Cindy Laverty is a Caregiver Coach and Founder of The Care Company, an online support website for family caregivers. Through programs, coaching and products, Cindy is dedicated to empowering family caregivers.

Answers

Question

How do you know when it's time to admit, it has gotten way too big for me to handle?


Dear Brookeb, You are at a crossroads with caregiving for your mother, because it sounds like the situation has gotten out of control and... see more

Question

My fragile 93-yr old Dad wishes to join Mom in heaven. What can I do?


Dear DeeCent, In answer to your first question, the Paramedics do not decide, if you have all the necessary paperwork in place stating... see more

Question

How did you explain taking time off of work for caregiving when you re-entered the job market?


You tell the truth. As caring for aging parents becomes part of the everyday scenario in corporate America, the more family caregivers are... see more

Question

I've created a dependency on me, yet I can't keep up with all that is expected of me. Any input?


Hi B, First, good for you that you recognize what is going on in your life. So many caregivers don't see the problem until it is too... see more

Question

Would it be wrong or smart to take life insurance out on my dad?


It's absolutely not wrong. Finances are a large part of caregiving. You have to find out if it's possible though to take out a life... see more

Question

Mom moved into Alzheimer's assisted living. We both have separation anxiety! Has anyone else gone through thi...


Hvluv2ski...What you are experiencing is completely normal and if you weren't feeling this way, something would be abnormal. You have... see more

Question

How do I tell my Alzheimers mom that I have to take control of her mail and change the address to my own?


Who has Power of Attorney for Finances? If she still has POA then you need to meet with an attorney and get legal advice about how to... see more

Question

Anyone else have an elderly parent half deaf, with mobility issues that REFUSES to go to assisted living?


You have given your mother the very best care possible. It sounds like her condition has gotten to the point where you are no longer able... see more

Question

How do I deal with the pain of placing my mom in a nursing home?


Dear prettymom46 - what you have shared here is so important and beautifully expressed because you have spoken from the heart. What you are... see more

Question

What do you do when your siblings do not help with the caregiving, when your mother is emotionally dependent o...


Dear 2yng2betired, You clearly have quite a difficult situation on your hands and I hesitate to say this, but there is nothing you can do... see more

Question

What happens when a female caregiver is required to bathe a male elder?


Like with many things in caregiving, you do this delicately and respectfully. You have to disassociate any gender role and explain that you... see more

Question

What are the pros and cons of giving energy drinks to elderly parents?


Please do not give your mother Red Bull, especially since she has Afib and hypertension. Red Bull is not going to give her sustained energy... see more

Question

How do you deal with a mean spirited mother when you have given her the best quality of life?


Isn't it interesting how one moment of clarity can change your whole perspective. Wonderful...happy for you!

Question

How do you deal with a mean spirited mother when you have given her the best quality of life?


Dear golfgirl07...It doesn't sound selfish at all. It sounds like you finally realized that YOU MATTER! I think it's great. :)

Question

How do you deal with a mean spirited mother when you have given her the best quality of life?


Dear Golfgirl07...What a shift you have had in your thinking. I'm interested to know what changed for YOU? What happened for you?... see more

Question

How do you deal with a mean spirited mother when you have given her the best quality of life?


Boundary setting is one of the most crucial aspects of being a caregiver. We are treated based on the strength or weakness of our... see more

Question

I'm young and taking care of my Grandmother, and I don't want to end up resenting my mom. How do I deal with t...


Dear Allie, There is great advice and empathy coming your way in this conversation. I don't want to reiterate the conversation but this... see more

Question

Is it at all worthwhile to help the elderly (85+yrs) to go online & have a Facebook account?


My Mom is 83 and I just signed her up for Facebook. It's amazing how many friends she has that she doesn't even know. They are all... see more

Question

How do you care for a mother that hates you and tries to hurt me when I am near?


Eddie gave you great advice. You can only do so much and if you are turned away or treated badly at every turn, you have to decide what you... see more

Question

What can I do if we have elderly parents who are being taken advantage of by one son?


Thank you for your incredible honesty about your family's situation. This has to be difficult to share and it took courage. It's... see more

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