Celebrating the Human Side of Motherhood
Celebrate Mother's Day by remembering the women who've helped us throughout our lives. Now,as caregivers, it is our turn to care for them. Gain insight into your mothers life and forgive her for what may have been less than perfect mothering practices.
Breaking the News That a Loved One is Going on Hospice Care
Breaking the news that a loved one is going on hospice care can be a hard conversation to have with your family. If it’s up to you to inform a loved one that he or she would be more comfortable under hospice care there are steps you can take to get you through this difficult transition.
Should You Quit Your Job to Care for Your Elderly Parent?
Should you quit your job to become a full-time caregiver and stay home to care for your parents? Here are 6 things to consider before quitting your job to care for your elderly parents.
Who Is Worse Off: People with Alzheimer’s or Their Caregivers?
A person with Alzheimer's disease faces a life-altering and ultimately terminal disease. However, Alzheimer's caregivers might have it worse than Alzheimer's patients.
Two for One: Caring for Two Elders at the Same Time
Many caregivers find themselves getting two-for-one: being the primary caregiver for two elderly people at the same time. Caring for an elderly parent can be a full-time job and caregivers tend to experience caregiver burnout when trying to care for one of more parent.
Was Putting Your Parent in a Nursing Home a Mistake?
The decision to put your parent in a nursing home makes caregivers feel guilty and makes caregivers start to wonder if putting their parent in a nursing home was the right decision. How do you cope if you think putting your parent in a nursing home was a mistake?
When Adult Grandchildren Become the Primary Caregiver
It may surprise people to know that there are a significant number of young people barely out of their teens who have become caregivers for their grandparents. Many grandchildren caring for their grandparents come up against obstacles that are quite overwhelming for people so young.
Grandpa is Scary: How Kids Cope with Alzheimer's in Grandparents
Having a grandparent with Alzheimer's can be scary and confusing for children. Here's how to help them understand the changes because of Alzheimer’s or dementia to Grandma or Grandpa.
Valentine's Day: When a Loved One Can't Understand the Holidays
Celebrating special occasions when one or more of the people involved can't participate is hard. When an elder has Alzheimer's or Dementia and they no longer understand the significance of holidays do we follow through, or do we pretend the special day doesn't exist?
Why Your Ill Parent Fools the Doctor and What to do About It
When your parent is not truthful during a doctor visit they risk an incorrect diagnosis. Tips for talking with the doctor and your parent before and during a doctor visit.
When One Parent Dies the Other Often Needs a Caregiver
The death of one parent often becomes a time for planning for the care of the surviving parent. Caregiving can often start when one parent dies and the remaining parent needs helps adjusting and grieving.
New Year’s Resolutions: Time for a Caregiver Attitude Adjustment?
The New Year is a good time psychologically for an attitude adjustment. As a caregiver, make New Years Resolutions that will help your emotions and health and plan to do something differently this year than you did last year.
Reducing Loneliness in Elders around the Holidays
Elders can experience loneliness during the holiday season. The holidays can bring isolation, loss, and a feeling of loneliness to an elderly loved one even though holidays should be happy times.
Caring for Someone Else When You Have Breast Cancer
Having breast cancer and caring for an elderly loved one is difficult. It is important that the caregiver with breast cancer take care of themselves and their breast cancer before caring for their elder.
Making Holidays Special for Your Elders…No Matter Where They Live
Celebrate your holiday with your elderly loved ones whether your parent lives at home, with you, in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. There are small things you can do to make the holidays special for the whole family.
Rebuilding Your Life After the Death of Your Care Receiver
What happens when the person you're caring for dies? Moving into the next stage of our lives after the person you're caregiving for dies, requires a change in attitude, and unique steps for each of us.
Can Hospitalization Lead to Dementia?
Hospitalized elders sometimes experience trauma that may trip the dementia trigger. "Hospital delirium" occurs when an elderly person suffers extreme cognitive decline after a hospitalization.
If You Knew Then What You Know Now: Hindsight for Caregivers
A hindsight view about caregiving. If experienced caregivers could go back in time what advice would they give themselves about caregiving?
What To Do When You're Unhappy with Your Loved One's Care
You shouldn't expect another caregiver to give as much immediate attention to your elderly relative as you do. But if you see signs of neglect or abuse, act quickly.
What Should a Caregiver Who Is Diagnosed with Dementia Do?
It's not uncommon for caregivers of dementia patients to receive dementia diagnoses themselves. If you receive a dementia diagnosis, how can you prepare for the future?
How to Tell If You Have Early-Stage Dementia
If you are a caregiver, particularly of someone with dementia, you may be worried that you too may be developing the disease. Learn the signs of early-stage dementia.
How to Fire Mom's Doctor, or Get a Second Opinion
Although everyone has a right to a second opinion or to question a doctor's choices, sometimes it is hard to challenge a physician who has taken care of a senior for years. Here's how to make the approach without jeopardizing your parent's care.
Father's Day Memories: Dementia or Not, He’ll Always Be Your Dad
Father's Day is a great time -- to remember the person your father used to be before Dementia or Alzheimer's disease set in. The truth is: your dad is still that person, and always will be.
Five Questions All Caregivers Should Ask Themselves
What should you know about caregiving? How do you know if you can handle the responsibilities and time commitments of taking care of your mom and dad - while keeping your own sanity and protecting your other relationships? Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if caregiving is for you.
New Caregivers: What to Expect
New to caregiving? Are you now responsible for taking care of an elderly parent? Here are some helpful tips on what new caregivers should expect as they take on the role of family caregiver.