caregiver Archives - Page 10 of 14 - Aging, caregiving and the journey through the second half of life

The Context of Caregivers of Aging Parents

June 27, 2016

I was asked to write an article about the context of caregivers of aging parents. What’s the scope and depth of their role? What are the issues they have to navigate every day? I found it was easier to create…

One Good Idea…

March 29, 2016

This is the first in a series of 3-minute videos created for caregivers. They are designed to be illuminating and encouraging , one good idea amid the complexity and uncertainty of caring for aging parents…

Compassionate Body Guard

March 8, 2016

Our aging parents are not well matched for a healthcare system running on procedural autopilot. They need compassionate body guards who will help them make sense of their medical options based on their quality of life wishes and then help…

The Untenable Promise

November 14, 2015

Older adults fear nursing homes more than death itself. Those of us waiting to be old fear it right along with them. When asked to promise to never to put an aging parent in a nursing, we do not hesitate.…

Higher-Hour Caregiver

September 7, 2015

This article is an excellent overview of the unpaid caregiver zone in America. It highlights the challenges and demands of being a higher-hour caregiver (20hrs/week of caregiving). As important, it identifies why caregiver support groups, although a wonderful resource…

Alzheimer’s and Agitation: A Surprising New Medication?

July 27, 2015

This intriguing article from NBC News suggest that a combination drug of dextromethorphan – a cough suppressant – and the anti-arrhythmic drug quinidine may markedly reduce agitation in some Alzheimer’s patients. If this proves true, it could help address one…

Toxic Parents and Adult Children

June 4, 2015

It’s the luck of the draw as to which childhood any of us inherit. Sometimes it’s filled with toxic parents who leave abusive tattoos that last a lifetime. Remarkably, they wind up under our care with the same bag of…

Poetry and Aging Parents, Part 4

March 31, 2015

Adult children live in a bittersweet world of loss and gratitude regarding aging parents. Barbara Crooker’s poem All Saints Day captures this emotional mixture as it attends her mother’s leaving… All Saints Day By Barbara Crooker It’s one day past…

Honor Their Words…

March 2, 2015

At some point you have to be their voice. No one else can do it. This article by Dr. Mikkael Sekeres director of the leukemia program at the Cleveland Clinic reminds us that we are called to honor the words…

No Longer Safe To Drive

February 18, 2015

At some point it becomes painfully obvious. Maybe it’s the near misses, another fender bender, traffic tickets, getting lost on errands, poor night vision, or increasing confusion. Whatever the mix of warning signs, the message is clear and deeply concerning.…