The Realistic Caregiver

Well that's good news. Another state in the USA has enacted MIAID legislation. When approved, this 14th state - will mean MAID is accessible to 110 million Americans.

Progress on access is good.

More👇

OMG, that's brilliant! Well done, you! Hope y'all had lots of fun yesterday, too.

Some medications can increase risk of heat-related illness

#Tip: Some medications can affect body heat.

These include prescription meds like some antipsychotics, antidepressants, or beta blockers, and OTC decongestants.

They either interfere with blood flow to the skin or alter the body's temperature control.

www.uclahealth.org/news/article...

YouTube video by FGTHVEVO Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Two Tribes

All I can hear in my head is Frankie Goes To Hollywood now. Not that I'm complaining. 😄

youtu.be/pO1HC8pHZw0?...

NPWF President Jocelyn C. Frye: “Health care cuts hurt women workers — and weaken our entire economy” | National Partnership for Women & Families NPWF President Jocelyn C. Frye testified before the House of Representatives’ Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, the Democratic Women’s Caucus and other House leaders at a hearing on “The Cost ...

"Congress – and our nation – must do better. We need more investments – in caregiving and in health care – not fewer."

All of this from Jocelyn Frye, President of @npwf.bsky.social. Invest in care, reverse the cuts, end the shutdown. #CareNotCuts nationalpartnership.org/news_post/np...

The Realistic Caregiver's Tips of the Week! October 22 – 28, 2025 (Caregiving Adventures & The Power Of Nature)

Something you can do as a family #caregiver to relieve the day-to-day grind is scheduling regular Mother #Nature #therapy breaks. It's amazing how little it takes to help you feel better.

therealisticcaregiver.substack.com/p/the-realis...

Caregiving During The Holidays How To Make It Work For Your Family

Caregiving is hard enough without added holiday stress.

The biggest gift family #caregivers can give themselves is the freedom to do things differently when needed.

therealisticcaregiver.substack.com/p/caregiving...

Aussie research from Latrobe: Young carers of parents with dementia need more assistance and resources.

Pertinent findings and observations👇

Yes! There's nothing like putting on clothes fresh from the dryer. We're only using my client's back bathroom now, which has their W/D. I remembered this trick from my winters living in Albuquerque, and she loves it! Every time I put warm pants or a nightgown on her, she smiles. Easy & quick, too!

#Tip: Certain chronic medical conditions can make it harder to stay warm:

•Diabetes - Blood flow issues

•Thyroid problems - Body temperature control

•Parkinson’s disease & Arthritis - Difficulty putting on additional clothes

•Memory issues - Forgetting to dress appropriately

#Tip: Caregiving for a loved one in the winter brings on extra safety issues.

• Falls on icy surfaces

• Injuries caused by freezing (frostbite)

• Hypothermia, a medical emergency that occurs when your body temperature gets too low.

Being aware of potential issues can keep them from harm.

#Tip: If you are helping your loved one with getting dressed, use a dryer (if they have one) to warm up their clothes beforehand.

Now that colder weather is here, it feels extra luxurious when you add an added layer of warmth.

Just be careful if they have metal buttons or zippers, though.

YouTube video by Late Night With Conan O'Brien Conan & Andy - In the Year 2000 #1 (1997-01-01)

What a great challenge! Unfortunately, this is the "song" that popped in my head first, and now refuses to go away.

youtu.be/kmzpdd4pWvM?...

#Tip: If you’re both physically able, take time to have regular outings – you might not need to travel far.

There's parks, wineries, breweries, studios, museums, historical homes & sites, wildlife preserves, or private gardens that give tours.

Atlas Obscura can help, too!

www.atlasobscura.com

Is there something interesting your loved one knows that they could teach you? Now is the time to find out.

#Tip: Ask them to share their knowledge with you.

There’s nothing like having a beloved mentor show you how to do something. And the luxury of one-on-one instruction is priceless!

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you did your best at the time. Even if you know better now, that was your best then, and it counts. Give your younger self grace and carry her with you, forgiven, into a better future.

#Tip: Find something you and your loved one have always wanted to try, and make the time to do it.

You can look for a class to take, or even just instructions online.

Origami
Pottery/ceramics
Crochet/knitting
Sewing
Photography
Painting
Graphic design
Cooking/baking

The options are endless!

NSW voters please help out with messages to the NSW parliamentarians re VAD access:

"Susan Carter’s Bill will force dying people out of their homes and deny their legal rights under aged care laws. Please vote NO"

Remember that name for the next election too. We suggest last on the ballot paper 😉

When was the last time you listened to the #music you grew up with?

What music does your loved one have fond memories of?

#Tip: Music not only has tremendous health benefits, it raises your mood, it’s fun and it’s easy to find.

So put on the music that makes you smile and sing and dance!

The Realistic Caregiver's Tips of the Week! October 15 – 21, 2025 (Learning How To Have Fun As A Caregiver)

Learning how to have fun and play #games again as an adult is hard! Learning as a family caregiver is even more difficult.

But losing your mind and body from #caregiver #burnout is even harder, so why not give it a shot?

therealisticcaregiver.substack.com/p/the-realis...

Understanding What It Means To Lose Your Independence Helping Your Loved One Move Forward

I've been a fan of #Thundercat for almost a decade now, so this article was such a pleasure to write.

#Fun fact: Them Changes samples from "Footsteps in the Dark" by the Isley Brothers. Very cool!

therealisticcaregiver.substack.com/p/understand...

If your loved one can't get outdoors easily, it's still feasible to get some Mother Nature therapy!

Create a tiny retreat in their backyard, patio or porch that you can both enjoy. Nothing expensive or fancy.

#Tip: A few plants, a candle or two, and some fluffy pillows can transform any area.

Weapon of the day:
No one is born with the playbook. Caregivers are constantly making it up! Feel free to do it your own way, with your own style. Serving others is divine work. Every angel is unique.

#Tip: Make a point to spend some quality time outdoors.

Go somewhere where you and your loved one can both feel the breeze on your faces and soak in some nature therapy.

Science has proven that spending time in #nature works wonders for your mental health.

Cooking with your care recipient can be a meaningful activity with a necessary outcome: we all have to eat! In this Tip Sheet, occupational therapist, chef, and former caregiver Melissa Bernstein shares tips on how to create quality time in the kitchen. BookHip.com/XSJSSFN

Does your loved one have an interesting past?

#Tip: Spend some time recording them, either in writing, with a voice recorder, or on camera (if they’re comfortable with that).

Get them to tell you their story and the stories of their parents, if possible.

Future generations will thank you!

YouTube video by Bob Ross Bob Ross - One Hour Special - The Grandeur of Summer

#Tip: Regularly invite people over to your loved one’s for some games and conversations, or just to watch TV.

Or, you can set up a make-shift art studio and find videos of Bob Ross to paint along with him. Why not paint some happy trees?

youtu.be/mT0RNrTDHkI?...

How America’s Disability Benefits Trap Keeps Millions In Poverty Across the United States, a patchwork of outdated benefits laws force many disabled people into an impossible choice.

“This isn’t about charity… It’s about equality. No one should have to choose between love, work, and survival.”

All of THIS. People with disabilities have every right to live full and dignified lives. To marry, work and save for their futures. #DisabilityJustice

www.forbes.com/sites/keelyc...

#Tip: Go online to unwind!

Finding funny videos online is a great way to spend time with a loved one.

Just be careful not to doomscroll and feel worse. Not that you should never watch anything sad!

Sometimes a good cry can help you connect with each other & release a lot of bad feelings.