Every July 26 in the United States, we recognize National Disability Independence Day. This annual observance commemorates the momentous signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. The Americans With Disabilities Act Prior to the 1960s, disabled Americans were broadly viewed as incapable of participating in civic life. Socially, the disabled… Continue reading National Disability Independence Day

The term “sandwich generation” refers to middle-aged adults, ranging from their 30s-60s, who are caring for aging parents and caring for their own children (and/or grandchildren) at the same time. These caregivers are effectively “sandwiched” between the obligation to care for their aging parents — who may be ill, unable to perform various tasks, or… Continue reading What is the Sandwich Generation?

You’ve reached a standstill with your mother and father, who are in their late 80s. You think they need some help in the home, but they vigorously refuse. You’re frustrated because you want to make their lives easier. They’re angry because they think you’re interfering in their affairs. Can negotiation and dispute resolution techniques used… Continue reading How to Negotiate With Resistant Aging Parents

I don’t know about you, but in my house, my children and I feel BIG. As an empath who has 3 empathic children, our interactions and emotional experiences are a bit more intense than most. Dr. Judy Orloff defines an empathic person as one who is deeply in tune with the feelings of others in… Continue reading Helping Your Empathic Child Manage Big Feelings

What’s Behind Mom Guilt? Mom Guilt. Ugh. It comes with the territory of being a mom. But why? Why is it so ingrained in us, as parents and as moms, to care with every ounce of our soul, until our physical battery is at 0% – and yet we still feel guilty?  How many moms… Continue reading What’s Behind Mom-Guilt?

There is a technique in trauma therapy that calls upon the five senses when hurt or the memory of past hurt becomes too overwhelming. It’s so simple it feels almost impossible to be a thing that works. But in my own experience, it’s often the simplest methods that do the trick. Like setting out running… Continue reading Using the Five Senses to Calm

Each May, we celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM) to recognize the countless contributions older adults make in our communities. The time, experience, and talents of older adults enrich the lives of those around us. This year’s theme, “Aging Unbound,” focuses on how older adults can age in our communities, living independently for as long as… Continue reading Older Americans Month: Why Age At Home?

Every April, we celebrate National Occupational Therapy Month to honor the differences these vital clinicians make in the lives of individuals and their caregivers. For those who practice it, occupational therapy (OT) is more than a profession; it’s a passion, and it’s about people. What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession… Continue reading What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?

Prior Authorization: a System That Harms and Frustrates Patients When Paula Chestnut needed hip replacement surgery last year, a pre-operative X-ray found irregularities in her chest. As a smoker for 40 years, Chestnut was at high risk for lung cancer. A specialist in Los Angeles recommended the 67-year-old undergo an MRI, a high-resolution image that… Continue reading Feds Move to Rein In Prior Authorization

Get to Know this Year’s Annual Caregiver Story Contest Judges We are thrilled to present our panel of independent judges for Shield HealthCare’s 20th Annual Caregiver Story Contest. This year’s panel hailed from California, Texas, and Ohio. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our judges for participating, and for taking time… Continue reading Introducing the 20th Annual Caregiver Story Contest Judging Panel