, federal programs are not prepared for the upcoming need, private insurance is not widespread enough, and the aging population does not have the personal savings and resources to cover likely expenses. What they could not agree on is a solution. Several suggestions were discussed, but no consensus reached. Possibilities included enhancing private insurance to be more affordable and appealing, requiring companies to offer insurance and make employees purchase it, improving the incentives previously offered through tax credits, linking it to health insurance, or mandating LTCI purchase for a large portion of the population.

 

Congress has made efforts to address this problem before, but thus far a viable solution has not emerged. The CLASS Act was passed with the recent Affordable Care Act to offer Americans an option for affordable LTCI. However, the act was repealed in January after it was determined that making the program voluntary meant there was no way to guarantee its sustainability. If there wasn’t enough buy-in, there would not be a sufficient pool of money to pay out future claims, which is the same problem private companies are facing. Congress has now established a committee to study the looming crisis and make recommendations for potential solutions.

 

This, of course, begs the question for many: is it really the government’s concern in the first place? The answer is the subject of much heated debate. There are those who feel the government already spends too much on entitlement programs and it should be up to each individual to save for his own future. Others see that Americans are woefully unprepared for their potential care needs and feel it is government’s responsibility to step in. Whichever view you take, it is painfully clear that many people are not ready for the possibility of needing long term care at some point in their retirement. While not everyone will need it, the numbers tell us that a large percentage of those who will are not prepared, and their care will fall to someone else. If they are fortunate, there will be family members with adequate resources to step in. If they are not so fortunate…whose problem will that become?

 

Amanda Dean
Amanda Dean is an expert in senior care with almost two decades of experience. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Human Development, Amanda was selected for the highly coveted role at NYU Langone Medical Center as a Geriatric Case Manager. She then founded and ran the largest independent local senior care advisory in NY for 12. Amanda joined Silver Living, the only expert research source on senior care, as the Senior Editor in 2012.


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The Cost of a Wheelchair Van Conversion

How much does it cost to convert a van? This blog post will break down the price of a wheelchair van conversion, so you know what to expect.

A number of different types of vans can be converted to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters of varying shapes and sizes. If you have a full-size van, mini van or conversion van, adaptations can be made to your vehicle.

Type of Modifications

The first thing to consider is the type of modification you are looking for. Do you want to modify the rear, side or driver’s seat?

Rear modifications will make it easier to load a wheelchair into the back of a van. Side modifications provide access from the side of a vehicle.

Driver’s side modifications enable easier in and out, plus could include modifications to the driving controls.

Side modification allows wheelchair users to enter and exit via the side of a van or mini-van – typically using a built-in ramp.  Side modifications cost more than rear modifications since changes to the side of the van are more labor-intensive.

Wheelchair van conversion prices range from $10,000 to more than $30,000 depending on what you want to do, the type of technology you are seeking, and the type of vehicle you currently have. The best way to price changes to your van is to shop around and compare prices. Like anything else, price comparisons are the way to go.

Time and Company Selection

A simple Google search will bring up many companies that specialize in a wheelchair van conversion. Make sure to choose a company that comes with a good reputation, has been in business for a while and offers reliable equipment. Ask to see some samples of modifications available, ask for referrals, and choose the modification that makes the most sense to you.

Wheelchair van conversions may seem expensive at the start, but these conversions will last for many years to come. In addition, simple conversions to your current vehicle will make your life a lot simpler. Enjoy complete freedom and ease with the right conversions for your van.

Understanding Autism

Autism is a disorder that affects one in every one-hundred children born today. Children who lack social, communicative and behavioral skills are likely to be placed on the Autism Spectrum. This scale defines various forms of autism from Asperger’s Syndrome to the “standard” autism that is explored in the following passages. Regardless of the disorder’s severity in a particular case, autism is a serious disability and should be treated as early as possible. Consult the following paragraphs to discover more about the symptoms of autism, the hypothesized causes of the disorder as well as some information about treatment. There are also links to some other helpful websites for your convenience.

Symptoms of Autism

There are different levels of autism, and each person diagnosed experiences different symptoms. Some cannot develop fluency with verbal language. Many autistic people have heightened senses. They may hold their hands over their ears as if pained by normal noises. They also have obsessive-compulsive tendencies and will find ritual activities – such as waving a ribbon – soothing. They may also be incredibly passive or extremely hyperactive. Parents of young children with autism will notice a delay in their child’s ability to pursue social relationships, effectively communicate and develop specified interests. For example, games that many babies like to play with their parents such as peek-a-boo will not result in the expected smiles and giggling. They also may regress to using single words after developing use of complete sentences. Although these symptoms are noticeable as early as eighteen months into a child’s life, a successful diagnosis generally cannot be performed until they are around two years. The earlier autism is diagnosed, the sooner a child can begin treatment.

Causes of Autism

Even in today’s technological world, autism baffles scientists. It is unknown why some children develop the behavioral disorder and many causes have been explored including vaccines, genetics, and bacteria. It has been proven that about 10% of autistic people developed the disorder as a result of German measles, Tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, brain inflammation, or phenylketonuria. They have also determined it affects about 1% of children and that males are four times as likely to be autistic than females.

Treatments for Autism

There is no cure for autism. However, most children can make progress. As autism affects social, behavioral and communicative skills, it actually doesn’t hinder the IQ in any way. There are nonverbal IQ tests that can help therapists determine the best ways of helping a particular autistic child advance. Unfortunately, the most effective programs would cost more than most taxpayers would be able or willing to invest. Progress should also occur as time passes and though maturity has brought about significant change in a few documented cases, a person with autism will never just snap out of it. Other approaches being tried include music therapy and pet therapy, amongst other programs.

Understanding

Although they sometimes do not share the same classrooms as other students or live independently, people with autism are not unintelligent. To reiterate, autism does not affect the IQ. In fact, many people with autism earn college degrees. They just need to approach learning differently and at times receive a bit of guidance. Many autistic people tend to excel in problem solving and recognizing patterns. Their math skills are often far beyond the children in their age range and their records on sequential computer games such as Minesweeper can be impressive. Most children with autism will excel in fields such as music or art as well.

 

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1800wheelchair offers a variety of products for children in our pediatric store. Here you’ll find kid-sized wheelchairs and 100 lb capacity strollers built specifically for special needs children.

Legal Resources for the Elderly

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair – The Wheelchair & Walker and Scooter Store.

The aging population may find that as they grow older, there are many age specific legal issues that can arise. Elder law is an area of legal practice that places emphasis on legal topics that affect the elderly. This field of practice covers a wide range of issues facing the elderly and it is often recommended that senior citizens seek counseling and advice from lawyers certified in elder law.

Because many elderly people are unable to handle their daily tasks by themselves, they may require assistance from other people from time to time. Their dependence on other people may lead to certain problems, some of which can only be solved legally. One of the most common problems that elderly people face is elder abuse. Presently, there are close to six million elder abuse cases in the United States every year, and these cases can come in the form of physical abuse, exploitation, neglect, and others.

Elderly people may also seek out the help of a lawyer when making end of life arrangements. These can come in the form or planning wills, estates, funerals, power of attorneys and more. It is especially important that advanced health care decisions be made as well as funding for health care needs by obtaining medical insurance, medical compensation, income assistance and other income related support. The elder population also faces other hardships in the form of consumer issues. Unfortunately many senior citizens are taken advantage of and fall victim to fraud, identity theft and other crimes. Fortunately, there are laws in the country that provide adequate protection for elderly people, and it is important that elderly people know their legal rights. Look to the following resource guide for insight on important elder issues.

Advanced Health Care Decisions

Powers of Attorney

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Funerals

  • The Funeral Rule: A set of rules established by the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers of funeral goods.
  • Funeral Fraud: Those who understand their consumer rights can prevent funeral fraud.

Guardianships

Medical and Health Insurance

  • Medicare: Extensive information on Medicare.
  • Medicaid Rules: Learn more about Medicaid for elderly people in this website.
  • Understanding HIPAA: Find out why elderly people need to understand their rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Medicaid in Nursing Homes

Long Term Care Financing

Social Security

Income Assistance

Consumer Issues

Elder Abuse

  • Elder Abuse Laws: Federal and state laws that provide protection for victims of elder abuse.
  • Elder Abuse Reporting: This document reveals how laws regarding elder abuse vary from one state to another.
  • Elder Abuse Article: A journal article that offers an interesting insight into elder abuse laws.

If you find this article useful, please free feel to link or reuse it. All we ask is for a credit back to our site.


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What’s the Best Thing to Do About Bullies?

Bullying affects everyone involved and no one comes out the winner. Even the bully is a victim. Anyone can be a bully and may not even realize it. Bullying can be physical or mental and can occur over the Internet, when the bully and the victim are not even in the same place. By creating an environment that promotes respect and acceptance, bullying can stop.

Bullying Information for Kids

Bullying just isn’t cool. But you aren’t powerless. There are lots of things you can do to get help for yourself, a friend, or a brother or sister. The first step is getting information. These websites are designed just for kids like you. Have fun and click around, just make sure that you get your parents permission first.

Stop Bullying Now This website is designed to teach kids about bullying in hopes of putting an end to it. It has sections on defining what bullying is, what you can do, and there are also fun games and webisodes.

What Can Youth Do About Bullying? This article provides information on what you can do if you are being bullied, if you see someone being bullied, and if the bullying isn’t happening at school.

The Bully Roundup This game from BAM will challenge your bully smarts. There are even prizes.

Cyber Bullying Information for Kids

Bullying can occur over the Internet on computers, cell phones, and even Facebook. This is called cyber bullying. Sometimes people who are usually quiet or nice in person, feel more comfortable saying mean things on the Internet. Just like anyone can be a bully, anyone can be a cyber bully. Have you ever heard of a person creating a fake Facebook or Myspace profile about someone in order to make fun of them. This is only one example of cyber bullying. If you think you are a victim of cyber bullying or that you might be a cyber bully, talk to an adult that you trust.

Stop Cyber Bullying This interactive website provides information about cyber bullying for children 7-17, parents and caregivers, and law enforcement.

Are You a Bully?

Sometimes people do not think they are a bully because they do not fit the stereotypical bully profile. Anyone can be a bully, including you. Bullying can be both physical and mental. Bullies can be boys and girls. Bullies can be any age. If you make another person feel bad about themselves, you make be displaying bully behaviors. If you are lashing out at someone because you are mad or upset, you need to get help. There are lots of resources that are available for you. Check out these websites and also talk to an adult that you trust. Once a bully is not always a bully. You can make amends and become friends.

Do You Bully? This article from Stop Bullying Now is a great resource to help you if you think that you are bullying. There is even a quiz to decide if your actions could be considered as bullying.

Are You a Cyber Bully This quiz from Stop Cyber Bullying will help you determine if you are a cyber saint, a cyber risky, a cyber sinner, or a cyber bully.

Bullying Information for Adults

If a child were to approach you about a bully, would you know what to do or say. Sometimes adults provide guidance that can make the situation worse or teach children things that may negatively affect the way they handle situations in the future. By gaining the appropriate information ahead of time, adults can create an environment that discourages youth violence. Adults can also promote positive behaviors that can teach children to be proactive. You can make the difference; start with the right information. Note: The following websites are designed for adults and may not be appropriate for children.

The ABC’s of Bullying This online course provides an introduction to addressing, blocking, and curbing school aggression.

Children Who Bully Could your child be a bully? This article from Stop Bullying Now provides an insight to common bullying behaviors and common myths associated with bullying.

OJJDP: Bullying This article provides strategies for dealing with and preventing bullying. It also highlights three programs that are dedicated to bully prevention.

Bullying Among Children and Youth This article from the OJJDP provides an insight for adults on what bullying is, a model for intervention, the consequences of bullying, and bullying in the United States.

Cyberbullying Research Center This website provides current research and findings about the “nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyber bullying among adolescents.”

Wired Safety This website provides information on how to be safe on all aspects of the Internet world, including online gaming, Facebook, and identity theft. Use this information for yourself and to help guide your children.

When Your Child is the Bully This article from Family Corner highlights five issues to address if you believe your child is displaying bully behaviors.

How Bullying Affects Your Child This article from My Optum Health discusses the negative effects of being a bully. It also discusses the “passive bully.”

Bullying Prevention Programs

Every bullying situation is different and the solution may require different approaches. These programs are provided to give information to caregivers, educators, and administrators about preventing and dealing with bullies. Note: Not all of the programs listed below are free.

Bully Proofing Your School This program provides training for teachers and administrators on creating a school environment free from bullying. This site contains program information and contact information.

BullySafe USA This website provides various resources for adults on youth violence prevention including a training, publications, and presentations.

Don’t Laugh at Me: Program Information This article will explain the curriculum behind the DLAM program (Includes Contact Information)

Don’t Laugh at Me: Free Packet Sign up here for a free packet about the DLAM program.

Peaceful Schools Program – Menninger Clinic This program focuses on the three social roles of the bullying situation: the Bully, the Victim, and the Bystander. (Includes Contact Information)

The Safe Culture Project This program will teach you how to change the culture from a bullying environment to a one that includes dignity, safety, and respect. (Includes Contact Information)

The Steps to Respect Program This program focuses on the responsibility of all members in the bullying environment to decrease its occurrence.


Check out 1800wheelchair’s catalog ADLs (aids to daily living) which include: support rails, wound care, adaptive clothing and orthopedic shoes.

Autism: On The Spectrum

Autism In Our Culture

Autism is defined as a neural developmental disorder that is most often characterized by communication difficulties and impaired interaction with others. Symptoms may include, avoiding eye contact and a lack of perceivable empathy. Many people with autism display repetitive behaviors, such as rocking and hand flapping. Some behaviors may be self abusive like head banging and biting. The amount of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD is unclear. It is estimated that, in America, approximately one out of 110 children have ASD of one severity or another. Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed by a ratio of four to five, according to current data. Racial and socioeconomic factors seem to have no bearing on the rate of occurrence of ASD in children and adults. Most cases of autism manifest observable symptoms very early and are diagnosed with ASD before the age of three.

The Spectrum

Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, refer to the modern way of diagnosing those with autistic related developmental disabilities. Like many other developmental disorders, symptoms of autistic people range greatly in severity. Diagnosing individuals using the spectrum based model, can help ensure that they are getting the best treatment for their specific symptoms. Lower and higher functioning autistic individuals may require a very separate set of treatments than those who range somewhere in between. Asperger’s Syndrome is typically the most recognizable syndrome associated with high functioning autism. Currently there is a diagnostic distinction between high functioning autistic people and those with Asperger’s. Whether or not the distinction is necessary is the subject of some debate. The diagnostic description of Asperger’s is functionally the same as that for the highest functioning persons with autism, and while a large culture has arisen among those who have adopted Asperger’s as a significant portion of their identity, it may eventually be eliminated as a separate medical diagnosis.

Treatment and Education

There is not one specific, or organized, treatment plan for those with ASD. Individual care and attention to the particular needs of the individual is a necessity. Early intervention is ideal. Special and strong focus on teaching the child the basic skills of talking, walking, and interaction with others before the age of three, can help the child’s development later in life. Continuing to expand on these skills through personalized programs, staged interactions, and education is also very important. A variety of therapies may be combined and integrated into the individual’s life ranging from dietary plans, medication, to behavior and communication therapy. Depending on the person, care can range from daily one on one attention to occasional supervision during education and work. There is no known cure for autism. As research continues, a better understanding of these conditions can be gained. Knowledge, understanding, experimentation, and personalization are key in providing the individual proper care in the here and now.

Research and Causes

There is no known specific cause for autism. The syndrome’s symptoms revolve around the brain, specifically the neural developments. Research on the brains of those with ASD vs. non-autistic individuals; show that the shape and structure of the brains differ. Further research is necessary to understand and develop on the causes of the differences. Heredity is suspected to be a significant factor, and research continues to study those causal links. Experimentation and case studies on autistic individuals can be used to understand the strengths and limitations of these syndromes. This knowledge will directly help individuals, and their families, to recognize and explore new methods, promoting functionality of all individuals with ASD.

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1800wheelchair offers a variety of products for children in our pediatric store. Here you’ll find kid-sized walkers and 100 pound capacity strollers built specifically for special needs children.

Caregiver Day of Action – July 28, 2010

The experience of helping loved ones in need can be both rewarding and trying. Over the last ten years 1800wheelchair.com has helped tens of thousands of care givers with mobility related issues. We often hear the same questions and struggles. Using Meetup.com’s Everywhere platform we hope to bring people together to discuss what they’ve learned, share stories and maybe inspire each other.

The first meetups will all take place on the same day – July 28th, 2010.  These events are for you, by you, so meet wherever you like. If you find these meetings helpful, feel free to organize more. Meetup.com can help with that.

After July 28th, we’ll open it up, allowing you to create events for any date and time you prefer.

 

 

 

FAQs

Can anyone be involved? I don’t live in the U.S. Can I still participate?

Yes, the 1800wheelchair cargivers meetup is all about connecting with other local cargivers in your community to share and learn, no matter where in the world you live.

Do I have to be a 1800wheelchair customer to join?

No, this event is open to everyone to attend.  

Do I have to have an Meetup account to join in these meetings?

No, you can RSVP with your Facebook sign-in, if you don’t have a Meetup account. If you don’t have a Facebook account or a Meetup account, you’ll need one or the other to RSVP and/or step up as an organizer for a cargivers meetup. It’s free and easy to sign up.

Can we change the time of the event?

Yes. The event organizer can change the time and set the location of the event.

Can I add a new Meetup to the map, even if my town already has one?

Yes, pick a convenient location.  The idea here is to foster face to face connections.  And, if the current Meetup is too far away, feel free to schedule another.

Does using the Meetup Everywhere tool cost money?

Nope. The Meetup Everywhere site is free and creating a Meetup.com account is free. You might want to pitch in for refreshments and drinks.

What do we do at the cargiver meeups?

That is up to you to decide. We hope you’ll all share stories, propose new ideas and ask questions. It’s an open forum.  

What’s the difference between Meetup Everywhere and Meetup Groups?

Meetup Everywhere is not a Meetup Group. A Meetup Group is a local community group. Meetup Everywhere is a simple way to spark Meetups all over the world.

This sounds great. How can I help get the word out?

Help us spread the word. Email, Facebook, tweet, call … anything.  Just invite your friends to this link: https://www.meetup.com/caregiver/

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Information Page

Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a disease that affects the nerves of the central nervous system. An insulation to the nerves known as myelin improves the impulses that maintain the health of the nerves. When an individual has multiple sclerosis, inflammation in the nervous system (spinal cord and brain) causes the myelin to degenerate. These nerves then become damaged, which can affect a person’s vision, walking, speech, memory and writing. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown but researchers have narrowed the reasoning down to genetics and disorders of the immune system. Common symptoms of MS include tingling, loss of balance, blurred or double vision, numbness, weakness in limbs, slurred speech, cognitive problems, lack of coordination, and sudden paralysis. While there is no one test to diagnosis multiple sclerosis, a series of criteria is used to diagnosis the disease.

 

Criteria used to diagnosis multiple sclerosis:

  • Onset of MS typically occurs between 20 to 50 years of age
  • Symptoms and signs are present
  • Two or more lesions are found during an MRI scan
  • Evidence of brain or spinal disease is found during an examination
  • Two or more episodes of impaired function that lasts at least 24 hours
  • No other explanation is found for the patients symptoms
  • Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: Official foundation for individuals living with multiple sclerosis, programs and activities, publications and more.

Living with and Managing MS

Multiple sclerosis is a life long disease that can affect many aspects of daily life and present challenges to those who have it. Symptoms of MS typically come and go and therefore cause a certain ‘lack of control’ to sufferers of the disease. A treatment plan that includes medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help control MS. Every case of MS is dramatically different and can affect individuals in various ways. While some cases remain benign and patients only suffer small infrequent attacks, others can progress rapidly and cause intense degenerative symptoms that become worse with each attack.

  • Learning about MS: Find information about multiple sclerosis, how it affects aspects of your health, and conventional treatments.

Treatment

Both drug therapy and rehabilitation techniques have been extremely effective in managing multiple sclerosis. Avonex, Copazone, Betaseron, Extavia, Novatrone, Tysabri, and Rebif are some of the most common agents used in medications to reduce disease progression. Physical, occupational, cognitive, and vocational rehabilitation can be used throughout all stages of MS to help control symptoms. Lifestyle changes including change in diet and exercise, relaxation techniques, naturopathy, and herbal healing have all been used in place of conventional treatments.

  • Bee Sting Therapy: Learn how bee sting therapy, or apitherapy, can be used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
  • The Best Bet Treatment: How a mixture of therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can act as an effective MS treatment plan.
  • Treatment and Diagnosis: MS treatment options for children and adolescents involving medications and rehabilitation methods.

Cognitive Functioning

More than half of patients with multiple sclerosis experience cognitive problems that include defects of the memory, attention, and abstraction. Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression, are also frequently found in those with MS. Factors that exacerbate the cognition processes include sleep problems, heat, fatigue, stress, depression, and external distractions. A strict MS treatment plan as well as avoidance of these factors can be excellent coping strategies.

  • Cognitive Thinking with MS: How motor and sensory skills, vision, coordination, speech as well as other factors can be affected by MS.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Study: Cognitive function study of multiple sclerosis to investigate impairment of intellectual patterns.

Multiple Sclerosis Research

New treatment options and important information is presented through multiple sclerosis research organizations, medical centers, and individuals researchers. Current research projects by various medical universities develop programs to study secondary conditions of multiple sclerosis, compare levels of pain, and conduct self-management trails and training. Clinical trails for MS patients are constantly being conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation to find new medical therapies for treatment plans. Government-funded clinical research is also being presented at various National Institutes of Health.

  • Studies & Participation: Multiple sclerosis genetic studies and participations featuring new statistical methods for patients.

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