AwareGiver - The CareGiver Oasis Radio Show: Recent Episodes
David Happe
AwareGiver - The CareGiver Oasis Radio Show is a place for caregivers to relax, de-stress, catch up on some news, connect with other caregivers, and recharge. The radio show features interviews, tips, breaking news, old news, and content curated specifically for those who care for others. The AwareGiver radio show is sponsored by Giver brand caregiver products (AwareGiver.com) and KinderGard baby safety (KinderGard.org)
The radio sponsor of the awaregiver radio show, Giver Alarms, announces expansion to walmart.com featuring the first of several products for patient movement monitoring alarms. You can check out the new products on Walmart or visit giveralarms.com for additional information.
Dave talks about Brett Favre’s revelation that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Also, Dave mentions Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure and all of the funding, they have provided for research for dystonia and related diseases. Giver Alarms is working on some products for Parkinson’s caregivers that should be ready for US introduction after regulatory approval in 2025.
Join host David Happe as he talks about the emotional and legal aspects of being a caregiver making end of life decisions.
Florida licensed independent insurance agent David Happe walks you through the benefits and problems associated with Long Term Care Insurance.
Host David Happe provides legal information on rights for caregivers including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, California's Family Rights Act and more.
Dave Happe from Form America and the host of Awaregiver the Caregiver Oasis Radio Show talks about why everyone needs to have a will in place, and how to get one done cheaply.
Dave talks about getting a low cost, guaranteed issue burial insurance policy in place for the people you care for. If you are in the state of Florida, Dave's company can actually help you secure a guaranteed issue final expense burial policy. Contact help@formamerica.com for additional information (Florida residents only)
Dave Happe talks you through what a Financial Power of Attorney is, and why you need one as a caregiver. You can DIY the form yourself, use a document prep company like www.formamerica.com, or hire an attorney to do this for you.
Every caregiver should insist on having an Advance Medical Directive / Living will and Medical Power of Attorney in place for the person you care for. Dave Happe breaks down what a Living Will is, why you need it, how to draft it, how to use it and State specific information on how to put an Advance Medical Directive in place.
About 40% of caregivers are men. Of those men, 30% are black and face special challenges not addressed by existing supports for caregivers. A professor who studies this issue is a caregiver himself.
Audio provided by NPR.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, at Uber’s annual product event, GO-GET, Uber Health announced Uber Caregiver, a new solution designed specifically for caregivers and their loved ones. For the first time, beginning this summer, care-receivers will have the ability to add a caregiver to their Uber profile, empowering them to request and monitor rides and deliveries, as well as apply the care-receiver's eligible health benefits to pay. The solution is designed to help patients maximize their ancillary healthcare benefits and to improve the care experience for caregivers and care-receivers alike.
More than one in five Americans—53 million people—are caregivers. A growing subset of these caregivers are adults who care for their aging parents while raising their own children, holding a job, and balancing other household and family duties. Caregiving is demanding work, with responsibilities ranging from medication management, to assistance with daily activities, to administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, grocery shopping, and meal planning. About half of caregivers say the role has increased their emotional stress, and 39% say that they’re rarely or never relaxed. The logistical responsibilities of calling a health plan to determine benefit eligibility, deciding how to pay for an appointment or delivery, and submitting expenses for reimbursement add another layer of stress and complexity to the role. This can also contribute to financial strain; the average caregiver spends about $7,000 annually out of pocket.
Uber Caregiver is designed to relieve this logistical burden and provide peace of mind. It aims to transform the historically fragmented, complicated, and time-consuming process of navigating ancillary benefits with a one-stop shop for caregivers to understand and act on benefit information on behalf of their loved one. Soon, care-receivers can invite caregivers directly in the Uber app. Where eligible, caregivers will be able to view a loved one’s ancillary healthcare benefits, coordinate services like transportation to a medical appointment or grocery delivery, and help the care-receiver pay in-app using their health benefit cards. By leveraging Uber’s mobility and merchant networks, Uber Health can help meet caregivers and patients where they are. Benefits include:
Care at the tap of a button: Beginning this summer, caregivers will be able to quickly and easily coordinate benefits like rides and grocery delivery on behalf of family members in an app they already know and love, receiving real-time updates along the way.
Enhanced visibility into ancillary healthcare benefits: As plans come on board to Uber Caregiver, caregivers will have information about their loved one’s benefit eligibility—for example, how many more rides will be covered or how much of a monthly grocery benefit remains—available in the Uber and Uber Eats apps. This will empower caregivers to coordinate services and deliveries without worrying about what will or won’t be covered.
Reduced financial burden: Almost 80% of caregivers pay for some care-receiver expenses out of pocket. The new offering will allow care-receivers to give caregivers permission to pay for services with their loved one's eligible health benefits to reduce financial strain.
“Caregivers are the invisible backbone of our healthcare system. They provide essential care for millions of people, often at great personal cost—but they shouldn’t have to do it alone,” said Caitlin Donovan, Global Head of Uber Health. “Our new solution helps lighten the load. Caregivers will no longer be solely responsible for grocery shopping for loved ones, bringing mom to the doctor, or decoding grandpa’s benefits to see if they’ll cover a bottle of aspirin. We know it takes a team, and we’re proud to play an important role in keeping people healthy.”
This is the beginning of Uber Health’s efforts to address caregivers’ pain points. In the coming months, the organization will begin working with Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial plans to provide enhanced support to caregivers in the United States.
Caregivers will have the ability to coordinate transportation on behalf of a loved one on the Uber app beginning this summer. Additional capabilities will roll out later this year. To learn more about Uber Caregiver, click here or visit uberhealth.com/caregiver.
Uber Health Media Contact
press@uber.com
Florida lawmakers have debated for a decade whether to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. Advocates are trying to circumvent legislature and take the issue directly to voters.
PODCAST TAKEOVER EDITION
This is a SPECIAL EDITION of the AwareGiver podcast featuring a rebroadcast of the "COLD CALL" podcast from Harvard Business School. i thought the content was important enough to bring it to you unedited.
In 2017, Tommy Hilfiger launched its adaptive fashion line to provide fashion apparel that aims to make dressing easier. By 2020, it was still a relatively unknown line in the U.S. and the Tommy Hilfiger team was continuing to learn more about how to serve these new customers. Should the team make adaptive clothing available beyond the U.S., or is a global expansion premature? Assistant Professor Elizabeth Keenan discusses the opportunities and challenges that accompanied the introduction of a new product line that effectively serves an entirely new customer while simultaneously starting a movement to provide fashion for all in the case, “Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive: Fashion for All.”
For most people, the hardest thing about getting dressed in the morning is deciding what to wear. Putting on the clothes is pretty much an afterthought, but anyone who's broken an arm or even a finger can tell you that getting dressed becomes a much bigger challenge when you try to button a shirt or buckle a belt. Just imagine how difficult it would be from the seat of a wheelchair or without fine motor control. Yet, that is a challenge faced by millions of people with physical disabilities each and every day.What we wear affects our psychological state as well as our performance. The journal ScienceDirect introduced the term enclothed cognition to describe this phenomenon. And for those with physical disabilities, it's a problem that until very recently was in search of a solution. Today on Cold Call, we've invited Professor Elizabeth Keenan to discuss her case titled, “Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive: Fashion For All.” I'm your host, Brian Kenny, and you're listening to Cold Call on the HBR Podcast Network.
To subscribe to the COLD CALL podcast on the HBR Podcast network, visit https://hbswk.hbs.edu/Pages/browse.aspx?HBSContentType=Cold+Call
Drugmaker Biogen is pulling the plug on its controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, following disappointing sales. It had been expected to be a blockbuster product.Biogen says patients currently taking Aduhelm will have access to it until November 1, but patients taking the drug in clinical trials will lose access May 1.
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services talks about increased staffing requirements for nursing home facilities. Roughly 3/4 of long-term care facilities will have to hire additional sfatt to meet the new requirements. In addition, the government will provide over $75m in financial incentives for tuition reimbursement and other benefits to improve nurse retention and attract more people to the industry.
In 2020, the federal government hanged the rules so that hospitals can be paid the same amount to treat patients at home. Today, over 300 hospitals and 125 health systems in 37 States have signed up to offer acute care at home.
Patients must meet certain criteria, which incldues living 30 minutes from the hospital, having functional utilities, and having at least one person living with you. Hospital at home services are on a voluntary basis.
Audio from NPR which includes a special news report from Tampa, Florida based WUSF on the challenges of being an unpaid caregiver of someone with dementia"A recent report by the Alzheimer's Association lays out the challenges that unpaid caregivers of people with dementia face.
WUSF's Stephanie Colombini explains how one family in Tampa is managing and what they need more of.
Hurricane preparedness is crucial for everyone, especially caregivers who are responsible for the well-being and safety of others. When caring for individuals during a hurricane or any other natural disaster, it's essential to have a plan in place to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some guidelines for hurricane preparedness for caregivers:
1. Create an Emergency Plan:
* Identify the nearest hurricane shelters and evacuation routes.
* Determine how you will transport the person you are caring for in case of an evacuation.
* Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including healthcare providers, family members, and local authorities.
* Share the emergency plan with other family members, neighbors, or friends who can provide assistance if needed.
2. Stock Up on Supplies:
* Have a sufficient supply of necessary medications for the individual you are caring for, including any medical equipment they may require.
* Stock up on non-perishable food items, bottled water, and other essential supplies such as batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and personal hygiene products.
* Consider the specific needs of the person you are caring for, such as dietary restrictions, mobility aids, or communication devices, and ensure you have the necessary supplies.
3. Maintain Communication:
* Ensure you have a reliable means of communication, such as a charged cellphone or a battery-powered radio, to stay updated on the storm's progress and receive emergency alerts.
* Have a backup power source, such as a generator or power bank, to keep essential devices charged.
* Share your contact information with trusted neighbors, friends, or family members who can check on you and the person you are caring for.
4. Secure the Environment:
* Clear the surroundings of any potential hazards, such as loose objects or debris that may be carried by strong winds.
* Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
* Have a plan for safely moving the person you are caring for to a secure area within the home, away from windows and exterior walls.
5. Monitor Health and Well-being:
* Stay vigilant about the health needs of the person you are caring for, especially during stressful situations.
* Keep an adequate supply of necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks or mobility aids, and ensure they are in good working condition.
* Have a plan for accessing medical care if needed, such as knowing the location of nearby medical facilities that may remain open during the storm.
6. Stay Informed and Calm:
* Stay updated on weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities.
* Remain calm and reassuring to the person you are caring for, as they may be more susceptible to stress and anxiety during the hurricane.
* Engage in calming activities such as reading, playing games, or listening to music to help alleviate stress for both you and the person you are caring for.
Remember, every caregiving situation is unique, and it's important to adapt these guidelines to the specific needs of the person you are caring for. It is also recommended to consult with healthcare professionals or local emergency management agencies for additional guidance on hurricane preparedness for caregivers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/awaregiver/message
This edition of AwareGiver the Caregiver Radio Oasis is sponsored in part by Final Expense Florida. You can reach a licensed Florida agent for Final Expense Florida at (888)434-6471 Extension 2. When someone dies and they don't have money, their family or loved ones may be responsible for paying for their final expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses. If there are no funds available, it may become a financial burden for those left behind. Final Expense Insurance is a type of life insurance that is designed to cover the costs associated with a person's final expenses. This type of insurance is also known as burial insurance, funeral insurance, or end-of-life insurance. It is typically a smaller life insurance policy that is purchased to cover the costs of funeral expenses and other final expenses. The policyholder pays monthly premiums, and in the event of their death, the beneficiary receives a lump-sum payment that can be used to pay for funeral and burial costs, medical bills, and other final expenses. The coverage amount for final expense insurance is typically lower than for other types of life insurance policies, and the premiums are generally more affordable. Final Expense Insurance can provide peace of mind for those who want to ensure that their final expenses will be covered without creating a financial burden for their loved ones. It's important to note, however, that like other types of life insurance, there are eligibility requirements and exclusions that may apply. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/awaregiver/message
Tips for Caregivers from NPR's Life Kit podcast. You can listen and follow here : https://open.spotify.com/show/5J0xAfsLX7bEYzGxOin4Sd?si=3hxRTvV3R72G3Ci5l5GzTA&nd=1
The audio portion of this episode was produced by Sylvie Douglas and edited by Meghan Keane. Marielle Segarra is our host. The digital story was edited by Danielle Nett. Our visuals editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at LifeKit@npr.org. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or sign up for our newsletter. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/awaregiver/message
Each year, children are injured by hazards in and around the home. The good news is that the risk of injury can be reduced or prevented by using recommended safety practices, by using child products that meet safety standards, and by using child-safety devices. Most of the safety devices are easy to find and are relatively inexpensive. To be effective, they must be properly installed and reengaged after use. Follow installation instructions carefully. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable them.
This edition of AwareGiver - the CareGiver Radio Oasis is sponsored by KinderGard child safety products, with information provided by the Consumer Products Safety Commission of the United States Government.
AwareGiver is on the Spotify Podcast Network. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/awaregiver --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/awaregiver/message
Dave is back with an episode of the AwareGiver radio show to alert caregivers to the fact that mobile emergency devices that rely on 3G are being disabled. He also talks through the Modernization of Nursing Home Facility Stafffing Bill moving with bipartisan support through the Florida legislature.
An international consortium involving hundreds of scientists has unveiled highly detailed maps of the brain area that controls movement.
The maps reveal the location, function and appearance of more than 100 cell types found in the motor cortex in mice, marmoset monkeys, and people, the scientists report in 17 studies that appear in the journal Nature.
The research is expected to help researchers develop better animal models of human brain diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The scientific findings also provide evidence that some cells thought to be vulnerable to these diseases are different in humans than in animals.
"In order to understand how things go wrong, we need to understand what the basic principles are to begin with," says John Ngai, director of the National Institutes of Health BRAIN initiative, which played a central role in organizing and funding the project.
The massive effort, which required research teams from many different labs and institutions to work together, represents "a new way of doing science," says Ed Lein, a senior investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle who is part of the consortium.
A parts list for the brain
The project is part of the BRAIN initiative's Cell Census Network, which launched a $250 million effort to create a "parts list" for human and animal brains in 2017. Ultimately, more than 250 scientists on three continents would get involved.
"Some problems are so large and complex that it really does require not just a village, but a city," Ngai says.
The first step was to conduct an exhaustive inventory of the types of cells in human and animal brains, says Hongkui Zeng, director of the Allen Institute for Brain Science.
"To understand how the system works, you first need to obtain a parts list of that system, be it a car, a computer or a brain," Zeng says.
So teams of scientists classified individual cells by studying their genes, shape, electrical properties and connections. The result was a list that included 14 major categories of cells and more than 100 different types.
The next step was to create a map for each species, showing where these parts are found in the motor cortex. Ultimately, the project intends to chart the entire brain.
"Generating a map for the motor cortex is really the first step towards that goal," Zeng says.
A complete map will help scientists understand how cells in different brain areas "work together to carry out a particular function or behavior, like moving your arm," Zeng says.
Already, the project has showcased some of the innovations scientists will need to reach that goal. One involves finding a way to study human brain tissue that is still alive.
Shuttling samples from brain surgery to the lab
Several labs in the consortium arranged with local hospitals to obtain healthy brain tissue removed by surgeons in order to reach a tumor or other diseased area.
"This turns out to be rather healthy tissue that can be used in live experiments to understand the properties of cells," Lein says.
By quickly transporting brain tissue from the operating room to the lab, scientists were able to compare living human brain cells with the living cells found in monkeys and mice.
Overall, the cells are remarkably similar, Lein says. "However, when you get down to the finer levels, you begin to see some differences."
For example, mice have very few brain cells in the motor cortex that are able to make long-distance connections.

Stained neurons shown in a slice of brain tissue donated by a brain surgery patient.
Allen Institute for Brain Science
"In humans, as the brain has gotten bigger, as the cortex has gotten bigger, you have more cells that connect across the cortex," Lein says. "And some of these seem to be selectively vulnerable in Alzheimer's disease."
Lein says that sort of discovery could help explain why drugs that cure Alzheimer's in mice haven't worked in people.
Another finding was that humans have a different version of an enormous neuron that degenerates in Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Those findings were a direct result of having so many scientists agree to work closely together, and share what they found," Lein says, instead of keeping research to themselves until it is published.
"I hope that this is sort of a model for the future because this type of work really is much more open and accelerates science dramatically," Lein says.
The FDA Postpones A Long-Awaited Decision On Juul's Vaping Products
The Food and Drug Administration said it has ruled on whether some electronic cigarette products can remain on the market, but that it's also delaying action on products made by Juul, which accounts for 40% of the e-cigarette market.
The FDA said Thursday it has issued marketing denial orders for more than 946,000 flavored vaping products because their applications "lacked sufficient evidence that they have a benefit to adult smokers sufficient to overcome the public health threat posed by the well-documented, alarming levels of youth use of such products."
The decisions encompass 93% of the applications companies submitted for approval – but Juul, the largest vape company, was not included in Thursday's action.
A federal judge had given the FDA one year to act on a flood of applications submitted by vape companies in a decision stemming from a lawsuit brought by anti-tobacco groups. The agency said it's made progress but needs more time.
"We continue to work expeditiously on the remaining applications that were submitted by the court's Sept. 9, 2020, deadline, many of which are in the final stages of review," the FDA said.
This audio news story was provided to AwareGiver by NPR
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Pufferfish Toxin Holds Clues To Treating 'Lazy Eye' In Adults
A treatment that simulates the loss of an eye may help adults with the vision impairment known as amblyopia or "lazy eye."
This audio story provided to AwareGiver by NPR.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
The Best Time For Rehabilitation After A Stroke Might Actually Be 2 To 3 Months Later
People who have had a stroke appear to regain more hand and arm function if intensive rehabilitation starts two to three months after the injury to their brain.
This audio story was provided to AwareGiver by NPR.
A study of 72 stroke patients suggests this is a "critical period," when the brain has the greatest capacity to rewire, a team reports in this week's journal PNAS.
The finding challenges the current practice of beginning rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke and suggests intensive rehabilitation should go on longer than most insurance coverage allows, says Elissa Newport, a co-author of the study and director of the Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery at Georgetown University Medical Center.
"Two to three months after a stroke is when people are at home," Newport notes. "That's not when most people are having their rehabilitation."
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Americans may be able to breathe a tentative sigh of relief soon, according to researchers studying the trajectory of the pandemic.
The delta surge appears to be peaking nationally, and cases and deaths will likely decline steadily now through the spring without a significant winter surge, according to a new analysis shared with NPR by a consortium of researchers advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This audio story provided to AwareGiver by NPR.
For its latest update, which it will release Wednesday, the COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub combined nine different mathematical models from different research groups to get an outlook for the pandemic for the next six months.
"Any of us who have been following this closely, given what happened with delta, are going to be really cautious about too much optimism," says Justin Lessler at the University of North Carolina, who helps run the hub. "But I do think that the trajectory is towards improvement for most of the country," he says.
The modelers developed four potential scenarios, taking into account whether or not childhood vaccinations take off and whether a more infectious new variant should emerge.
The most likely scenario, says Lessler, is that children do get vaccinated and no super-spreading variant emerges. In that case, the combo model forecasts that new infections would slowly, but fairly continuously, drop from about 140,000 today now to about 9,000 a day by March.
Deaths from COVID-19 would fall from about 1,500 a day now to fewer than 100 a day by March 2022.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Content provided to AwareGiver by NPR
If you've been feeling blah recently, you're not alone. The good news is you can retrain your brain to feel happier. Here's how to shift your mood and restore your well-being.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
How A Hospital And A School District Teamed Up To Help Kids In Emotional Crisis
provided by NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/05/26/1000400903/n-y-hospital-schools-aim-to-improve-kids-access-to-mental-health-provider
In 2019, the Rockville Centre school district in Long Island, N.Y., was shaken by a string of student deaths, including the suicides of a recent graduate and a current student.
"When you get these losses, one after the other, you almost can't get traction on normalcy," says Noreen Leahy, an assistant superintendent at the school district. "You can't get traction on kids functioning on a day-to-day basis in a school setting."
To Leahy, the student suicides were a symptom of a children's mental health crisis that had been brewing for years. She had observed a concerning uptick in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation among students. Her school district had a team of mental health professionals, but Leahy says they couldn't provide the kind of long-term care many students needed.
"Remember, psychologists and social workers and counselors in school districts are there to make sure kids are learning," says Leahy. "We're not hospital wards. We don't do psychotherapy. So it's very limited what we can do for these students."
She says she saw an urgent need to connect students to mental health care quickly and easily, and the 2019 tragedy drove her to find a way to make that happen.
Her vision ultimately led to the formation of a unique partnership between several Long Island Island school districts and the nearby children's hospital, Cohen Children's Medical Center, which is part of the Northwell Health system. That partnership provides prompt access to mental health care services for students and includes ongoing support for school staff for dealing with kids' mental health, creating a mental health safety net for children and families in the area that didn't exist before.
The heart of it is a new behavioral health center focused on serving kids in the community, which the hospital opened in January 2020. Students are evaluated by the center's child psychiatrist and mental health counselor, who start and continue treatment till a child can be connected to long-term care in the community.
Mental health experts point to this school-hospital partnership as an effective model — one that meets a growing and urgent need to help children get mental health treatment and avoid unnecessary hospitalization.
"It's a real step forward," says Glenn Thomas, a clinical psychologist at Nationwide Children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. "So many kids and families slip through the cracks because of a lack of resources."
'I just wish there was a place to send these kids'
The concerning rise in mental health issues noticed by school administrators mirrors national trends. Roughly 1 in 5 U.S. children meet criteria for a mental health disorder, and the rate of suicide attempts among youth has risen over the past decade, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
continued here ...https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/05/26/1000400903/n-y-hospital-schools-aim-to-improve-kids-access-to-mental-health-provider
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
New Device Taps Brain Signals To Help Stroke Patients
from NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/06/13/1005556094/new-device-taps-brain-signals-to-help-stroke-patients-regain-hand-function
The Food And Drug Administration has authorized a device called IpsiHand, which uses signals from the uninjured side of a patient's brain to help rewire circuits controlling the hand, wrist and arm.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Developing story. Here's the audio from a breaking news conference where Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces an increase in Alzheimer's funding. Thank you Governor Ron DeSantis!
Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Monday morning 6/21/21 at an assisted living facility in Jacksonville to highlight funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia care and treatment in the state’s budget.
Governor Ron DeSantis spoke from The Windsor at San Pablo in Jacksonville Monday morning, highlighting the efforts made towards the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
A new kind of COVID-19 vaccine could be available as soon as this summer. - from NPR
It's what's known as a protein subunit vaccine. It works somewhat differently from the current crop of vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. but is based on a well-understood technology and doesn't require special refrigeration.
In general, vaccines work by showing people's immune systems something that looks like the virus but really isn't. Consider it an advance warning; if the real virus ever turns up, the immune system is ready to try to squelch it.
In the case of the coronavirus, that "something" is one of the proteins in the virus — the spike protein.
The vaccines made by Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer contain genetic instructions for the spike protein, and it's up to the cells in our bodies to make the protein itself.
The first protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine to become available will likely come from the biotech company, Novavax. In contrast to the three vaccines already authorized in the U.S., it contains the spike protein itself — no need to make it, it's already made — along with an adjuvant that enhances the immune system's response, to make the vaccine even more protective.
Protein subunit vaccines made this way have been around for a while. There are vaccines on the market for hepatitis B and pertussis based on this technology.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/06/06/1003328413/new-type-of-covid-vaccine-could-debut-soon
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Unpaid Caregivers Were Already Struggling. It's Only Gotten Worse During The Pandemic
from NPR
To see a written copy of the article in this episode, visit
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/06/17/1007579073/unpaid-caregivers-were-already-struggling-its-only-gotten-worse-during-the-pande
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
This list was provided by the Family Caregiver Alliance (https://www.caregiver.org/resource/emergency-preparedness-checklist-caregivers/#)
Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Caregivers
Floods, earthquakes, tornados, snowstorms . . . wherever you live, there likely exists the potential for a variety of natural disasters that can create an emergency situation. When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s times like these that you’ll be thankful for having prepared for such a situation.
Please use this checklist to organize your emergency preparations. It should be used in conjunction with the Where to Find My Important Papers checklist.
Do I know the most important disaster issues for the area where I live (earthquakes, floods,etc)?
Do I know how I should respond to a disaster that might strike with little or no warning?
Do I know the recommended evacuation route if there were an evacuation order?
What are my transportation options?
Where is the nearest shelter?
Do I know where the shut off valves to my home are? Do I know how to shut them off? If special tools are needed, do I have them? Do I know where they are?
Do I have an emergency contact person who lives out of the area? Do my relatives or close friends know who this person is?
Do I know my neighbors in case we need to help each other in an emergency?
If I’m receiving home health services, have I discussed emergency procedures with the provider?
If I have special needs, do I have a plan for dealing with them in an emergency? ( Mobility, medical equipment, incontinence supplies, others)
If I live in a senior community, am I familiar with its emergency planning and procedures?
Home Supplies Checklist
Drinking water (3-6 day supply)
Food (3-6 day supply, requires no cooking, high energy)
Flashlight (check batteries regularly)
Portable radio (check batteries regularly)
First aid kit
Spare batteries
Manual can opener
Light sticks
Waterproof matches
Medications
Medications list
Cell phone
Cash
Emergency medical form
Personal hygiene items
Backup prescription glasses
Extra clothes
Rain slicker
Walking shoes
Blankets
Water bottles
Dust masks
Other ____________________________________
This list was provided by the Family Caregiver Alliance (https://www.caregiver.org/resource/emergency-preparedness-checklist-caregivers/#)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the use of the experimental drug aducanumab for early phases of Alzheimer's disease
The FDA approved aducanumab, also known as Aduhelm, using its "accelerated approval" program, which allows for the earlier approval of a drug for a serious or life-threatening illness even though more study into the drug's benefits may be needed.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Jojn Dave Happe from AwareGiver as he announces an endorsement of the Credit for Caring Act which will provide up to $5,000 to caregivers to help offset caregiving expenses and provide for technology subsidy to help caregivers taking care of people in residential settings.
You can see the AwareGiver endorsement letter for the Credit for Caring Act here :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DVcO3ktdXBjbb7GGZdXX5Mq8c6pNUaN-/view?usp=sharing
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 will be on the AwareGiver Radio Show on Friday March 5th (12:00 Noon Eastern) to answer our questions on nutrition for the baby boom generation (and their caregivers).
Jessica Johnson has been a registered dietitian for over 20 years. Jessica completed graduate
work and the Dietetic Internship through The Florida Department of Health and University of North Florida. Jessica has focused the majority of her nutrition practice serving Florida's most vulnerable populations first by working within County Health Departments serving clients of the
WIC program and low-income senior citizens and now consulting in long term care facilities in the Tampa Bay area. Jessica is passionate about providing comprehensive nutrition care to older adults that promotes empowerment and dignity to allow seniors to remain nourished and thriving
as they advance in years.
Please 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 with your friends, and you can send us your questions in advance by visiting https://anchor.fm/awaregiver and clicking on the MESSAGE button.
Topics discussed will include :
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
This show is dedicated in honor of Ordinance Division Captain Lawrence John Happe Jr, who served during the Vietnam Conflict in the 126th Maintenance Battalion in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides resources, education and support to caregivers of Veterans. The Veteran does not need to have a service-connected condition, for which the caregiver is needed, and may have served during any era. No formal application is required.
The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) empowers caregivers with a wide range of resources through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). All caregivers who provide personal care services to Veterans enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare have access to PGCSS.
Visit https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ for additional program information.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
On the AwareGiver® Radio Show, we'll be teaching caregivers and people over the age of 60 how to connect with the ElderCare locator, a FREE network of services provided by the United States Government. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Today on AwareGiver, the CareGiver Radio show, host Dave Happe talks about the highlights from President Joe Biden’s comprehensive plan to help caregivers in the United States. Titled “The Biden Plan for Mobilizing American Talent and Heart to Create a 21st Century Caregiving and Education Workforce,” the 25 page plan is the first of it’s kind in the United States. While it doesn’t address all issues within the nation’s long term care system, experts say it represents the most wide-ranging care policy ever proposed.
The show will be released Friday, February 19th, 2021 at 3PM Eastern. On today’s show, Dave has identified six super important components of the Biden plan that will be critical for home caregivers, including :
Increased funding for home and community based care
150,000 new community health workers
Financial credits for home caregivers
Increased caregiver pay
Benefits
Stronger Legal Protections
You can find the AwareGiver Radio Show on your favorite podcast platforms, including :
The home station of the AwareGiver Radio Show is Anchor.fm.
https://anchor.fm/awaregiver
You can also listen to the show on :
Apple Podcasts :
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/awaregiver-the-caregiver-oasis-radio-show/id1545607157
Spotify :
https://open.spotify.com/show/7w8R3IMPzeZ1h9F3ctEUXS
Google Podcasts :
https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MmQxNjlmMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
IHeartRadio:
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-awaregiver-the-caregiver-o-67292387/
You can also find AwareGiver - The CareGiver Oasis Radio Show on Breaker, Pocket Casts, Radio Public and other Podcast platforms.
ABOUT THE AWAREGIVER RADIO SHOW : AwareGiver - The CareGiver Oasis Radio Show is a place for caregivers to relax, de-stress, catch up on some news, connect with other caregivers, and recharge. The radio show features interviews, tips, breaking news, old news, and content curated specifically for those who care for others. The AwareGiver radio show is sponsored by Giver brand caregiver products (AwareGiver.com) and KinderGard baby safety (KinderGard.org)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
23 Christmas Safety Tips You Need to Know, According to Home Experts
FROM TENDING TO YOUR TREE TO SMART HOME SECURITY, HERE'S HOW TO STAY SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS.
written by By KALI COLEMAN for BestLifeOnline.com
https://bestlifeonline.com/christmas-safety-tips/?fbclid=IwAR3NjoAGQOsumtjii_KFnYfCXFJuyHm4zX_0kD0LLAW4IYfY5YT-qNb1tzk
used by permission.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
This episode of Awaregiver - the CareGiver Oasis Radio Show is focused on preventing childhood injuries. Drawing on resources from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other research, Dave put together an exhaustive list of how to think about child safety and baby proofing your home. Topics include drowning prevention, preventing falls, window safety, preventing burns, preventing poisoning, preventing scalds, microwave and kitchen safety, choking and harm caused by swallowing objects, a serious warning about the danger of button (watch sized) coin batteries, and blind and curtain cord warnings. Thanks to our sponsor of this episode, KinderGard. KinderGard has been keeping babies safe with baby proofing products since 1974. Search for KinderGard on Amazon or Walmart.com, or visit www.KinderGard.org for baby safety products. Please share this episode with expectant parents and parents of toddlers and young children. Visit AwareGiver on Facebook for copies of some of the CDC articles discussed during the broadcast.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Dave is joined by Dr. Gwen Bergen with the CDC's National Center for Injury Control and Prevention to talk about the CDC's STEADi program (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries). https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
2-1-1 (a FREE call) provides one memorable number that connects individuals, families and employees to information about critical health and human services available in their community for every day needs and in times of crisis. 2-1-1 provides a one-stop service for this vital information and enables people to get assistance before they give up by providing someone to talk to and someone to listen. 2-1-1 provides a central source for community, health and disaster information and referral line.The essence of 2-1-1 is in its simplicity:2-1-1 is for everyone and can be remembered by everyone.2-1-1 provides a neutral, confidential resource for help in any situation.2-1-1 makes the entire human services sector at every level of government work more efficiently.2-1-1 has proven itself an invaluable resource in the aftermath of a disaster as the county’s center source of information on relief and recovery resources.2-1-1 is the number to call to both give help and to get help.You can contact a 2-1-1 Representative clicking the link or using any of the methods below:Call 2-1-1Email 2-1-1Live Chat (Regular Business Hours)Facebook (Regular Business Hours)Twitter (Regular Business Hours)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Dave talks with Rick Staab, the founder of Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure. Dystonia is a movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably. The contraction causes the affected body part to twist involuntarily, resulting in repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Dystonia can affect one muscle, a muscle group, or the entire body. The third largest movement disorder behind Parkinson's and essential tremors, it is estimated that there are 500,000 people with some form of Dystonia in the United States.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message
Sometimes things are better left unsaid. Here's a list of 10 of them. There's also some bonus content at the end, with a few things EVERY caregiver would want to hear. Comments? Questions? Ideas? Talk back at https://anchor.fm/awaregiver
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awaregiver/message