Blog

Pacing yourself

November 27, 2023 — If you develop health problems—mental or physical—what happens to your loved one? Their well-being depends on yours. So it’s vital that you keep yourself healthy and in balance, for your sake as well as theirs. Not taking the time to do this is the biggest regret of former caregivers. There is always a way. Take... Read More

Financial/legal aspects of caregiving

November 20, 2023 — Look for financial support for caregiving Medicare doesn’t pay for home care or other nonmedical support. You’ll need to find other options. Benefits. Does your loved one have long-term care insurance? Did they serve in the armed forces? (If so, they may be eligible for veteran benefits.) BenefitsCheckup.org may uncover other sources. Local programs. Are... Read More

Family Caregiving 101

November 13, 2023 — Family caregivers typically spend four to five years caring for an aging relative. While gratifying, it can also be overwhelming. Pacing yourself for the long haul is part of the solution. This issue of our newsletter outlines the top support strategies recommended by millions of family caregivers who have come before you. Take advantage of... Read More

Flying with oxygen

November 6, 2023 — If your relative needs medical oxygen, it’s crucial that you plan ahead for plane travel. From oxygen requirements to battery power, you need to be sure they have enough to cover the whole trip. (You don’t want to run out midair!) You’ll need to cover not only the flight, but layovers and inevitable delays. First,... Read More

Curbing your perfectionism

October 30, 2023 — If you are a perfectionist, you may have noticed that your high standards often backfire. Despite your best intentions, you actually accomplish less. Research confirms this. Studies also show that perfectionism frequently leads to anxiety, depression, and difficult relationships. With a gentler approach, you can still have goals and standards as a family caregiver. And... Read More

Affordable funerals

October 23, 2023 — We are all vulnerable to an upsell when we want to honor a deceased family member. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission offers some protection in the form of standards all funeral homes must follow. This enables you to make apples-to-apples comparisons. For instance, you have the right to price information when you phone. And an... Read More

Physical therapy and pain relief

October 16, 2023 — Pain is no fun, whether in a knee, a neck, or elsewhere in the body. There are drugs that dull pain. But they don’t cure the problem. Plus, prescription drugs usually have side effects or are addictive. Physical therapy (PT) is a proven treatment that can relieve pain and in some instances, cure the problem.... Read More

What is hoarding?

October 9, 2023 — Perhaps you wonder if your family member is a “hoarder.” (You may even harbor secret fears about yourself!) We all have cherished possessions. From trophies to teacups. Spare buttons to cans of half-used paint. But hoarding is different. Most of us can determine when we have “enough.” And we can decide to stop buying things... Read More

Senior move managers

October 2, 2023 — Does your loved one need to downsize? Move? Does the prospect seem overwhelming? Perhaps not just physically, but emotionally too? Enter the senior move manager: Part mover, part interior decorator, part compassionate friend. These professionals take a holistic approach. They handle the physical logistics. They are also skilled at assisting older adults with the emotional... Read More

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

September 25, 2023 — Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for a cluster of conditions that makes up about 10 percent of dementia cases. It’s the most common form when dementia occurs before age 65. What sets FTD apart is a sudden and dramatic change. Often in a person’s behavior. But speech and/or movement abilities can be affected.... Read More