Caregiving

What is a staycation and how can it make caregiving during the summer easier? Let me explain. Read More

When it comes to providing quality care for a beloved aging parent, many a lesson are learned ‘on the job.’

Recognizing signs of cognitive decline, learning how to manage incontinence, getting loved ones out and exercising – and essentially becoming executive administrators of prescription refills, appointment wrangling and transportation – are just a handful of tasks you may already be dealing with. Read More

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy is known for her strength in the face of adversity, but few recognize that she was also a family caregiver. Rose’s first notable experience as a caregiver began when her daughter Rosemary Kennedy was diagnosed with an undetermined mental disability. Read More

There are 66 million family caregivers in the U.S. alone; 70% are female and 25% are Millennials. Caregivers suffer worsened health than non-caregivers and 40-60% report symptoms of depression. Some caregivers, like my sister, pre-decease the ones for whom they care. Read More

You may not think you’re susceptible to magical thinking, but don’t discount the possibility that it will make its presence felt when you least expect it. Read More

Nearly everyone knows someone affected by dementia. I’ve been exploring how faith communities can give practical support to people affected. Religious books such as the Bible and the Quran emphasise the importance of caring for the sick, the old, the frail and our parents. But people are not sure how to do that. Read More

Last year I experienced one of the great, unexpected joys of grand-motherhood. One lunchtime I introduced my then 18-month old grandson to my meatballs. Read More

Deciding between assisted living and in-home care is a tough choice.

When your parent or spouse needs assistance in their daily life, the first thing to do is understand the situation and create a realistic plan to help them live safely and comfortably. Read More

The recent PBS documentary, Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts, sounded an alarm and a wakeup call to the devastation being caused by dementia, including Alzheimer’s. As more and more people become impacted, it’s important to help family members, including children and the community-at-large, understand the disease so everyone knows how they can help.  Read More

Growing up, it felt as though we spent most Sundays visiting my Grandma in a nursing home. Some days she would be angry and combative. Others times she appeared listless and disinterested. She rarely remembered who I was and sometimes wasn’t even sure who my Mom – her daughter – was…