Gary Barg: You were dealing with your father and his colorectal cancer at an early age, and you’ve been active in getting people to think about preventing that disease. Are they listening to you?

Donna Mills: Well, I think they are listening more and more. From what I understand, the colonoscopy procedure is being done a lot more now. Maybe I’ve had something to do with it, but certainly Katie Couric has had a lot to do with motivating people, because her husband died of colorectal cancer. People also know that the polyps which are pre-cancerous can be removed and then you’ll never get the cancer, so it’s a preventative thing to do, too. I’ve had this procedure done, and it’s nothing. They put you out under a light anesthetic, and it doesn’t hurt. They’ve made great strides in what they can do for you now. My father had it many years ago, and he had to have a critical operation to remove a large portion of his intestines. He had a long life after that, but it was a major procedure.

GB: Were you involved at all with caregiving for him?

DM: I was young—around 12. But I do remember he was laid up for quite a while. He was in the hospital for a long time and then at home in bed for a while afterwards. My mother cared for him; it was difficult to do, but they were both grateful that the doctors had removed all the cancer...read more

Take Care

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

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Feature Article

Living With Incontinence By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer

A symptom such as incontinence truly requires a caregiver’s patience and loving heart. It can be one of the most sensitive issues a loved one can experience. However, there are ways to manage incontinence so quality of life is not compromised...read more

Guest Column

Sound Therapy for Homebound and Patient Care By Theresa V. Wilson, M.Ed

Family members, caregivers, and friends can be key ingredients to successful recuperation and rest for their loved ones.  While visiting nursing homes and providing homecare, often there is a need to seek opportunities to demonstrate caring, eliminate stress, and provide a peaceful environment.  Focus becomes seeking ways to express love while listening, intervening and becoming attentive to their comfort...read more

Caretips

Fall Risks for Older Adults Activities that take place in the bathroom, such as showering and bathing, are a simple part of most peoples’ daily routine. Yet, slips in the tub and falls in the shower or from the toilet may cause serious injuries...read more

Carenotes

My dad will soon to be 93.  He has congestive heart failure and an aneurysm in the aorta. He is frail after having some serious falls in the last eight months, including passing out for several hours in his kitchen. My sister and I live in Minnesota and Dad lives in Iowa—a five-hour trip.  We signed him up for a medical alert system, a meal home delivery service and a caregiver. He discontinued each after a short run. On our the last trip to the doctor with him, we discovered that Dad's driver’s license expired several years ago. He took the written test again, but failed.  He has been advised by a letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles that his doctor sent in a medical form stating Dad can't have a license for medical reasons.  However, Dad insists on driving.  We have talked with the police, whose hands are tied;  we are talking to Dad's lawyer this week.  We have been advised by different professionals that we need to take the keys. We have done that, but my dad is threatening us with a lawsuit. Our concern is not just the threat to himself, but that he could cause injury to someone else. What is our liability, even though we have tried to stop him from driving; what actions can we take to protect ourselves? S Answer This Week's CareNote

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