The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself (2017), by Linda Abbit

Linda Abbit, founder of Tender Loving Eldercare and a veteran of the caregiving industry, shares her advice on taking care of an older parent or loved one and how to handle everything that goes along with this dramatic life change.

Being a caregiver can be a difficult role. It requires patience, tenderness, selflessness, and hard work. Providing care for someone, whether it’s a parent, a loved one, or as a professional requires a high level of self-love and self-care. But while it may be a rewarding experience to care for a loved one, the emotional and physical stress of caregiving can lead to burnout and exhaustion—causing caregivers to put themselves and their own well-being in the background.

How can you fulfill your role as a caregiver without losing yourself? Conscious Caregiver teaches you how to navigate caring for your loved one, whether it’s full-time in-house caregiving or hiring support from outside services. With information on how to talk to your loved ones about the situation, handle the emotional stress, stay financially secure, and take the time to care for yourself, this guide can help you care for your loved one and yourself at the same time.

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Adams Media
ISBN: 978-1440597732

 The SPIO Knee Length Lower Body Orthosis assists with primary sensory awareness deficits in lower extremities and lower trunk. SPIO is a flexible bracing system that provides deep pressure for support and feedback.

• Designed with a higher back side to accommodate diapers
• Ideal for spastic diplegia, sensory awareness and stability
• Elastic waistband
• Made of a Lycra blend with multi-directional stretch
• SPIO material is lightweight, wicking and breathable

Benefits

• Improves balance
• Improves muscle control and tone
• Improves respiratory mechanics
• Decreases response latency
• Reduces involuntary movements 

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Safety Features

• Latex free

Specs for Lower Body Orthosis

Material
Silicone elastic

Sizing

The Pencil Grip is the original ergonomic writing aid. Writing becomes easy and natural. The Pencil Grip improves handwriting, helps to give more control, and reduces hand fatigue. Its unique, patented design gently encourages the fingers and hand to rest in the proper position for gripping – The Tripod Grip. Unlike other pencil grips, The Pencil Grip feels natural because of its ergonomic design and soft, flexible, latex-free material.

• Designed by a doctor
• #1 Grip recommended by therapists to help kids write 
• The unique shape is designed to be “one size fits all” to help the hands of kids and adults, and works for both righties and lefties
• Fits on pencils, primary pencils, pens, crayons, markers, paint brushes, etc.
• Arthritis Foundation recommended as "easy" and "comfortable"  

Benefits

• Relieves pain, fatigue, white knuckling and improves comfort
• Prevents the thumb wrap
• Improves handwriting

Pencil Grip Glitter is a dazzling edition of the original ergonomic writing aid. Writing becomes easy and natural. The Pencil Grip improves handwriting, helps to give more control, and reduces hand fatigue. Its unique, patented design gently encourages the fingers and hand to rest in the proper position for gripping – The Tripod Grip. Unlike other pencil grips, The Pencil Grip feels natural because of its ergonomic design and soft, flexible, latex-free material.

• Benefits adults, children, righties and lefties                                        
• #1 Grip recommended by therapists to help kids write
• Designed by doctors, tested by kids, approved by parents
• Fits on pencils, pens, crayons and many drawing and writing tools       
• Kids customize their school supplies and love the bright colors!
• Great for adults with arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and tremors

Benefits

• Reduces hand pain, reduces fatigue, and improves comfort
• Teaches and reinforces the proper grip
• Stops common problems like fist grips, thumb wrapping, and white-knuckling

The Touch and Feel Picture Cards are a fun and engaging card set that lets your child feel the different textures of the horse and lizard, smell the distinct aromas of apples and roses and much, much more! Learn the entire alphabet and many beginning words in Sign Language and Braille.

The SENSEsational Alphabet is an interactive card set focusing on integrated sensory methods to learning. This enables children, regardless of strengths and weaknesses, to build a basis for fundamental communication skill development. These cards incorporate visual stimuli, touch, smell, Braille, and Sign Language, with each card having a unique and exciting feature.

Specs for Touch and Feel Picture Cards

Weight
8.5 oz

Dimensions
9 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches

Build your own 3" snowman and let it melt before your eyes!

• Kit includes: reusable melting putty, hat, scarf, eyes, nose, hats and arms
• Ages 3+

Materials
Non-toxic Putty, ABS Parts

The Writing C.L.A.W. is designed for proper grip development. With the writing CLAW, children do not need to think about the mechanics of the correct grip. The grip builds the positive habit of an efficient grip and produces improved handwriting and control. Sold individually, in a 6 pack (small only), or a 12 pack (medium only). 

• For both righties and lefties 
• Markings on the underside of the 'finger cups' instruct proper placement
• Used in schools and pediatric clinics across the nation
• Recommended by occupational therapists, teachers and principals
• The extremely flexible connection of the CLAW works for holding pencils, pens, crayons, markers, utensils and paintbrushes

Sizing

Small: 2 years through Kindergarten
Medium: K-6th grade

The THERABAND Hand Xtrainer is the ultimate tool for progressive hand therapy, perfect for home hand exercise or clinic use. The Xtrainer safely supports hot and cold therapy either with a refrigerator or microwave. It is an ideal replacement for putty that supports a variety of finger, hand, wrist and forearm exercises with applications ranging from rehab and stretching to strength training. 

• Hand wash with soap and warm water
• Can be dusted with corn starch to reduce stickiness

Benefits

• Helps improve hand, finger, and upper arm strength
• Redirects energy into focused exercise

Needs Fulfilled

• Tactile and proprioceptive input

Specs for Xtrainer

Dimensions
7 x 8 x 5 inches

TheraPutty Exercise Putty (1 lb) is the standard in resistive hand exercise material. Each color-coded putty has a different consistency ranging from xx-soft for strengthening the weakest grasp to extra-firm for developing a stronger grip.

• Great for rehabilitation, exercises, hand therapy, and occupational therapy
• Antimicrobial

Benefits

• Helps improve fine motor skills including hand and finger strength and grip
• Use to practice flexion, extension, press, pinch, and adduction exercises
• Creative play
• Supports sensory integration and tactile seeking habits
• Improves mood and focus

Needs Fulfilled

• Tactile and proprioceptive input

Safety Features

• Latex, gluten, and casein-free
• Nontoxic

Bring the classic game of X's & O’s to the next level with our Tic-Tac-Toe Gel Pad! It's the perfect solution to kids' backseat boredom, and you won't have to break out the good china like you would with the regular version. Problem-solving, social play, and family-friendly fun for any time of day - what's not to love?

• Use with adult supervision
• Do not stand or sit on maze
• Ages 5+

This item is not available in store and is shipped directly from the manufacturer.

Benefits

• Helps develop fine motor skills including hand/eye coordination and finger strength
• Helps develop cognitive skills including problem solving and creative play
• Encourages social play and turn taking

Needs Fulfilled

• Tactile input

Specs for Tic-Tac-Toe Gel Pad

Dimensions
10”w x 10”d

Weight
2 lbs

Materials
Nylon, non-toxic gel, marbles

Tickles the Turtle moves quickly! Kid-friendly Tickles the Turtle provides localized vibration for a mini massage. Reduce tension and wake up tired muscles so kids can calm and focus. Stimulating and fun, and a great fidget toy too! Power off for a rolling massage without the vibration.

• Requires two AA batteries (not included)
• Ages 3+

Benefits

• Encourages relaxation and improves attentiveness 
• Stimulates somatosensory system 
• Helps children with low arousal wake up their sensory systems
• Can help target proprioceptive system and improve body awareness and muscle engagement

Need Fulfilled

• Vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile input

Safety Features

• This product is tested by an independent and accredited third-party lab and meets or exceeds government safety standards for heavy metals, phthalates and physical and mechanical hazards

Specs for Tickles the Turtle

Material
ABS Plastic

Dimensions
4”L x 3”H

Weight
6.1 oz

Available with either a red disk or black disk - the high contrast disk and braille numbers, along with the the open-face design, allows for a tactile experience while also encouraging learning Braille. The Time Timer Braille 8" visual timer can be displayed on a flat surface with rubberized feet to keep in place, or upright with foldable feet. The high contrast disk aids low vision users to discern the time remaining. The numbers on the disk use the Nemeth Code, a Braille system specifically designed for mathematical and technical content. There is an optional audible final alert.

• 60 minute timer
• Requires 1 AA battery (not included)

Benefits

• Helps everyone "see" time, therefore increasing focus and self-regulation
• Helps manage activities and reduce stress of transitions
• Eases testing anxiety as students are able to see at a glance how much time is left
• Helps to avoid confrontations over shared resources
• Keeps meetings on schedule
• Manages speakers, presentations and breaks at large events
• Coordinates practice time and game breaks

Specs for Timer

Dimensions
7.5 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches

Make time visible and irresistibly adorable with the Time Timer® MOD + Protect Case Bunny. This soft, removable silicone cover is designed to protect your Time Timer MOD while adding a playful touch kids and kids-at-heart love. Featuring a cute bunny body and a gentle color palette, it’s the perfect visual timer for homes, classrooms, therapy settings, and anywhere young learners or sensory-sensitive individuals need a little time support.

Built to be both fun and functional, the Protect Bunny Case offers drop protection tested up to 5 feet, making it ideal for environments where timers may be knocked, bumped, or even thrown by children or clients. Its soft silicone construction provides a cushioned grip that’s easy for small hands to hold, and offers reassuring protection for parents, teachers, and therapists alike.

Whether you're supporting a child with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other cognitive differences, the Time Timer MOD + Protect Bunny Case helps make time management a little more comforting and a lot more delightful.

• Requires 1 AA battery (not included)
• Includes: 1 MOD 60-minute Visual Timer in Rainbow Wheel (purple disk), 1 Bunny Silicone Case

Benefits

• Helps everyone "see" time, therefore increasing focus and self-regulation
• Soft bunny ears and gentle colors make time less scary and more approachable for young learners
• The rainbow disk provides a colorful cue for how much time remains, supporting transitions and emotional regulation
• Soft silicone is easy to grip and safe to fidget with, especially helpful for kids who self-soothe through touch
• Helps to avoid confrontations over shared resources
• Coordinates practice time and game breaks

Need Fulfilled

• Visual input

Specs for MOD + Protect Case Bunny

Dimensions
5.1 x 4.1 x 2.4 inches

Materials
Soft-touch silicone case; plastic timer

Time Timer’s Original 12” is an ideal 60-minute countdown timer for groups or large room settings - it can easily be seen from across any room! The visual timer has a clear lens that protects the patented red disk. With its magnetic back and foldable feet, the timer can be displayed a multitude of ways. It's perfect for a workspace or learning center at home or in the classroom or the office.

• Included with the Time Timer 12" is a 3x3 inch Dry Erase Activity card that can be slotted into the top of the timer for visual schedules and time-to-task management
• On/off switch for the audible alert
• No loud ticking
• A glare-free lens protects the colored disk
• Two AA batteries required (not included)
• Winner of the Teachers Choice Award

Benefits

• Helps everyone "see" time, therefore increasing focus and self-regulation
• Helps manage activities and reduce stress of transitions
• Eases testing anxiety as students are able to see at a glance how much time is left
• Helps to avoid confrontations over shared resources
• Keeps meetings on schedule
• Manages speakers, presentations and breaks at large events
• Coordinates practice time and game breaks

Need Fulfilled

• Visual input

Specs for the Original 12”

Weight
1.91 lbs

The Original 8” is an ideal 60-minute countdown timer for groups or large room settings - it can easily be seen from across any room! The visual timer has a clear lens that protects the patented red disk. With its magnetic back and foldable feet, the timer can be displayed a multitude of ways. It's perfect for a workspace or learning center at home or in the classroom or the office.

• Included with the Time Timer 8" is a 3x3 inch Dry Erase Activity card that can be slotted into the top of the timer for visual schedules and time-to-task management
• On/off switch for the audible alert
• No loud ticking
• A glare-free lens protects the colored disk
• Two AA batteries required (not included)
• Winner of the Teachers Choice Award

Benefits

• Helps everyone "see" time, therefore increasing focus and self-regulation
• Helps manage activities and reduce stress of transitions
• Eases testing anxiety as students are able to see at a glance how much time is left
• Helps to avoid confrontations over shared resources
• Keeps meetings on schedule
• Manages speakers, presentations and breaks at large events
• Coordinates practice time and game breaks

Need Fulfilled

• Visual input

Specs for the Original 8”

Dimensions
7.5 inches x 1.25 inches x 7.5 inches

Weight
12.3 oz

Time Timer’s Twist is a 90 minute digital visual timer.  It is an easy-to-use and fun time management tool great for kids and adults. To use, simply turn the outer ring until you get to your desired time, then push the play button. A digital display shows at a glance how much time remains.

• Play / Pause button for quick starts and easy pause functionality
• Digital tick marks appear when timer is actively running
• Duration of timer appears in the center
• Quiet count down
• Alarm can be turned off by touch or stops after 1 minute of alerting
• Magnetic back
• 1 AAA battery required (not included)

Specs for Twist

Weight
3.1 oz

Dimensions
3.5” x 1”

Time Tracker Visual Timer and Clock is an audio and visual timer that is simple to program, and has a large, easy-to-view lighted display. Perfect for classroom or home.

• Alarms from 1 second to 24 hours
• Internal clock powered by back-up battery
• Green, yellow, and red lights show elapsed time and provide 180 degree viewing
• Easy-to-use auto mode and fully customizable timer mode
• Requires 4 AAA batteries (not included) and 2 LR44 batteries (included)
• Ages 5+

Benefits

• Facilitates independent time management skills
• Eases transitions

Need Fulfilled

• Social and Emotional Development

Specs for Time Tracker

Weight
1.05 lbs

Dimensions
5.4"D x 8.6"W x 5.3"H

Predecessor to the fidget spinner, the Tiny Tin Top is a lightweight classic.

• Ages 4+

Benefits

• Helps develop fine motor skills
• Improves mood and focus

Need Fulfilled

• Visual input