Family Caregiver

Being a parent or a caregiver is demanding enough, but when someone assumes both of these roles (sometimes in addition to working), the result can be daunting. It is vital that caregivers acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses and ask for help.

My husband's dementia confused brain has allowed for some new strategies in tackling the alcohol use in our household. It is a daily struggle.

When my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, we thought our life, as we knew it, was over. But we've encountered some unexpected blessings along the way.

A personal care agreement is a contract between a care recipient and caregiver who provides their services for compensation. This binding contract defines a caregiver’s duties, ensures they’re paid fairly and safeguards a senior’s Medicaid eligibility.

Caregiver Blog: Sometimes I get so frustrated when trying to talk with my husband with dementia that I end up ignoring him and reading a book. I don't want to hurt him, but there comes a point when I just can't take it anymore.

Charlie just got a hearing aid, which he desperately needed, but I can't convince him to wear it.

Taking care of a husband with cancer while raising three kids younger than ten was a future I never expected when we first said "I do."

For Charlie and me, basic things like getting a haircut are now far from effortless. I can tell that our outings aren’t going to get any easier, and I’m worried about what the future holds.

Becoming the primary caregiver for a spouse in chronic pain goes beyond what might be easily imaginable. Asking for help, staying social, and using humor are just a few of the many valuable suggestions for this difficult task.

After more than 40 years, my childhood friend and I reconnected several years ago and were amazed to find that we fell back into step after all of those years. Our common connection: caregiving.

When your aging Mom or Dad needs help, the role of family caregiver can seem overwhelming. Use this five-step plan to ensure you’re prepared to care for an aging parent.

Most seniors and their adult children avoid talking about aging and long-term care planning, but sidestepping the issue can be risky. Use these 10 tips to get the conversation started and ensure your family is prepared for whatever may lie ahead.

When I moved home to take care of my dad, I was determined to make the most of every remaining second we had together. I envisioned fun outings and reminiscing about the past, but it turns out that he had other plans in mind.

A nationwide elder abuse analysis has led to a surprising conclusion that could cause older Americans to think twice about trusting their money to those nearest and dearest to them.

Eleven years have passed since my parents moved in with my husband and me. What I didn’t anticipate was that opening up our home to my mom and dad would, in a sense, shut the door to our refuge.

Members of the sandwich generation care for a combination of young kids, aging parents, adult children, grandparents and even grandchildren. Their situations may vary, but the one thing these caregivers have in common is their need for more support.

I often wonder why Mom is fighting so hard for so long. It recently dawned on me that she may literally have the "fear of God."

The progression of her Alzheimer's disease over the last eight years had been pretty much textbook. Still, nothing could have prepared us for the process of putting mom in memory care.

When we are confronted with a potentially fatal diagnosis for ourselves or a loved one, we can find ourselves caught up in endless cycle of "why." Don't get stuck questioning, take action for yourself and your loved ones.

As caregivers, how much do we owe our aging mothers? Learning to appreciate those who mothered us during our formative years and finding forgiveness in our hearts for those who faltered in these duties can help us come to terms with these relationships.