Caregiver Blog

3 Tips For Using Continue Care™ System

2016-01-27T09:10:00-06:00

Tear off sections starting at the bottom to use the packages sequentially
Place your thumbs over the target on the Corinz™ packet and squeeze to burst before you peel open the package
Make sure the Suction Toothbrush or Suction Swab is saturated with solution before performing oral care

There are two different Continue Care™ systems available—one for cleaning the mouth three times a day and the other for cleaning four times a day. Both systems contain two Suction Toothbrushes so you can brush teeth twice a day. The other packages contain Suction Swabs for additional oral care between brushing.

Caregiving with purpose

2016-01-27T09:08:00-06:00

Christine and Liza’s story

My caregiving journey began about six years ago when my mother, Liza, developed a dual diagnosis of dementia and early Alzheimer’s. While watching my mother walk through life with this kind of disease, I’ve had to bear witness to something that’s gradually robbed her of memory, mobility, and speech.

For the most part, mom is non-verbal, but we still manage to communicate with each other—something I am grateful for. Even a small amount of communication let’s me know she’s still my mom. I know because small parts of her personality still shine through. Maybe it’s similar to the time when a child first communicates with a parent—how they coo and learn their syllables. It warms my heart in the same way when my mother manages to share even a few words.

It’s hard to see a disease take hold of someone you love and watch as it takes their independence away—especially because my mother has always been such a strong woman. She always stood up for what she believed in. And she taught me to do the same.

As a younger woman, I remember my mom marched in the 70s and 80s—she rallied for a local community center to be built—something that improved the quality of life for local families with younger children. Today, the same community center offers various workshops—like nutrition classes.

I also remember how my mom used to prepare deep fried catfish, turkey and dressing, and BBQ ribs—the best ribs I’ve ever tasted. Now mom relies on me and my daughter Tenà for her care. Now, this woman who used to feed us, we feed her. Thankfully, she still swallows food on her own—something we consider a blessing.

When I think about how I provide care for my mom, I suppose I’m following in her footsteps—doing what I believe in. That is to say, providing a home for her and a place where she feels familiar and comfortable. No way would I put mom in a nursing home.

When I think about what it takes to be a caregiver, it requires a certain physical and mental tenacity. Some days, when I know it’s going to be tough, all I can do is accept the challenge and try my best. Like when mom has no interest in taking her shower, she stiffens up like a two-by-four, arms clinched at her sides. And she’s a strong woman, so it’s challenging.

But she still needs her shower, so we figure out a way and we get it done.

Everyone has their own way of managing the tests and trials of caregiving. For me, prayer provides a source of inspiration and it gets me through the grueling days. But I realize, not everyone has that to fall back on.

Caregiving, especially 24/7 caregiving, goes way beyond any full time job. Still, even with all the challenges, I won’t let anything or anyone come in between my mom’s care. Sadly, I had to let a boyfriend know that. And it wasn’t easy.

When I think about the younger generation, I would like to see them learn the value of keeping their parents at home instead of sending them off to a nursing home. Because when our parents are gone—they’re gone. Keeping parents at home keeps them alive longer—and that’s just my opinion. But I think many caregivers will agree, because no one gives better care than a loving family member.

So you might wonder what brought us to Sage Products. We simply stumbled onto Comfort® Rinse Free Shampoo Caps and we really enjoy the product. Compared to washing mom’s hair the traditional way, with water and shampoo, using Sage brand shampoo caps makes hair washing so much easier. Especially on days when my mom digs her heels in and refuses a shower.

When I use the shampoo caps, I give mom a little extra TLC by massaging her scalp—something I know makes it more relaxing and enjoyable for her. When I glance down at her face, I see how much she enjoys it. Plus, it makes me feel good to give her that kind of quality care she deserves.

When people see my mom, they generally comment on how nice her hair looks and how soft her skin feels. I guess you can say I take a lot of pride in how my mom looks and feels—which is why I give her such quality personal care and choose to use high quality products like Comfort Rinse Free Shampoo Caps.

My Oral Care Story - Recovery from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

2012-09-07T11:37:00-05:00

I will never be able to thank you enough or express how life saving your oral care products were and how much they helped me through my recovery from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

I was in the hospital for four days and on admission already had developed bilateral corneal abrasions, mouth ulcers and bleeding lips. I was only drinking water through a straw.

I was given the hospitals hard toothettes to soak in water. I could not get them in my mouth without pain or bleeding. I couldn't get my toothbrush in my mouth, so I used my small finger and water to rinse my mouth.

I was sent home to struggle with this on my own, which was four frustrating days until your products arrived.

Finally relief! I first tried the moisturizer spray. I could finally swallow and produce some saliva. Your toothettes were so soft, I cautiously debrided my mouth and lips with the Perox-A-Mint solution no stinging or bleeding for the first time. It was wonderful, so then I used your small toothbrush and paste. So soft and no pain. Finally old food particles came out with ease.

I continued to use the products throughout the day especially the moisturizer spray. Within hours I was drinking so much better and producing saliva and finally able to fall asleep for a couple of hours at a time without mouth pain on waking.

My lips were severely swollen and bleeding. I was Prescribed Bacitracin ointment for several days and then I was able to use the mouth moisturer on my lips. So soothing.

After my experience, I feel it necessary to make my hospital aware of these products and to try to make them available to other patients that could also benefit from them.

Charlene German, RN
Clearwater, FL

Advanced oral care can reduce your risk for respiratory infection

2012-09-06T11:18:00-05:00

As seen in USA Today - Oral Health; Media Planet, August 2012

By Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN, Consultant

"Oral bacteria and its link to infection has been extensively studied and published in dental literature," said Robert Garcia, an Infection Control Preventionist at Stony Brook Medicine.

Risk factors for aspiration pneumonia (breathing foreign material into the lungs) include:

Dependent on others for oral care
Previously on hospital/nursing home ventilator
Trouble swallowing
Dry mouth

Helpful oral care interventions:

Brushing teeth after meals and before sleeping
Cleansing between brushings with an oral rinse
Moisturizing to help with natural saliva production
Regular professional dental assessment and treatment