Family Caregiver Blog

At Jensen Case Management, LLC, we understand the pressures you are under as a family caregiver. This blog is designed to support you in the incredibly important work that you do.

As the Upper Peninsula experts in family caregiving, we have resources, tips and information that can make your life much easier.

If you would like help, give us a call at: 906-250-4975.


Palliative care for seriously ill veterans

Palliative care for seriously ill veteransIs your family member seriously ill or in frail condition? A veteran? If so, the VA has a special service that offers palliative care to keep your loved one comfortable. The cause of your loved one’s ill health is not important in requesting palliative care. The point is to relieve distressing symptoms. For example, you...

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Putting anticipation to work for you

Putting anticipation to work for youDo you ever wish you could wave a magic wand for more joy? Patience? Optimism? Motivation? Maybe less irritability and stress? It's actually accessible now, no wizardry required. Just a shift in attention. Welcome to "anticipation." You may have noticed that half the fun of a vacation is the anticipation of the journey beforehand. Research...

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What is Lewy body dementia?

What is Lewy body dementia?The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are many other conditions that also bring on memory problems. It is important to accurately identify the cause, even if there's no cure, because this will shape the best strategy for addressing difficult symptoms. Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form...

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October is National Crime Prevention Month

October is National Crime Prevention MonthIt's unpleasant to imagine that your loved one might become the victim of crime, but it's worth considering. There are valuable preventive steps to take. Unless your relative lives in a high-crime neighborhood, their greatest risk is a property crime in or around their home. In fact, older adults experience thirteen times more property crime...

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Who is who in skilled nursing facilities?

Who is who in skilled nursing facilities?If your loved one is discharged from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), their care will be in the hands of a team of specialists. It's a good idea to understand the players' roles so you know whom to call upon for what. Director of nursing. This professional oversees residents' medical issues. Also,...

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When your loved one is depressed, suggest exercise

When your loved one is depressed, suggest exerciseDepression is common in older adults. It's long been known that brisk exercise can help reduce depression. But it turns out that exercise doesn't have to be vigorous to make a difference. Even mild exercise can be effective. This is great news, especially since depression zaps energy and initiative. Researchers have found that completing an...

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Are you prepared for a disaster?

Are you prepared for a disaster?No one likes to dwell on the possibility of disaster. But we all need to prepare for one, just in case. Help your relatives gear up for safety. Whether you live across town or across the nation, the action items are the same. Prepare to stay in contact. In case of a disaster, how will...

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Could medicines be the culprit?

Could medicines be the culprit?If your loved one has balance problems, the culprit may be in the medicine. Many common medicines have side effects that can impair balance and lead to a fall. Over 40% of persons age 65 and older take five medications or more. This increases the chance that at least one of the drugs has side...

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Caring with a stepparent

Caring with a stepparentHas your parent remarried? If so, you may be sharing the caregiving with a person you don't know very well. Biological families often encounter tensions when it comes to eldercare. Add a stepparent and the challenges can grow exponentially. At its best. A stepparent can be a wonderful partner in care. Their daily companionship and...

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Noncancer screening tests

Noncancer screening testsMedicare pays for many screening exams, and even counseling sessions, to help nip common illnesses in the bud. Screening tests are designed to identify problems before symptoms emerge. They are usually for people who are considered to be "at risk" for getting a specific disease. Here are some of the most common noncancer preventive services...

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