When We Become Caregivers, Friends May Disappear
Most people have not personally provided care for a loved one and therefore cannot fully understand everything that goes into being a family caregiver....
Relationships
How to Support a Friend Who Has a Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness, such as cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or an immune disorder, can be isolating and...
To Learn About Your Aging Parents’ Wishes, Nurture Your Connection
Dear Carol: I’m a new reader, so while you’ve probably answered this before, maybe you’d still help me out. My mom is 81 and...
Caregiving Needs to Be a Team Effort
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “there’s no I in team,” meaning that every member of a successful team puts selfishness aside and works...
Elder Care Needs Can Change in an Instant
During the years I cared for multiple elders, I grew to dread the ringing of the telephone. It seemed most calls meant emergencies. One...
Do Parents Really Want to Live with Their Adult Children?
It’s difficult to pinpoint how many aging parents live with their adult children, but there is certainly a lot more interest in this type...
Caregiver Stories about Medical Experiences Increase Awareness
Dear Carol: In “Replacing the term ‘caregiver’ with ‘care partner’ helps preserve dignity,” you wrote about medical people who talk over older adults. Here’s my story: I...
What to Look for When Visiting an Elder in Senior Housing
So, you and your loved one have taken the plunge. You’ve put in the time and effort to research senior housing options, take tours...
Coping with Caregiving: How to End the Habit of Emotional Eating
As far back as breast or formula feeding, most of us learned that a sweet taste meant care and comfort. As we grew into...
Journaling for Caregivers: Rediscover Yourself and Reclaim Your Life
At some point during your caregiving journey, you may find yourself in a rut. The awareness may come with a birthday, a change in...
