Topic: age in place
When it comes to mom and dad, each adult child’s relationship with their parents is different. This can trigger conflict and misunderstandings as parents grow older and family input, support, and collaboration are needed.
It’s natural for disagreements to occur, even in families with strong functional relationships. However, when parents are experiencing memory and health changes, it can create tension. Rare is the family who are all on the same page and managing decisions and tasks smoothly. …
Clash of the Siblings: How to navigate family dynamics when your parent needs helpRead More »
As many family caregivers can attest, caring for a loved one who has a chronic or progressive health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging. As well as isolating.
You give it your all day in and day out, through the laughter and tears. No matter the duties, you’re ready to tackle them one by one. Some tasks are large, others small. Some responsibilities are intimate and others mundane.
There are days when the edges of life seem to poke and chafe and there is little relief in sight. But then come the moments or even weeks where the routine is smooth and relatively straightforward. No matter the ease in which you get through a day, the caregiver’s journey is wearing. It can be difficult (or even feel impossible) to find the time and energy to take care of yourself. …
As we enter our third year of the COVID pandemic, it’s important to pause and acknowledge how it has stretched us all emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. Daily life is challenging enough. Toss in an ever-evolving pandemic and the landscape becomes more complex.
Family caregivers, you have been hit exceptionally hard. We want to acknowledge that too. We also want to say “We see you. We celebrate you. We thank you!” …
Caregiver Burnout: Is Your Flame About to Fizzle? (Updated COVID Edition)Read More »
The Dance. That’s how a colleague once described the way families approach an older loved one’s journey with aging. This is especially true in their final years of life, in what our professional association colleague Amy Cameron O’Rourke calls The Fragile Years.1
It makes sense. Some days it’s a slow, beautiful waltz. Others can be a fast-paced polka. And then there’s the occasional freeform dance that is unchoreographed, a bit chaotic, later stumbling into a seemingly smooth twirl. Occasionally you’ll find yourself in an energetic Go-go. …
The Dance: Finding Balance with Helping an Aging ParentRead More »
Are you enjoying a love you never thought you’d feel again? It’s hard to be happy, though, if your children rain on your romance. Are they being selfish? Not necessarily. An in-depth study of “adult stepfamilies” revealed how disruptive it is when a parent gets involved with a new partner later in life. …
Rob came to Aging Wisdom in a panic. For months he and his sister had done everything they could think of to convince their mother — 82 years old, recently widowed, and showing signs of memory loss — to move to an assisted living community.
Rob’s Aunt Mary, his mother’s sister, had moved to a community nearby and was thrilled with her decision. This was what Rob and his sister Linda saw as the answer for their mother as well. …
Resistance to Care is a Common Challenge: What’s the Best Path Forward?Read More »
Worried about your parents and fighting with your siblings over their care? When it comes to mom and dad, even families who get along well will experience disagreements from time to time.
Disagreements are to be expected; it’s an emotional time. Just as each of us has our own relationships with our parents, we each have our own experiences, insights, and perceptions within that relationship. …
Surviving and Soothing Sibling Strife When Caring for Aging ParentsRead More »
Caregiving is difficult and exhausting. Family caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress.
It can be overwhelming to take care of an older loved one who is experiencing health or memory changes. Too much stress can be harmful to both of you. …
Top Tips You Should Know to Manage Caregiver StressRead More »
The holidays are busy, filled with activity, traditions, and visits with family and friends. It’s often the time when those who live apart geographically can spend extended, precious time together.
If you haven’t seen the older adults in your life over several months or years, it’s not unusual to notice changes until you are together for a few hours or days. You may observe uncharacteristic behavior, lifestyle changes, and routines. …
Home for the Holidays? Signs Your Parents May Need HelpRead More »
Self-care is essential to the well-being of family caregivers, yet it is often overlooked.
While it’s natural to focus fully on the older adult who needs support and services, we also need to remind ourselves to pay attention to their support system, be it you, family and/or friends. …
Self-Care is Not Selfish: It’s Essential for Family Caregiver Well-BeingRead More »