Mrs. Carter is president of the board of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development, which was established in her honor in 1987 and is presently celebrating its 25th anniversary. The institute’s mission includes promoting the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and professional caregivers; promulgating effective caregiving practices; building public awareness of caregiving needs; and advancing public and social policies that enhance caring communities.

Gary Barg: Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of the Rosalynn Carter Institute.

Rosalynn Carter: Yes, it’s exciting.

Gary Barg: It’s a milestone, especially in caregiving. When we started in the mid nineties, you were one of the few lights out there talking about the caregivers and their needs.

Rosalynn Carter: I think we were one of the very first. When we started, we had the idea and then I called a lot of organizations, 36 or 37, like the American Cancer Society, Lung Association—the different diseases; but also the American Nurses Association, American Medical Association and other professionals. Nobody was working on it, but they all said we needed it...read more

Take Care

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com

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Feature Article

A Healthy Appetite at Any Age By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer

The average person has a difficult time turning down a bowl of their favorite ice cream, unless under the influence of a serious flu bug. Even then, it’s usually not a hard sell! A loss of appetite, however, is very common in the senior citizen community. Caregivers must be aware of their loved one’s eating habits to ensure nutritional requirements are being met. Just as we can’t imagine passing up that bowl of sweet dessert, your loved one can’t afford to miss the most basic of meals...read more

Guest Column

Coping With Depression By Janet Crozier

Seniors around the country flock to Florida for its nonstop sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, its lack of a state income tax and absence of snow. Florida has the highest percentage of residents age 65 and older - 17.6 percent - of any state. But for all of the sunshine’s purported benefits on improving mood, depression and suicide among Florida’s senior population are a major health care concern....read more

Caretips

7 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for People Caring for Caregivers By Lisa Lopez One year ago, my father was diagnosed with Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome, a form of dementia resulting from chronic alcohol abuse. My dad, who worked hard his entire life, raised a family and built a strong reputation in his community, spent the last 10 years of his life succumbing to this terrible disease that befalls so many...read more

Carenotes

I am looking for help for my son. His wife was diagnosed with brain cancer at 29 and given six months to live seven years ago. She is paralyzed on the left side, and has some brain damage from the surgeries and treatment. She has to be dressed, taken to the bathroom and needs help in all areas. She cannot be left alone. They live in Michigan and he is well known for his devotion to her. Too complicate this more, my son works out of state. He flies out on Sunday and back on Friday. He pays for day care Monday to Friday and gives the night person free room and board because he can't afford to pay for 24-hour care. He is alone with her on the weekends with no help.  I live out of state and saw them last week. His health is under attack; he has high blood pressure, is gaining weight and he is depressed. I know he sees no end in sight and as much as he loves her, he has no life. His wife is physically and mentally demanding; of course the financial demands on him are huge. All of the extended family and friends' help has gone into taking care of her; but if something happens to him, I don't know what will happen to her. Are there any agencies or foundations for situations like this? I am very worried about him; the years have taken their toll. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Answer This Week's CareNote

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