Caregiver Tools and Resources

Caregiver Resource Guide

Expand your safety coverage with products and services that enhance the protection of your medical alert system. Reviewed and recommended by our team of senior care consultants.

Our Most Popular Articles for Seniors & Caregivers

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How To Become a Caregiver for a Family Member

Stepping into the role of caregiver for a family member can be overwhelming – it’s easy to underestimate how demanding it can be.

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Support Groups for Caregivers: Where to Find Support Online and In-Person

Caregiving support groups can provide emotional support and recognition for something often done behind closed doors, as well as shared experience and practical guidance from others who are also on that path.

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Is It Depression or Caregiver Stress?

Caregiving can cause both stress and depression. To make matters more complicated, stress and depression can share similar traits such as sleeplessness, restlessness, nervousness, and difficulty concentrating.

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What Does Caregiver Burnout Look Like?

Caregiver burnout, a term used to describe the state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that comes with the stress of caregiving, is a phrase that is often used but is still widely under-diagnosed and under-treated.

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How Much Does Medicaid Pay for a Caregiver?

While you can certainly hire a professional caregiver through a home care agency, you might find that a family member is better suited to take on caregiving tasks for your loved one.

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How to Become a Caregiver

If you would like to become a professional caregiver, there are a few steps you can take to begin the process. The first is becoming a caregiver who is not certified.

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Welcome to Our Blog

Medical alert advice, tips, and how-to's for seniors, families, and caregivers

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Carli De La Cruz

June 18, 2026

Ep. 16 – Resentment Is Real: What to Do When Years of Care Catch Up With You

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Carli De La Cruz

June 12, 2026

Ep. 15 – Always Judged, Never Thanked: Why Caregivers Feel So Alone

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Carli De La Cruz

June 4, 2026

Ep. 14 – Feeling Trapped: What If You Can’t Escape the Caregiver Role?

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Carli De La Cruz

May 28, 2026

Ep. 13 – Total Denial: Walking Away: Is It Ever Okay to Leave Caregiving Behind?

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Carli De La Cruz

May 21, 2026

Ep. 12 – Total Denial: How to Help a Parent Who Won’t Accept Reality

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Jasmine Phu

May 17, 2026

Infographic: Risks & Costs of Senior Fall Injuries

Caregiver Support

Everyone remembers the old medical alert commercials, “Help! I've fallen and I can't get up.” They're about as ubiquitous as Wendy's “Where's the beef?” commercials (also featuring a...

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Carli De La Cruz

May 13, 2026

Ep. 11 – They Refuse Treatment: What Do You Do?

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Carli De La Cruz

May 6, 2026

Ep. 10 – Placing a Parent in Senior Living Against Their Wishes

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talk...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 30, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 9: Criticized but Unsupported: How to Handle Siblings Who Don’t Help | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one else...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 30, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 8: Abandoned by Family: What to Do When Siblings Leave It All to You | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one else...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 30, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 7: I Regret Being a Caregiver: Is That Wrong? | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one else...

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Alan Wu

April 13, 2026

How To Become a Caregiver for a Family Member

Caregiver Support

As America gets older, and as general economic conditions become less generous than in earlier times, many families find themselves called to assist elders in the family through their aging ...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 10, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 6: Caring for Someone Who Hurt You: What Are Your Options | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

  Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. [0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving th...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 7, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 5: Family Fallout — Can Caregiving Destroy Relationships? | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

  Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. [0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving th...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 7, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 4: The Anger No One Talks About — What Caregiving Really Feels Like | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

  Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. [0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving th...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 7, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 3: Burned Out and Breaking: Is It Ever Okay to Quit Caregiving? | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

  Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. [0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving th...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 7, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 2: Selfish or Honest? What if You Just Want Your Life Back? | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

  Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. [0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving th...

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Carli De La Cruz

April 6, 2026

Caregiver SOS Ep. 1: Resenting the Role — What if You Love Your Parent but Hate the Job? | Full Video Transcript

Caregiver Support

  Full Video Transcript [0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. [0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregivi...

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Alan Wu

January 21, 2026

The 5 Senior Tech Products That Truly Stood Out to Me at CES 2026

Caregiver Support

From AI-driven companions to smart home breakthroughs, CES 2026 featured another year of great innovations. Suprisingly, one of the most exciting narratives to emerge was the growing focus o...

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Carli De La Cruz

January 20, 2026

The State of Caregiving in America Today

Caregiver Support

Caregiving is a large feature now of everyday life in the United States. In 2025, an estimated 63 million American adults – practically one in every four – are actively providing...

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Lynne Fiorindo

January 13, 2026

Support Groups for Caregivers: Where to Find Support Online and In-Person

Caregiver Support

Caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, or a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding – and it can become an especially hard burden to s...

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Lynne Fiorindo

December 10, 2025

Holiday Hacks for Caregivers: Stress-Free Ways to Celebrate with Aging Loved Ones

Caregiver Support

‘Tis the season for twinkle lights, family gatherings, and Aunt Shirley’s famous sweet potato pie. However, for family caregivers, it’s also the season for a lot of extra stress, fatig...

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Carli De La Cruz

November 6, 2025

Winter To-Dos for Family Caregivers

Caregiver Support

As we enter the final months of the year, your to-do list is certainly full of holiday festivities and favorite traditions. Be sure to take the time now, in the midst of the hustle and bustl...

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Lynne Fiorindo

October 28, 2025

Caregiver Backlash: How to Handle Criticism

Caregiver Support

When you are the primary decision maker for your aging loved one, you are the one advocating for their wishes and keeping their best interests at heart. But what happens when someone close t...

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Lynne Fiorindo

October 14, 2025

Is It Depression or Caregiver Stress?

Caregiver Support

When you are caring for an aging loved one in any capacity, you are vulnerable to experiencing caregiver burnout. The stress that comes from caregiving can lead to a variety of physical and ...

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Carli De La Cruz

October 6, 2025

What Is a Geriatric Care Manager and Do I Need One?

Caregiver Support

Have you ever wished there was someone you could call that would walk you through the resources available to your senior loved one in their area? Or maybe you live far away from your loved o...

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Lynne Fiorindo

October 6, 2025

Because Caregivers Matter Too

Caregiver Support

The Caregiver Relief Promo For a limited time, Bay Alarm Medical is offering up to 40% off, free shipping, and a free month on select plans. We call it the Caregiver Relief Promo as our way ...

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Lynne Fiorindo

September 17, 2025

What Does Caregiver Burnout Look Like?

Caregiver Support

If you’re a family caregiver, you already know the toll that caregiving can take on your physical, mental, and emotional health. You might feel exhausted all the time, even though you are ...

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Lynne Fiorindo

August 18, 2025

What Qualifies As a Caregiver Under Medicare Rules?

Caregiver Support

When your senior loved one needs assistance at home, what type of care qualifies to be covered by Medicare or Medicaid? What type of caregiver is qualified to give support that will be cover...

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Lynne Fiorindo

August 13, 2025

How Much Does Medicaid Pay for a Caregiver?

Caregiver Support

If your loved one is struggling at home with household chores, personal care tasks, meal preparation, or medication management, a caregiver could be the ideal solution. The right caregiver a...

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Lynne Fiorindo

August 4, 2025

How to Become a Caregiver

Caregiver Support

Caring for someone else in their time of need can be very rewarding. Caregivers, whether professional or family, share similar traits: a heart for service, patience, flexibility, encourageme...

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Lynne Fiorindo

July 14, 2025

Anticipatory Grief in Family Caregivers

Caregiver Support

Have you noticed that as your loved ones get older, you become more anxious about their health and welfare? Perhaps you’ve found yourself feeling angry that their health is declining or re...

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Lynne Fiorindo

July 7, 2025

The Sandwich Generation and Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver Support

Family caregivers supporting aging parents have increased steadily over the past five years. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Michigan’s Institute ...

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Lynne Fiorindo

June 26, 2025

How to Step Back From Family Caregiving

Caregiver Support

You’ve been helping out your aging parents for some time now, but you’ve started to notice that your caregiving role, no matter how big or small, is negatively impacting your life or you...

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Lynne Fiorindo

May 19, 2025

Caring for a Loved One You Don’t Have a Great Relationship With

Caregiver Support

Sometimes, you are faced with caring for an aging parent you love and adore. You had a wonderful childhood and adult relationship with them, and you are struggling to find a way to support y...

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Lynne Fiorindo

April 22, 2025

Steps for Bringing a Senior Loved One Back Home After a Hospital Stay

Caregiver Support

When your senior loved one is ready to return home after a stay in the hospital or skilled nursing facility, you might feel a mix of relief that they are coming back to a familiar place and ...

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Alan Wu

February 21, 2025

Bay Alarm Medical Caregiver App for SOS Smartwatch

Caregiver Support

With the Caregiver App now available for the SOS Smartwatch as well as the SOS Mobile systems, here's a quick review of how easy to use the app is....

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Lynne Fiorindo

September 30, 2024

What Information Should Family Members Have on Hand?

Caregiver Support

As your loved one gets older, you might find yourself getting a bit more involved with their day-to-day life, routines, and medical care....

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Lynne Fiorindo

August 6, 2024

Family Caregiver or Personal Care Contracts: What Are They and Do You Need One?

Caregiver Support

Family members stepping in to care for aging loved ones often give up other parts of their lives in order to step into a caregiving role. Part-time family caregivers or those who coordinate ...

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Lynne Fiorindo

July 23, 2024

Can a Family Member Get Paid to be a Caregiver?

Caregiver Support

Can a Family Member Get Paid to be a Caregiver? Yes, a family member can get paid to be a caregiver, but the full answer and the options available vary based on where you live. It requires r...

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Lynne Fiorindo

May 28, 2024

What Is Adult Daycare?

Caregiver Support

Adult day care is a service designed to support adults, particularly seniors, who need assistance or supervision during the day. This service allows them to age in place in their homes or wi...

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Lynne Fiorindo

May 9, 2024

Reducing Family Caregiver Stress

Caregiver Support

As your loved one gets older, you might find yourself with a growing list of caregiver duties. Whether you are picking up medications for your mom, driving your dad to his doctor’s app...

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Lynne Fiorindo

May 9, 2024

Comparing Medical vs. Non-Medical Home Care

Caregiver Support

When you are watching your aging loved one struggle while living at home alone, or with a partner, it can be difficult. You might find yourself calling to check in more often, stopping by wi...

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Lynne Fiorindo

April 19, 2024

How to Start Difficult Conversations with Your Senior Loved One

Caregiver Support

If you’ve noticed your loved one struggling with certain tasks at home, or if you’ve found yourself feeling quite worried about them when they are behind the wheel of their car, you migh...

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Lynne Fiorindo

January 31, 2024

How Long Will Medicare Pay for Home Health Care?

Caregiver Support

Medicare is health insurance for seniors, paying for preventative care and significantly offsetting the cost for healthcare, senior living, and home care. However, Medicare can be quite conf...

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Alan Wu

January 11, 2024

What to Do If Your Senior Loved One Has Fallen

Caregiver Support

What to Do If Your Senior Loved One Has Fallen When you get the call that your senior loved one has fallen, panic sets in. Falls are scary for seniors and their loved ones, no matter if it h...

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Alan Wu

January 2, 2024

How to Choose a Medical Alert System: 6 Key Topics to Research

Caregiver Support

If you’re reading this article, more than likely you’re probably looking into getting a medical alert system for yourself, a friend or a loved one. You are already doing a great...

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Alan Wu

November 29, 2023

What is Supplemental Security Income and How Do I Apply? A Comprehensive Guide

Caregiver Support

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an important program aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources....

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Lynne Fiorindo

November 28, 2023

How To Find a Certified Aging in Place Specialist

Caregiver Support

This article gives an overview of what home modifications you may need, along with how you can find a specialist who can evaluate and perform these needs. We also cover Medicare Part B and o...

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Lynne Fiorindo

October 24, 2023

What To Look for in a Senior Living Apartment

Caregiver Support

As adults approach their retirement years, many find themselves reevaluating their living arrangements. While some seniors prefer to age in place, others may seek a more community-oriented e...

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Alan Wu

February 16, 2023

What If My Loved One Falls And Is Unconscious?

Caregiver Support

For seniors and their loved ones, even a “minor” fall could be a warning sign of health and mobility issues that need to be addressed before a more severe fall happens. The quality of li...

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Lynne Fiorindo

December 8, 2021

Caregivers are Stressed During the Holiday Season.  Here’s how to Help.

Caregiver Support

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can be especially stressful for caregivers. They already have a lot of responsibilities without adding pressure to create a &...

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Gjenes Belamide

June 1, 2020

Most Seniors Need To Sleep Better. These Eight Sleep Suggestions Can Help

Caregiver Support

There are many physical changes associated with aging, but the need for sleep never goes away. Unfortunately, seniors often suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. Poor sleep affects...

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Alan Wu

April 2, 2019

What We Can Learn From Obituaries

Caregiver Support

Remembrances for the dead proliferate online, from thought pieces celebrating celebrity legacies to heartfelt social media tributes. But in contrast to these immediate expressions of grief, ...

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Johann Thomas

October 17, 2018

Medicare Changes Will Help Many Seniors Stay Healthier & Wealthier

Caregiver Support

In 2011, the New York Times published an opinion piece titled “How Medicare Fails the Elderly.” The author described his struggle to get his mother the care she needed versus the...

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Lynne Fiorindo

May 6, 2017

Senior Hearing Loss: How To Recognize & Cope With It

Caregiver Support

Who would have thought that the Woodstock generation would now be out pricing hearing aids?  Their elders at the time warned them about that “loud rock and roll” and predicted t...

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Alan Wu

May 6, 2017

Senior Sleep Disorders: Are You Dreaming About A Good Night’s Sleep?

Caregiver Support

Many seniors say they can’t remember the last time they had a good night’s sleep. Senior sleep disorders have many causes, and some may be easy to correct. Still, the majority of...

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Gjenes Belamide

January 11, 2016

National Hobby Month – 5 Hobbies for Seniors

Caregiver Support

  Taking interest in a hobby can have great benefits at any age. Hobbies can be educational, entertaining, or offer a welcome distraction from the anxieties of work and life. Once we re...

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Gjenes Belamide

June 10, 2015

36 Life Hacks for Aging in Place

Caregiver Support

90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they grow older according to a study by the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities(NASUAD). Aging in place means m...

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kayla_quinn

May 18, 2015

A Look Inside Huntington’s Disease | Bay Alarm Medical Mondays

Caregiver Support

As you may know, Bay Alarm Medical is working closely with Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) to spread awareness. Our team connected with Dr. Alexandra Nelson of Universit...

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sarah_stevenson

May 19, 2014

What Aging in Place Means for Veterans

Caregiver Support

We’re thrilled to have Sarah Stevenson, writer for A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Blog, sharing her unique insight with us today. A Place for Mom assists seniors and their families in t...

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Gjenes Belamide

October 28, 2013

Live Long and Prosper: 5 Healthy Halloween Activities For Seniors

Caregiver Support

With Halloween just around the corner, Grumpy Grandpa wanted to share some fun and simple activities to do with your senior to get them in the holiday spirit. 1.) Milk Jug Halloween Characte...

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Jasmine Phu

December 27, 2011

Study finds spike in broken arms among seniors, the majority due to falls

Caregiver Support

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis, has found that behind young children, seniors are the most likely age group to break their arms....

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Alan Wu

October 19, 2011

Senior GPS

Caregiver Support

Providing care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia can be hard as those afflicted with the cognitive disorders tend to forget to take their medicine, stay on top o...

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Caregiver SOS

Caregiver SOS: Real Talk for Burned-Out Caregivers

Caregiving expert Haley Burress shares honest stories, hard truths, and practical tools for caring aging parents.

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Caregiver SOS: Real Talk for Burned-Out Caregivers
Love Your Parents, But HATE Caregiving?
Episode

Love Your Parents, But HATE Caregiving?
Is it Okay to Quit Caregiving?
Episode

Is it Okay to Quit Caregiving?