Senior Caregivers Augment Income From Home

Those taking care of a loved one in their home are frequently in need of a little extra cash each month. Yet their duties require that they provide constant supervision of their ailing family member. This is a dilemma for many these days.

Earlier this evening, I came across this interesting web page which explains the “ins and outs” of running a Successful CafePress Shop. I learned that CafePress allows anyone with a computer, a graphics program and access to the internet to set up an online shop where they can sell products (just about anything from t-shirts to bbq aprons) which contain images of their own design.

While CafePress would work best for those with some background in graphic design, there are probably many hundreds of other opportunities for online entrepreneurs to generate needed cash while remaining at home.

A strong word of caution: beware of scams. Never pay someone for the opportunity to “work at home.” Never respond to an unsolicited email; legitimate businesses do NOT promote themselves by sending unsolicited email.

I’ll keep my eyes open for other legitimate opportunities which may be of interest. Just remember: having a great idea for an online business is just the beginning, the key to success will be how well you execute your business plan!

Attention Caregivers: Avoid High Levels of Stress

A study in the European Heart Journal (published online on Jan 23, 2008, http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/) suggests that the body changes as a result of long-term exposure to a stressful environment.

Researchers followed 10,000 British workers between the ages of 35 and 55 beginning in 1985. Workers who reported high levels of stress in the work place experienced a 68 percent greater risk of developing heart disease, compared to workers reporting less stress. Physical effects of stress reported included changes in heart beat, elevated levels of cortisol, and heart disease. They concluded that “Work stress may be an important determinant of coronary heart disease amoung working-age populations….”

Those providing in-home care for elderly loved ones, may be particularily at risk. It’s difficult being a responsible, full-time caregiver. Without occaisional respite, exhaustion may set in – and it is the caregiver that now needs care. This must be prevented!

One solution is to find a senior day care center where loved ones can spend daytime hours – lowering caregiver stress and providing time for rest, running errands, etc.

Call for Senior Day Care Centers

We are looking for senior day care centers in the U.S. that are providing daytime supervision and care for disabled elderly Americans. If you know of (or represent) such a Center, please tell us all about it. Include information on specific services and programs offered for disabled adults and seniors. Click on: tell us about your senior day care center to submit your information for listing in our Guide to Senior Day Services.

All submissions will be reviewed for appropriatness. If approved, it will appear in the Senior Day Services Guide.  There is no charge for this service.

Attention Caregivers: Tax Rebate For Disabled Seniors

Many disabled seniors would not normally file a 1040A tax return. However, in order to qualify for the tax rebate provided in the economic stimulus bill, recently passed by Congress and signed by the President, one must file a 1040A tax form.

While family caregivers usually have their hands full, just dealing with the normal responsibilities of prividing care for their disabled, live-at-home loved ones, it’s important not to overlook this requirement. April 15th is soon approaching – be sure disabled members of your household get their 1040A tax forms in the mail by April 15th!

To get a 1040A form you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or go to the official IRS website (www.irs.gov) .

Lonnie Ali’s “Fight for More” campaign

I just discovered a compelling interview of Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie, in the Oct/Nov issue of Today’s Caregiver Magazine. In the interview she discusses her role as wife and caregiver to the great boxing champion – who is suffering from the ravages of Parkinson’s Disease.

Lonnie has helped launch the “Fight for More” campaign which aims to provide education, resources and support for other caregivers of the one and a half million afflicted with Parkinson’s. Take a look at her Caregiver Tip Sheet for ideas on how get the most out of your life with your afflicted loved one.