For nearly four years I’ve been the primary writer for the Trib’s Caregiver magazine. I started work on the project when I was still on staff and it’s continued to be my baby as a freelancer. Over the years we’ve written a number of articles of which I’m extremely proud and that I hope help serve the growing caregiver population here in Western Pennsylvania on subjects that include autism, Alzheimer’s and dementia, caring for the caregiver, caregiving in the time of the opioid crisis and more.

Some of the stories in the latest issue include:

• A feature on Delay the Disease, a unique exercise program targeting Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers that is taught in a number of locations in Western Pa.
• A look back at 50 years of the Special Olympics in Westmoreland County
• Tips for traveling with loved ones suffering from memory issues
• A feature on Jumping Jack Theater, a children’s theater group founded in Pittsburgh that not only offers sensory-friendly performances but also creates original content in which the characters are on the spectrum

Here’s a link to the latest issue:

http://advertisers.triblive.com/caregiver/

The magazine comes out four times a year and for each issue I enjoy seeking out the stories that will be not only interesting but also useful for caregivers. Being a caregiver, as anyone who’s been there knows, has more than its share of ups and downs and with every issue we strive to find stories that inspire and entertain while also tackling some of the harder subjects.

Here are a few more examples of stories I’ve written for past issues:

• A feature on kinship care, focused particularly on grandparents who are raising children during the opioid crisis
• How to help loved ones avoid making medication mistakes
• What to do when it’s time to take the keys from mom or dad, and how to have that conversation and handle the situation without stripping your loved one’s independence and dignity
• What to know about medical marijuana in the state of Pennsylvania
• How to find the right day care and/or respite care
• A feature on a local veteran who founded a ranch where service members suffering from PTSD can go for camaraderie, respite and healing
• A profile on Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, his experiences raising a daughter with Prader-Willi Syndrome and his work as spokesman for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association