fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:51]

ok until next time....remember to care for yourself too!

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:31]

So, I am available for caregiver questions and ideas for a few more minutes. I hope to hear from the caregiver community.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:30]

Finally, the New York Times recently examined technologies available for long distance caregiving and to ease day-to-day care. We have covered some of these previously on this site (and have links up to some of the technology sources) but this is a really timely topic that should be mentioned again. Electronic reminders for pills, internet based calendars to share tasks,virtual visits....these are great tools for easing a caregivers responsibilities. Please check out: >click for link<

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:28]

These blogs are searchable by topic....and are a great collection of topics relevant to caregiving.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:24]

I would like to highlight one other resource that I recently discovered: the Wall Street Journal hosts a blog called "Our Parents" which details the experiences of caregiving for aging parents. >click for link<

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:22]

If you are new to the site or returning..don't forget that you will need to login to participate in this discussion. Of course, if you just have time to read today, you are always welcome!

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:20]

If you have time to read the article try and make a point to allow like the comments from readers….who are caregivers. Many caregivers share their hurt over friendships that were strained by caregiving. Many offer solutions….

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:18]

If you tried now to mentally draft a list of things that anyone could do to help you out, what would you come up with? Mow the lawn? Take a pet to the vet or for a walk? Buy some flowers for your porch and pot them? Run to the grocery store? Prescription refills? Watch your loved one for an hour? There are many more things that you could add. Now, write this list down and when someone calls ands asks if they could do anything say yes. Don’t be afraid to mention. You may find your friendship stronger for it.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:18]

The author’s intervention, the list of tasks, is a good idea for all of us.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:17]

Perhaps the point of the article is that people pull away because they simply don’t know how to help. Will they say the wrong thing, will be in the way?

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:14]

For many of us, caregiving is draining and friendships are our best opportunity for venting emotions and centering our thoughts. Inexplicably, those that we count on the most can’t always be there for us. We may find that this applies to family members as well. Research isn’t clear why friends drop away but the author, Brown, did find solace in finding a way to help another caregiver. Brown emailed a list of tasks that she could offer as assistance and allowed the caregiver to pick what would be most beneficial.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:12]

This article discusses research that explores why some of our closest supports seem to vanish in times of crisis.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:12]

The New York Times Well column featured a story about the strain of health and family crisis on friendships. (August 16, 2010) >click for link<

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:08]

I would like to highlight a few recent news stories that could impact caregivers. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette today >click for link< discussed House Bill 1830 which would allow mandatory sick leave for all Pennsylvania workers. This leave could be beneficial to caregivers as well. Protected time off is crucial to the economic security of caregivers and their families.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:07]

There are a few features on the site that we are introduced in the late spring. This chat feature is public during discussions to allow new caregivers to join in. We do have private chat available as well. Specific chat forums have been setup for caregivers of persons with mental illness and sibling caregivers. Please contact to access these forums.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:06]

PCSN has been funded by board contribution and community donations. We are small but we are undeterred. If you need help, we are here. Most recently, we were a beneficiary of the Pittsburgh Dancing with the Celebrity Fundraiser.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:04]

Also, we hope to be a referral source for caregivers connecting them with the community experts who can offer solutions to day to day challenges. We are available by email and phone.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:02]

One way that we hope to help caregivers is by offering a “space” for caregivers to connect with people just like them. A virtual connection on a website doesn’t work for everyone but it does work for some. WE realize how difficult it is for caregivers to make arrangements to attend group meetings; so the PCSN website is one way to overcome time constraints and caregiver obligations.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:01]

In the meantime, I would like to tell you a little about PCSN and its purpose. PCSN is a grassroots initiative..that became a nonprofit/501c3 in August of 2008. Our goal is to provide support, health education and resources to caregivers of adults in Allegheny County. WE focus on adults because we feel that Allegheny County offers great resources already for caregivers of kids. Should we feel that need is unmet in the future, we are open to serving all caregivers.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 11:00]

if you are joining us for the first time please feel free to contribute!

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 10:59]

Hello, It is has been a while since we have hosted a PCSN chat! I hope you had a wonderful summer! PCSN has some upcoming events and changes…so stay tuned to the site for details. Changes to the website are upcoming too.

fitzgerald [18 Aug : 09:03]

chat this morning at 11