Haley Kotwicki

Haley Kotwicki has many years of experience with family caregiving, especially with older adults. She has a background in journalism and is currently the content specialist ComForCare and At Your Side Home Care.

Recent Posts

To My Caregiver: What I Want to Tell You

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on October 31, 2018 at 10:45 AM

Every day at 5 a.m., I hear you wake up across the hall, unraveling yourself from the bed covers. You walk quietly to the kitchen as not to disturb me, so I can continue to sleep. You brew the coffee for us, count out my pills for the morning and set everything on my breakfast tray. As you enter my room, you call my name sweetly, “Mom?” I open my eyes to see a fatigued but smiling woman. You help me sit up in bed, guide my hand so I can drink and place my medications on my tongue. You help me bathe and dress. You lift me into my wheelchair and comb my hair, parted the way you know I like. Then, you hustle to get yourself ready for the day: work deadlines, PTA meetings, etc.
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Topics: Caregiving

12 Tips on What to Do Before, During and After Doctor Appointments

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on October 9, 2018 at 8:00 AM

There are momentous occasions in a person’s life: getting a driver’s license, having a child, graduating school, or, often overlooked, becoming the caregiver of a parent or another older loved one.

Caregiving can take many forms. Family caregivers often accompany their parent to their doctor appointments and possibly even sit in the exam room with them. While there’s no studying involved for this exam, it’s important to be prepared, especially when you are advocating care for someone else. Below are 12 suggestions on what to do before, during and after a visit with the doctor.

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Robot Pets Make Good Companions for Seniors

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on June 13, 2018 at 8:00 AM

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” – Helen Keller

Companionship is one of the most important necessities in life, like shelter and food. Having someone to talk to or attend outings with can make for better, happier days. Sometimes, though, the best companion is a furry, feathered or scaly friend to cuddle and care for. While owning a pet or interacting with an animal may not be possible for everyone, older adults can still gain the benefits of pets through robots.

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Topics: Aging, Activities and Lifestyle

Bring the Outside In: Plants That Purify Air

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on May 2, 2018 at 8:00 AM

For older adults, gardening can be beneficial to their overall health and well-being. While some seniors may not have access to a garden or be unable physically to plant and weed, they can still enjoy the beauty and health benefits of indoor plants, specifically those that purify the air inside homes.

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Topics: Activities and Lifestyle, Healthy Living

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Medication Safety Week

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on April 2, 2018 at 9:00 AM

While medications are created to help heal illnesses or manage the symptoms of chronic diseases, prescribed drugs can also be dangerous if not taken correctly. 
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Topics: Caregiving, Safety, Healthy Living

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act Is Signed Into Law

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on March 13, 2018 at 4:21 PM

RAISE (which stands for Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage) focuses on providing relief to those who care for a relative or close loved one. Family caregivers don’t have to provide just personal care to qualify. The RAISE Act can help any family caregiver who provides housekeeping, financial and medical assistance.

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Topics: Home Care Planning, Caregiving

Noticing Changes in Your Loved Ones After the Holidays

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on January 17, 2018 at 9:00 AM

The whirl of the holiday season is behind us, and while you’re left with happy memories, you may looking back and paying more attention to the irregularities you noticed in your older relatives’ home or behavior. Maybe you are starting to wonder if they need some help with everyday activities.

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Holidays, Activities and Lifestyle

6 Easy, Healthy Meal Ideas for Older Adults

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on January 3, 2018 at 9:00 AM

Adequate nutrition can help older adults maintain muscle mass, increase their energy levels, reach an appropriate weight and much more. Make it easier for your older loved one to eat well and be well: Try out these simple meal ideas that follow the guidelines of MyPlate.gov and the National Council on Aging. Be sure to talk to your loved one’s dietitian or doctor before they start a new diet or new foods.

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Topics: Aging, Healthy Living

5 Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on December 18, 2017 at 8:00 AM

Finding a home care agency to watch over a parent, grandparent, spouse or another older loved one is a serious responsibility. Do you know what to look for in a home care agency to ensure you’re choosing the best for your loved one?

Here are five questions to ask when selecting an agency:

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Caregiving, Finances

Holiday Hacks for the Busy Family Caregiver

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on December 4, 2017 at 10:53 AM

Recently, my mom and I were watching the Hallmark channel and discussing upcoming gatherings and parties. By the time we started listing our to-dos for the season, we weren’t feeling the holiday spirit. It seems as you get older, the holidays become less joyous and more laborious -- cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, etc. Plus, if you are a family caregiver, then you’re doing the same on behalf of or for your older loved one.

This year, though, I’m going to hack the holidays and beat the system. I want my family to make memories and have fun without everyone being stressed. I can hear you shouting, “Yes, me too!”

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Topics: Aging, Caregiving, Holidays, Activities and Lifestyle

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