Finding A Foothold

Being in the hospital for several days would result in most of us wanting to go home.  We would be ready to sleep in our own beds and eat food that we enjoy.   And this is also often the case with many elderly patients who are being discharged from the hospital, they are ready to go home!

I know this all too well, because after one of my mother's hospitalizations, she was insisting on skipping an inpatient rehab stay and going back home.  But there are several factors which had to be taken into account when making that decision. 

Today's question will address that scenario.

A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining that mom is very upset,  she does not want to go to inpatient rehab.

Question:  Mom is discharging from the hospital.  She is very weak.  Transfer to a Rehab Unit for therapy is recommended but mom is insisting on going home.  How do I determine what  is the best decision?

Listen in, let's discuss some options.


Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow us on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1


Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

When you are caring for an aging parent of the opposite sex, things can get a little awkward -- when it comes to modesty with toileting and other aspects of care.

This is the case with Jenna,  with a question of how to address concerns that her dad may have fall risks in the bathroom, difficulty with toileting. 

Question:  Jenna indicates dad goes into bathroom, locks the door and does not allow her to come in to assist him.  Jenna with concerns that dad is struggling and may have had falls while performing toileting.  Jenna wants to know ways of addressing her concern.

Jenna wants her dad to be as independent as possible but she also does not want him to fall.


Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ 

Follow us on LinkedIn.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/  


Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Maintaining your health and well-being while caregiving is a must.  

Unfortunately most caregiver learn this the hard way.  (I know I did!) 

 As a caregiver, if your number one focus is to only be concerned that your loved one has everything they need, that they have a good quality of life but you forget to take care of yourself in the process, you are headed down the road to mental and physical crises.  

Learning to take care of yourself also allows you to show up and give your best.  Taking care of yourself allows you to show up for other people in your life.  Taking care of yourself allows you to show up for you!

When you ignore your needs, your body can begin to provide you with warnings which can show up in negative ways -- you can begin to experience negative changes in your body and begin to have negative mental and emotional consequences.

In today's episode, we will discuss 7 Tips to get you on the right track to better health and well-being.  Join in! 

Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver Coach
 



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/ 

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1


Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

As a caregiver, if your loved one has had a stroke, how much help they will need can vary greatly.  It can range from them requiring no assistance with care, to requiring more care than one person can offer.  Do your homework by learning about your loved one’s strengths and weaknesses.    Be realistic about what you can do.  Just because you can’t do it all, doesn’t mean you don’t love them, it just means you can’t do it all.  Find what will work.  Explore options of support, explore different settings.  Determine what will work for you that will allow for you to care for them and take care of yourself.  No guilt. 

Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver Coach
 



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1


Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Caring for your parents is honorable but also challenging.  You want to do all you can to make things easier for them, so you put all your energy and effort into trying to meet their every need.  When you do this, you often do it at the expense of your own mental and physical well-being, and this can have dire consequences.

Family caregivers often neglect their health as well as sacrifice other meaningful relationships and interests in their life because they don't have an effective plan which takes in account their needs and the needs of their loved one. 

Listen to this podcast episode and gain insight into developing a healthy caregiving plan.  See how this quote, "If you don't have a plan, any road will lead you there and you will achieve goals you didn't set." is a depiction of what can happen in caregiving when you are not purposeful about including YOU in the caregiving plan. 

Consuela Marshall
Caregiver Coach
Occupational Therapist


If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ 


Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Caregivers are often overwhelmed with concerns and uncertainty about their loved one when they are in the hospital, it is an emotional time and it takes everyone out of their normal routine.   When they have had a surgery, it even makes things more stressful.  

Discharge day is usually full of unknowns as hospital staff perform last minute lab work, and several different medical professional are providing information on various areas of your loved one’s care.  There is information given about diet, medications and followup doctor visits.

Often in all the paperwork given are instructions related to surgery.  Instructions are provided on specific do’s and don’ts related to surgeries. Many papers are issued and are placed in bags with leftover medical supplies and often caregivers don’t read those instructions immediately. 

This podcast episode provides insight on  benefits of knowing what to expect and ways to avoid injury.

If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ 

Finding A Foothold Podcast is devoted to lightening the load of family caregivers who show up, to provide  care to their loved ones.  Many caregivers have concerns and questions and need guidance on how to make the caregiving journey easier. 

Finding A Foothold is a community of caregivers who band together to provide support, to help caregivers navigate the caregiving journey with the least about of stress.  Here, you get opportunities to ask questions and to hear insight from Consuela Marshall, caregiver coach and occupational therapist.

Today's podcast addresses the concern that many caregivers feel alone on their caregiving journey.  

There are many caregivers who cringe when they hear the statement “You are not alone.”  It can feel so far from the truth when you know you are the only one showing up and doing the work.

But there are some ways of inviting help into your caregiving journey.  Let's explore some options for inviting help into your caregiving space.

Get tips on how to let go of looking to those who will not lend a hand and look toward organizations and technology to assist in making the day easier.


Hosted by an Occupational Therapist with 27 years experience and the former caregiver to her mother who had strokes,  Caregivers Finding A Foothold Podcast is the perfect place to receive tips and insight on how to provide safe and efficient care to your loved one.

If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ 

Finding A Foothold Podcast listens to the heart and concerns of the caregiver,  hearing what their struggles are and then offering recommendations on how to improve how they are doing things, with the goal of helping to make the load lighter.

Today's podcast addresses concerns from daughter Marcie  who is concerned about her Dad who recently had a hospital stay due prostate surgery and a bladder infection.  When discharged home, Dad had confusion and weakness so Marcie took off work for a week to be with Dad.  Marcie now desire to return to work, Dad indicates that he will be fine but Marcie is uncertain if Dad is safe to be home alone. 

Marcie is seeking help on how to address this problem and is looking for options she can use.

Listen to today's podcast.  See how this concern is addressed and hear tips and strategies that you can use to help decrease your workload and improve the safety of caring for your loved one as well.


Hosted by an Occupational Therapist with 27 years experience and the former caregiver to her mother who had strokes,  Caregivers Finding A Foothold Podcast is the perfect place to receive tips and insight on how to provide safe and efficient care to your loved one.

If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ 

Knowing if a parent is safe to be home alone is a common concern amongst adult children who are caregivers.  When a family caregiver has to return to work after taking several days off to assist a parent who is recovering from an illness, it is essential that the caregiver determines to the best of their ability if the parent will be safe to stay at home by themselves.

Hear the 

Today's episode is the first of Finding A Foothold's 5-minute words of encourage. 

As a caregiver, I know that there are moments of isolation, when you just don't get to attend events and often feel left out as the world continues to spin and people are gathering and lingering and having fun and you often miss out on many events due to your role as a caregiver.

While this is unfair and you are justifiably right in thinking "I don't get to do the fun stuff", I challenge you not to stay in that frame of mind.  But as a former caregiver and now as a caregiver coach, I know the importance of shifting away from that mindset and start developing plans to create your own fun.

Listen to this short episode and be encouraged to start making plans for your upcoming fun time with friends and family.

And as always, if you have a caregiving concern that you will like to have addressed on this podcast, call the number on the website and leave your voicemail question and I will address your concern on an upcoming podcast.  Also check out our social media platforms for other ways of interacting with this great community.


Hosted by an Occupational Therapist with 27 years experience and the former caregiver to her mother who had strokes,  Caregivers Finding A Foothold Podcast is the perfect place to receive tips and insight on how to provide safe and efficient care to your loved one.

If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ 

https://linktr.ee/findingafoothold

Finding A Foothold Podcast listens to the heart and concerns of the caregiver,  hearing what their struggles are and then offering recommendations on how to improve how they are doing things, with the goal of helping to make the load lighter.

Today's podcast addresses concerns from Vicki who is concerned about her Mom who wants her to help her more than what is actually needed.  Vicki indicated that Mom does have good and bad days.  Vicki states that many days Mom is able to do more for her self but she still wants Vicki to help her even though it is not needed. Vicki admits she is frustrated because she hopes to be able to rest on days when Mom is feeling better and can actually do more to help herself.

Vicki is seeking help on how to address this problem and is looking for options she can use.

Listen to today's podcast.  See how this concern is addressed and hear tips and strategies that you can use to help decrease your workload and improve the safety of caring for your loved one.


Hosted by an Occupational Therapist with 27 years experience and the former caregiver to her mother who had strokes,  Caregivers Finding A Foothold Podcast is the perfect place to receive tips and insight on how to provide safe and efficient care to your loved one.

If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/