Good candy at great prices

Remember when you were a kid and you went down to the candy counter in the drug store and bought penny candy? I used to buy hard candy, jaw breakers and gum. A penny a piece. That was back in the late 70's and early 80's. Another favorite of mine was the Old Fashioned Sticks. I would go into the candy counter and buy one of each flavor and at least a dollar's worth of the rootbeer ones. The things were five or ten cents each depending on where they were bought.

You can still get them for about a quarter a piece from eSnacks.com by checking out their vintage bulk candy that they have. Also check out the movie theater style candy, which is in it's own category, and get some nice treats for family movie night.

And don't forget to look into the gourmet candy, the holidays are coming and gourmet candies are something that would be great for a family gift.



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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

What to do with the leftover candy

What will you be doing with the leftover candy after the last of the trick-or-treaters have come and gone? Will you be taking it and putting it away for snacking on by the members of your house or do you have another strategy to deal with it?

And what did you give out this year? Was it candy? Or something else? Did you give out diabetic safe candy? I have never seen anyone passing out sugar free candy before, but it would make a nice alternative in my opinion for passing out rather than some of the things that people have given the kids I have taken trick or treating.

Care recipient travel case for the car

Looking at my bags for traveling to Las Vegas next month, I am made think about the need for a travel bag to be made up for my dad for when we go to town or whatever. I had one at one time, but it kind of got dismantled. There are certain things that need to go with us when we head for town, though, and making a single case that can be sat in the car when we load up his wheelchair makes sense.

So, what goes into a case like this? What kind of case do you use? That depends on the care recipient's needs and what you are packing. Our last case was a simple cardboard box. This time I want to make it a little fancier, maybe a decorative basket like you get for in an office?

What goes into one? Well, for my situation I would make sure we have a travel box of Kleenex, a lap quilt, a small pillow that can be put between his left leg and the deal in the car that sticks out into where his leg rests, extra pills (just in case), and maybe a portable radio or DVD player. An MP3 player and download of Coast to Coast would be good to put in there.

I'm sure there are other things that I will put in it, but you can see the basics, huh? This is not like the emergency kit you would have in the trunk, this is stuff that will make the ride and any waiting in the car more comfortable for the care recipient.

Weight Loss Options: LAP-BAND®

With all of the stress and pressures of being a family caregiver, it can sometimes be difficult to loose excess weight that has been gained over the course of the years. I know, I have been struggling with my own weight for some time now. While I have a significant amount of weight to loose, I thankfully do not have so much that I have ever considered surgical alternatives for losing the weight.

There are many, however, who take the course of surgical weight loss and for any of those the lapband system for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is often the chosen method. With the LAP-BAND® System a doctor surgically inserts an inflatable adjustable gastric band through small incisions. The band is positioned around the upper portion of the stomach to create a pouch and thereby reduce the amount required to make you feel full.

If you are considering the use of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding to assist you in significant weight loss you should research the procedure through sites such as the Journey Lite website (www.journeylite.com) and consult your doctor to find out if the LAP-BAND® procedure is right for you.




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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

Eerie howls for Halloween

I was just sitting here and my mom's little Shih Tzu dog let out this eerie howl in his sleep. Good thing it wasn't late and dark or I might have thought werewolf LOL Now sure how that little guy made that sound, must be the short nose he has, but it was an eerie noise that was perfect for Halloween LOL!! He's practicing for tonight I suppose.

Might have found TV for dad

My brother may have found the big screen television that me and mom wanted to get for my dad. I can't wait to see the thing, he went to see if he can get it for us. This also means my mom gets the old front room television, so she gets to have a bigger TV than she has now, and I get her television for my workout area so I will get to see my exercise videos. One of the reasons I have not been exercising as much as I know I should have been is I can hardly see the screen on the television, so this will be great for everyone.

Investing in precious metals

Investing in precious metals is a great way to save for the future. You can set aside a little here and a little there and let it build up slowly. And unlike a piggy bank filled with pocket change, it is not something that can just be broke out and taken to the store for an impulse purchase.

The Monex Deposit Company can help you if you have considered an investment in gold or silver. For over 30 years the Monex Deposit Company has been one of America’s trusted leaders in precious metals investment, with a dedicated staff that can help arrange for personal delivery or safe storage at an independent bank or depository. Their website has a page that can help you find out what the gold and silver price is doing, as well as other precious metals, so you can make the best decision on when to get into precious metals investments.

Visit the Monex website to find out how they can help you with your precious metals investment needs.



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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

What are your plans tonight?

My plan for tonight is to begin my NaNoWriMo novel at the stroke of midnight. I have a jar filled with candy, just in case. I always do. I have lived here for twenty years and no trick-or-treaters have ever come to knock on the door, but every year I have a jar of candy... just in case.

What are your plans? Will you were normal clothing, or dress up for this night? Do you wait to see if you get any visitors looking for candy, or do you have a party to attend? Will you hunker down in the house with the porch light turned off and let the magic of the night pass by unnoticed?

Wishing a safe and happy Halloween to everyone!

Have you stocked the table by the door with treats for the little costumed trick-or-treaters that will visit tonight?

Halloween is here, the night will be filled with children and spooky sights. Jack-o-lanterns with candles aglow will grin to all from porches, candy will be passed out to assure the home stays safe through the night.

This is truly a night for the young and the old, whether going door to door trick-or-treating or dressed up in spooky attire to stand guard at the door and pass out treats to all who visit.

I hope you all have a very safe and happy Halloween, whether you stay locked away indoors awaiting the stroke of midnight (to start typing for NaNoWriMo like me) or you venture outdoors to share in the wonderment of this charmed night.

Sea World Family Vacation

Planning a family vacation? Want to go somewhere everyone will love? Check out Orlandofuntickets.com for discount tickets for all Orlando theme parks, dinner shows and attractions.

My advice would be to get some Sea World Tickets and take everyone to Sea World. That is a place that anyone of any age can enjoy exploring. Then check out tickets for Kennedy Space Center, Universal Studios and yes, all the Disney World you can fit into your vacation.

OrlandoFunTickets.com offers the lowest discount prices for all Orlando dinner shows, such as Arabian Nights, Medieval Times, and Pirates Dinner Adventure.

For the lowest prices, and fun destinations that everyone can agree on, visit Orlandofuntickets.com.


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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

So much to do, so little time

There is so much that I need to get done before I head for Las Vegas, it is rather insane trying to get it all done and reminding myself to be certain I make sure that I have all dad's pills called in and a week's supply set up for him so mom does not have to mess with sorting the pills while I am gone and .... "whew" it just goes on and on.

Topping it all off is I want to sneak in time to double-check the yard, because I know it'll be under a deep snowfall when I get back.

MRSA: Drug Resistant Staph Infection Warning

Be extra careful of scrapes - particularly if you have been around a hospital. The news was talking last night about a really bad drug resistant staph infection that has already killed at least one small boy. Skin infections start when bacteria get into a cut or scrape, and may heal by themselves, any that do not should be looked at by a doctor as soon as possible.

The best defense against something like this drug resistant staph infection is to educate yourself as much as possible about it.

Visit sites like the Center for Disease Control and read what they have listed about staph infections and how to prevent and treat them.

Another good source of information is the Antibiotic Resistance Web Site at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health website. They explain what this new drug resistant staph infection is.

Known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), this type of staph infection is resistant to some kinds of antibiotics, which makes it very dangerous.

Lilaguide.com - real parent reviews of things for baby

Okay, I think that while this is targeted to parents of small babies, it would be of wonderful value to godmothers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents as well. The Knot Inc., a leading life event media and services company, has announced their latest addition: Lilaguide.com

Lilaguide.com features real parent reviews of local baby stores, gear, and services. The users of the website can find out what parents in their area think of local stores, gear, and services as they pertain to babies. Find out about baby stores, classes, doctors... even kid friendly places to go out to dinner. Even if you are not a parent, this is a great way to find out where you can take the baby when you get a chance to take them out for a special grandparents outing with the new grand baby and find out what products parents like when shopping for Christmas.

I will be referring my niece who just had her second baby and my best friend who's niece just had her first baby.


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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

The Lion of West Virginia?

Here's an odd bit of news for you. I caught it last night on the television. Apparently the department of fish and game in West Virginia are looking for a lion. Residents keep reporting that there is a lion running loose and the department of fish and game are trying to determine if there really is a lion problem or if there is a more logical explanation. I'm still looking for more details on this one.

Family caregivers and political debates

I want to look up something later on. I want to create a list for my caregiver website of just who is running for president and what their stance is on health care subjects that are of concern to family caregivers and the elderly. Do any of them even address this?

There is a YouTube debate coming up - anyone want to pose questions about what their thoughts are on HR 1161: the Family Caregiver Security Act of 2007? How about bills that died in congress like HR 175: the Family Caregiver Security Act of 2005?

What are they planning to do for family caregivers or do they feel announcing November a National Family Caregiver month is enough?

Martin Worldwide mailing lists

I am not only a full-time family caregiver, I am also a writer and small business owner, this means that my time if extremely valuable to me. So, when I am running a marketing campaign, I don't want to waste my time on dead end leads.

I've talked about Martin Worldwide before, they are a distributor of direct marketing mailing lists of people that have active, responsive, and impulsive buying histories. Their mailing list database ResponseCom™ is a potent, proprietary blend of U.S. Response and U.S Consumer databases.

If you have a small business to help paying bills, or need to reach people in a direct marketing campaign for any reason, then you might see how it can help your business to succeed to buy lists from Martin Worldwide. They can help you find the right people to approach, which can save not only time, but money and can even result in solid repeat customers.

And now they have political lists -- anyone feeling like organizing a campaign to help the family caregiver bills struggling to get through congress?

Find out more about Martin Worldwide, and its direct marketing products and services, by calling (888)- 267-3545, or visit their website at the link above.



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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

Thermacare heating pads for the wrist

I saw something on television last night that caught my attention as a writer that I think would be worth looking into. They are those Thermacare heating pad things, but they are made to wrap around the wrist to help sooth arthritis pain. It looks to me like something that would be good for cramps from writing as well. I want to get me a pack of them to test out the next time I go to town, I'll let you know what I think of them when I do.

Make someone a gift basket this November

November has a lot going on in it, it is the month for both the National Family Caregiver Month and the National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Family caregivers are hard workers that get very little thanks for all the things they do, that makes this the perfect month to take a moment and create something special for a family caregiver you know to say "Thank you for all you do"

Whether you create a basket filled with flowers or sweets or maybe a few movies that you know that the caregiver would love to watch your gift will mean more than you could ever imagine. It is a wonderful surprise for a caregiver to find out they have been remembered by someone and appreciated for all they do and there is no better time to do that than this November.

Tonneau Covers

Pickup trucks are great for getting stuff like powered wheelchairs around or hauling home the materials needed to build a wheelchair ramp or install handicap accessibility things in the house. But they can be poor for hauling things that might blow out of the back, such as groceries unless you have something to keep the things from being blown out on the highway.

That is what a tonneau cover is for. You can find a wide range of Tonneau Covers at BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com, including hinged, roll-up, and tri-folding covers. BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com carries popular brands of Tonneau Covers such as Torza, Lund Genesis and Tekstyle.

I like the roll-up styles, since you can roll them into a roll behind the cab and have your whole bed clear for carrying things, then just unroll them back out to cover the bed of the truck once again when you need to protect the back from rain or snow.



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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

It's National Novel Writing Month too? Oh My!

Have I mentioned NaNoWriMo here yet? I don't recall if I have or not, it is a yearly writing challenge to write 50,000 words before the end of the month of November. Starting at midnight on October 31st keyboards everywhere are being worn out as writers try to dash for the goal of 50,000 words. This year I am going to be a NaNoWriMo participant - again. I have been participating in NaNoWriMo for years, started in , but over the years and changing computers and website crashes I have lost my participation badges. I need to locate those online somewhere, can't find them on the NaNo website, and get my badges up on my writing website. (Time to hit the WayBack Machine!)

So, what am I writing this year? I have a plan brewing to work on a novel about being a caregiver. I have ideas percolating for it at the back of my mind, but I think that would be a good novel for me to stretch my skills on this year.

Link to Circles of Care article: courtesy of an anonymous reader on my other blog

I got a comment on my main blog, Phantascene.com's Journal that was posted by an anonymous visitor. They had noticed that I was a family caregiver and wanted to bring my attention to an article:

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to give you some links to articles you might be interested in. I see you wrote that you are a full-time caregiver to your parents, and there is an article in the Fall 2007 issue of Greater Good magazine that talks about taking care of the elderly and the obstacles that must be faced. The article is called "Circles of Care" by Matthew Wheeland, and he talks about how before Alzheimer's becomes a national crisis, new programs are trying to ease th pain and stress of caring for a loved one with the disease. Here is a link to his article:

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/
greatergood/current_issue/
Wheeland.html

I pasted the URL all together and went to look at the link. Although I did not yet read the article, merely scanned it, I think that it deserves a proper link here for anyone that wants to find it and read it, so I have posted it here and made it a hyperlink.

Don't run around - comparison shop online at Krillion

Several times in the past few weeks my mom and I have gone into town shopping for a large screen flat panel television that we could get for my dad. We did the traditional running from one store to the next as we comparison shopped. Checking the prices on televisions here and there and just generally doing stuff that would have been a lot easier to have just stayed home and done online.

We could have saved ourselves a lot of hassle if instead of driving from one store to another only to find out that no one had what we wanted, we had checked the Krillion website to see what was available in our area.

A search for Insignia HDTV, for example, will show you a list of the various kinds of Insignia HDTVs. You then select the one you are looking for the Krillion site shows you a product description page, a tab on that page allows you to enter your zip code to find nearby retailers. I liked the discovery that in addition to a list that includes the price, you can bring up a map view that pinpoints retailer locations using Google Earth.

Krillion was founded this past February, and it certainly looks to me like it is quickly setting the bar for comparison shopping. Gas is about to skyrocket according to the news (they said this morning it could hit $3.00 a gallon by the end of the year) so stop wasting time and money running around and do your comparison shopping for major appliances and televisions online with Krillion.


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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

FDA: Public Hearing on Salt and Sodium November 29, 2007

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be holding a public hearing on November 29th at the Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building in College Park, Maryland to discuss the FDA's policies regarding salt (sodium chloride) and sodium in food.

You can register online for this now, registration began on October 22nd. Anyone that wished to request an opportunity to make an oral presentation at the hearing must have their notice of participation submitted by November 8, 2007.

The purpose of the hearing is to allow the FDA to share its current policies regarding salt and sodium and to solicit information and comments from interested persons not only on this current framework, but on potential future approaches.

You can find out more about this public hearing, and the methods for registering for participation, at the FDA website: Public Hearing on Salt and Sodium: Petition to Revise the Regulatory Status of Salt and Establish Food Labeling Requirements Regarding Salt and Sodium.


Date: November 29, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location:
Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
5100 Paint Branch Parkway
College Park, MD 20740-3835

November is stuffed more than a glutton after Thanksgiving dinner

November is almost here, that means a lot of things are just around the corner.

Midnight on Halloween will kick off the start of NaNoWriMo and that will begin the chaotic dash of hundreds (maybe thousands) of writers, including me, to type out 50,000 words by the end of the month. What a goal that will be!

November 1st begins National Family Caregiver Month and that will mark efforts to help spread awareness about family caregivers and encouraging people to thank a caregiver for what they do.

And as if that was not enough, there is also Thanksgiving! Everyone ready for the turkey and ham and pumpkin pies and all the friends and family you can fit around your dining room table? Yes, I know, some of you are saying "And football! Don't forget the FOOTBALL!" but me and my parents don't watch football so it's not on the agenda at my house. The rest of you that do watch it can just stuff all your friends and family around the TV and enjoy it.

It would seem like that would be enough for one month, huh? But nope, also on the calendar for the month of November is Blog World & New Media Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. I'll be there, will you?

Medical Equipment from Allegro Medical

Allegro Medical was founded in 1996 and launched their ecommerce site for medical equipment and home health care supplies in 1998. Allowing customers to shop by brand, category or even condition, the Allegro Medical website is easy to navigate and provides customers with affordable medical equipment such as FreeStyle Diabetes Test Strips, blood pressure monitors, heart monitors, wound care supplies and much much more.

Those who spend a lot of their time at a computer should look into the Computer Glove with ergoBeads for carpal tunnel relief, priced at under $10 as of the time of this writing. Also sign up for their free eCatalog for limited time specials and discounts available to subscribers.

Allegro Medical (AllegroMedical.com) is a division of Allegro Enterprises, Inc., a privately-owned company based in Tempe, Arizona.

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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

November is National Family Caregivers Month: give thanks

National Family Caregivers Month is fast approaching. In 2006, in his announcement on October 30th that November would be recognized as National Family Caregivers Month, George W. Bush said in part:

"Our country is blessed to have millions of compassionate citizens who bring love and support to family members and friends who are chronically ill, elderly, or disabled. During National Family Caregivers Month, we recognize these kind individuals who give of their hearts, resources, and energy to assist loved ones in need.

Family caregivers exemplify the true spirit of compassion by providing support to their loved ones and assisting with their everyday activities and special needs. These selfless people must often make great personal sacrifices to maintain the care and support their family and friends require. Their assistance provides those who may be ill, aging, or disabled an opportunity to stay in familiar surroundings and remain a part of their community."

Family caregivers give so much of their time and make personal sacrifices for the well being and comfort of their loved one. Taking on the responsibilities of numerous nurses and personal assistants, the value of care given by those who provide care for a family member is calculated to be in the billions.

Please, take the time this November to offer a word of thanks and perhaps some support to a family caregiver you know. If you would like to do more you can write your congressman and ask them to please support bills that support family caregivers.

Thank you.

Newsletter a little behind

okay, I have been falling a little bit behind on things here, and I want to apologize very sincerely for that. I am getting ready to go down to Blog World Expo and it has been tying me up more than I had anticipated with all that needs to be done before I go. I'm trying to get things sorted out and catch up the most neglected of the blogs I have, so your patience is very greatly appreciated and I apologize sincerely for the lack of anything here.

Volume 1: Issue 5

Family C.A.R.E. Newsletter
Family Caring for America's Retired and Elderly
October 7 - October 13, 2007

The Family C.A.R.E. Newsletter is dedicated to bringing its readers the best information I can find on issues that matter to family caregivers.

This week .... Winter is moving in on us all, so this week I want to take a look at getting the homes ready for winter safety for caregivers and care recipients.

There are a lot of things to think about as winter settles in, and safety should be one of the top priorities for everyone.

Winter safety: icicles and icy paths

Icicles can be beautiful to look at, but they are also very dangerous when they are directly over pathways. Make sure that you have a stick in the entry area so that you can knock away any icicles as they form over entrances to porches or down from roof lines.

It possible install or have someone install for you something to divert melt water from over walkways. This keeps icicles from building up over the path and also prevents ice from forming on the path or steps. A very dangerous condition that accompanies the formation of icicles.

If you see ice building up on the path clear it away (or hire the neighbor kid to clear it) immediately before it can pose a threat to you or someone else trying to walk along the path.

I like to keep cat litter around for scattering on the path. My preference is the non-clumping brand. I keep it just inside the door where it will stay warm, that way it melts slightly into the ice and offers better traction.

I don't like to spread out salt or other chemical ice melters since they might harm the grass or flowers that we plant along the walkway in the spring. The kitty litter can just be swept into the dirt and gravel of the drive.

NightGuard treatment for TMJ

Do you, or someone you love, suffer from TMJ? Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, commonly referred to as TMJ, is a misalignment of the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw. This misalignment can result in muscle and joint pain in the jaw area. There is some hope, you can use the Night Guard helps treat TMJ when approved by your dentist.

The NightGuard can help persons with TMJ alleviate the jaw and ear aches that come with TMJ, as well as other TMJ symptoms such as migraines. Check the link above for locations you can buy the NightGuard both on and off-line.

Volume 1: Issue 4

Family C.A.R.E. Newsletter
Family Caring for America's Retired and Elderly
September 30 - October 6, 2007

The Family C.A.R.E. Newsletter is dedicated to bringing its readers the best information I can find on issues that matter to family caregivers.

This week .... I am going to be getting the Family Caregiver Info site revised and up and running, so this newsletter is morphing. It is going to become a building blocks sneak peek at the things I am working on for the full scale newsletter that will be created for Family Caregiver Info. Kind of a working notebook for the full newsletter if that makes sense.

It will still be a full stand alone newsletter, but in a scattered eclectic manner as I compile notes here on things I am working on for the website newsletter.

Rebuilding Family Caregiver Info

Tonight I have decided I am going to move Family Caregiver Info onto my server, get it off my brother's server. I know he's getting tired of having it suck up space on his server and I really am way over-due on moving that site. I decided to forget about trying to keep it in tact as it is now, I am just going to scrap it and rebuild from scratch and see what I can come up with to make it into what I want the site to be.

So, goal for tonight - have Family Caregiver Info ready to relaunch by 6 a.m. tomorrow. Probably won't make that goal, but it is at least a worthwhile cause to aim for. Right?

Ford Blue Oval Scholars logo design contest

Ford has always been my favorite car company, anyone who knows me knows that. From my dad's 1969 F100 pickup 'Old Grandad', to my brother's fleet of Mustangs, we are a Ford family.

So, it is with great honor that I am able to tell you all about the design contest that Ford Blue Oval Scholars has going.

Ford Blue Oval Scholars, a scholarship program sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund, is looking for designers to design them a new logo. The winning logo will become the official logo for Ford Blue Oval Scholars and will be featured on the web site and in all materials relating to Ford Blue Oval Scholars.

There will be 10 winners selected from all eligible entries, with prizes awarded based on which position the winning entries fall under.

• 10th through 4th place will receive a $50 music download card
• 3rd place will receive $150 for design software of choice
• 2nd place will receive $300 for design software of choice
• And the 1st place winner will get Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium (a retail value of $1,700)

This competition is open to both amateur or professional designers with a limit of three (3) entries per individual. I know at least three of my readers are perfectly suited to this (looks meaningfully at my friend Von and my brothers), send me e-mails of what you enter - please?

For everyone else - Entrants in the logo design contest must be at least 16 years of age and a legal resident of the United States. You can find out complete details at the Ford Blue Oval Scholars website, and best of luck to all who enter.

Here is their current design to give you an idea of what they want you to exceed for them:

National Family Caregiver Month is fast approaching!

November is National Family Caregiver Month, that is the perfect time to pitch in and help a caregiver you know.

Something that I want to see happen is people write their congressmen and asking them to support bills that effect family caregivers. If we all send just one card this Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the things our seniors did and those that care for them today, then it could make a huge difference for family caregivers and those they provide care for.

I am going to be working on getting Family Caregiver Info up and going in time to be relaunched for November, and one of the things I plan to focus on is the importance of supporting family caregivers.

Did you know that under the current rules a family caregiver can not receive financial aid unless their care recipient is on state funded medicaid? And even then I do not believe that all 50 states have family caregiving covered by that.