Carer Story: Remembering Mum
By Sharon Marks Imagine a Christmas where, after a traumatic relationship separation, you find yourself alone and destitute in a new town with two small children. That is where I…
14/02/2013
Family Care Agreements: Sort Out the Financial Details Upfront!
When Andrew* shifted in with his elderly parents, he gave little thought to the impact this might have on his retirement, midlife earnings, or ability to afford a home of…
08/02/2013
Exercise: An Outlet for Carers
David Cohen writes about squash.
It has been called the healthiest sport in the world. And it’s a social activity.
That’s how I first became aware of just how many carers gravitate to it. During the inevitable post-match analyses their stories tumble out like so many powerful cross-court volleys.
The company manager now looking after a father afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
An IT guy whose wife lives with cancer.
Parents of special needs kids like mine.
08/02/2013
Advice: Choosing + Managing Support Staff
More New Zealanders who have extra needs are choosing their own support staff to help them live independently at home. Rhett Brown, regular Family Care columnist and motivational speaker, shares…
05/02/2013
Research: Families Providing Complex Chronic Care (USA) 2012
A US report issued by AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) and the United Hospital Fund (UHF) shows that 46% of family carers perform medical and nursing tasks for a loved…
06/12/2012
Advice: Give Yourself A Break
If you support an older family member, do you know how New Zealand’s respite system works? Do you know what kinds of time out are available? How do you organise…
31/10/2012
Work + Care: Carer Stories
Decisions about staying in the workforce, or returning to work, need careful thought. Two carers at different life stages share their experiences. After almost 30 years of caring full-time for…
30/10/2012
Caring for Nana Balloon
When 80 year old Phyllis died, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren each tied a bright, helium-filled balloon to her casket. Phyllis’ nickname was ‘Nana Balloon’ because she loved to give them…
30/10/2012