Respite care provides a temporary break for family caregivers. No matter how much you love the person you are caring for, caregiving is hard and can drain your personal and emotional resources. It is important to take time for yourself when you can. Respite care can be arranged for any amount of time from a few hours a week to…
A loss of independence is a fear many seniors have. When this fear is realized, there are several ways caregivers need to help. According to an AARP study, 57% of seniors over age 70 do not find it easy to live alone and need help with daily tasks. This loss of independence can take its toll on a senior’s psychological and physical well-being. Family…
It’ll take more than a jar of change to pay for the long-term care most people will need. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 52% of people turning 65 will need long-term care at some point. Yet less than 1/3 of Americans age 50+ have begun saving for long-term care. Many people are also confused about what government…
Getting together with family over the holidays can be fun and exciting. It also often brings to light the difficulties aging parents or loved ones may be having in their day-to-day life. (See recent article Holidays: A Chance to Assess). With the increasing number of aging Baby Boomers, more and more families will be confronting the issues of caregiving…
Mom was always the carefree ringleader of family fun. Yet lately, the family has noticed that she always seems worried about things. She wonders if she left the stove on. She doesn’t like to go to the grandchildren’s sports events, fearing they’ll be injured. Though she has a nice nest egg, she is concerned about running out of money. Everyone…
It’s already August, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the summer! Here are some ideas for you: Read a good book There’s nothing like a good book to help you escape the daily routine of life. In just seconds you could be embroiled in a mystery in post-war Barcelona (The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron),…
Do you own your possessions, or do your possessions own you? As we grow older, many of us must make decisions about what to do with a lifetime of belongings. In more extreme cases, families find themselves dealing with hoarding, a disorder which becomes more common as people grow older. Collecting or Hoarding? What’s the Difference? Hoarding is a popular…
Do you own your possessions, or do your possessions own you? As we grow older, many of us must make decisions about what to do with a lifetime of belongings. In more extreme cases, families find themselves dealing with hoarding, a disorder which becomes more common as people grow older. Collecting or Hoarding? What’s the Difference? Hoarding has been a…
Managing care for a parent or family member can be like bringing water to a slow boil – you may not notice how difficult it’s getting until you’re overwhelmed. If you’ve realized care has become more than you and your family can handle, it’s time to consider getting help. First, rest assured this doesn’t mean you have to move your…
