Long-Distance Caregiving: More Stressful Than Local Caregiving

In an article for Oncology Nursing Forum, assistant professor of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Polly Mazanec, "found that long-distance caregivers were much more anxious than local caregivers, who could see what was happening (on a more frequent basis)."

That's because they often feel guilty, very disconnected and out of the loop.

Ms Mazanec feels there are ways to alleviate this distress by having the health care team keep them better informed through phone calls and email. Even though these family members can't provide hands-on care, "there's no reason why they can't be active participants in the care."

Mental Illness, A Bigger Problem Than Once Thought

About 50% or more of Americans will experience some form of mental illness at some point in their life, according to a new government report.

Many do not get help.

Many hide their problem from others.

And the fact is: there is also a big problem with underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

"Mental illness is frequently seen as a moral issue or an issue of weakness...It is a condition no different from cancer or other chronic diseases," stated Ileana Arias, principal deputy administrator of the U.S. Centers fro Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, "people need to accept the difficulties they are having and avail themselves of the resources that are available".

For more on mental illness, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Thanks, Kim Komando: Best Article For Earning Income

Kim Komando's Labor Day, 2011, newsletter suggests ways to get a job in a harsh job market. That's why she "scoured the Web for resources that can help."

America's Digital Goddess has done her homework once again. She divides the best links into 2 categories:

Getting and keeping a job

Starting your own business

She briefly explains each admission in language even my 7 year old granddaughter could understand. Use the Web to find a job, make money from home or build and market a website for a new business to generate primary or supplemental income.

You need little more to get you going.

For jobs specifically for the older population, check out 50somethinginfo.com

Claim Missing Money

At a crucial time when your assets count as seldom before, you might be able to find money you forgot about.

Kim Komando has shared a site where you can find your money as a first step to claiming it. She fills us in: "Money becomes unclaimed for a variety of reasons. Unclaimed property includes savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed dividends or payroll checks, refunds, traveler's checks, trust distributions, unredeemed money orders or gift certificates (in some states), insurance payments or refunds and life insurance policies, annuities, certificates of deposit, customer overpayments, utility security deposits, mineral royalty payments, and contents of safe deposit boxes."

Follow the claiming methods in your state. Good luck!

Mine Are Cuter Than Yours: Sharing Animal Babies With Your Grandchildren

What's cuter than baby animals? Oh yeah, baby humans.

But animal babies ARE awfully adorable...and fun to share with your grandkiddies.

Go to zooborns and ooh and aah over wild animal young. Then, if you're able, go to see them in person!

2 Separate Realities: Talking to a Person With Dementia

According to Caring.com's Gilbert Guide, it is better to redirect or validate a person with dementia than remind him/her that he/she is suffering from dementia.

Redirect away from the issue to something more pleasant. Be warm and open in order to reduce stress and tension.

Validate feelings and emotions. "Accept that your loved one's emotions have more validity than the logic that leads to them"

Those with dementia sometimes experience delusions and/or hallucinations. Their thoughts can be vivid and upsetting so ask simple questions to give them some relief.

Grey is Good: Greying Gracefully

Every time I write out a check to my hair colorist/stylist, I wonder if I'd be better off going grey. After all, mom's and grandma's hair was a lustrous color, not the drab grey I fear.

Vibrant Nation, a great source of information particularly for boomer women, suggests 3 steps to going grey gracefully.

First, plan with your colorist how you can implement the stages to turning grey.

Second, ensure your hair stays healthy. Properly condition it with shampoos and rinses. Drink plenty of water and take your vitamin supplements.

Finally, consider a full style makeover including adding colors to your wardrobe that complement your new hair color.

For some other ways to improve your hair, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Drowning in Debt: What You Can Do

Do you feel like you're drowning in debt? Relax, you have a lot of company. The U.S. government can guide you in the problems you are facing by suggesting realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, bankruptcy or debt settlement.

1. Assess how much money you take in and how much you spend. List your "fixed" expenses and your "variable" expenses.

2. Contact your creditors immediately and try to work out a modified payment plan.

3. There are laws regarding debt collectors. Be aware that they may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices.

4. Secured debts are tied to an asset and can be repossessed or foreclosed upon default of payment. Consider selling a car to pay off that debt and to avoid added costs of repossession and bad credit. Work out something with your lender if you are close to facing foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you.

5. Get help from a credit counseling organization. It's best to get in-person counseling so that you can get a handle on you money management.

6. You might choose to enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). You deposit money each month and they pay your unsecured debts to creditors who may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees.

7. Check out debt settlement companies by entering the name and the word "complaints" into a search engine.

8. Remember that the IRS considers any amount of savings as income and is taxable.

9. The costs of debt consolidation can add up. Take care before you use a home equity line of credit where you use you home as collateral.

10. As a last resort, consider bankruptcy where the court says you don't have to repay certain debts. Bankruptcy information stays on your credit report for 10 years.