Category: Caregiving
Life is demanding. More so when you are caring for others. The responsibilities of caring for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding on your physical, mental, financial, emotional, and social health. Just as flight attendants advise at the beginning of every flight to “put your own oxygen mask […]
My friend Betsy Fitzgerald, care partner to a lung transplant survivor with metastatic cancer, recently shared an update: “I’ve been mending my life, Kintsugi, patching broken pieces together. It is not easy; some pieces are sharp edged, some not quite fitting, some missing. We do the best we can.” Her role as a care partner […]
What is a long-distance caregiver? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a long-distance caregiver is anyone, anywhere, no matter your gender, income, age, social status, or employment, living an hour’s drive or more away from a person who needs your help. Take Tom, for example – he’s one of one of six siblings and […]
Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Equipping yourself for the long term is essential. Just as you would never participate in a marathon without proper preparation, you shouldn’t start your caregiving journey without planning and the right supports. To ensure a smooth journey, here are some key resources and professionals to engage:
Having concerns about your parents’ health and well-being as they age is normal, yet incredibly stressful. As an adult child, it is also common to struggle with striking the right balance between supporting your parents’ desire for autonomy and ensuring their safety. According to AARP, approximately 42 million adults provide uncompensated care to an adult […]
Caring for an older adult living with cognitive or health changes can be physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially challenging. Due to the broad range of responsibilities that can be required of family caregivers, self-care is essential. While there are many ways to care for yourself, I’ve found that attending a caregiver support group is an […]
With holidays on the horizon, many of us are making plans to gather with family and friends. These gatherings often involve lively conversation, exchanging gifts, and other celebrations of the season. Preparing our favorite foods and lots of eating are at the center of these get-togethers. Eating brings joy. Food engages all the senses, especially […]
There are currently over 4 million active podcasts, which is a testament to their popularity. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics from cooking, the arts, and politics to book reviews, health, and family caregiving. Whether you are new to the family caregiver journey or finding your stride, podcasts can offer a beneficial listening experience […]
Respite, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “an interval of rest or relief.” We all need rest, a break from the daily demands of life. This is especially true for family care partners. Respite is a necessity that is often overlooked, yet it is an essential part of every caregiver’s own care.
As a family caregiver, whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, you know the journey is not an over-and-done scenario, it’s a marathon. The key to a successful marathon is planning, preparing, and pacing. This especially applies to special occasions, which typically take more energy and thought. Care partners, this is your […]