Elder Care Cafe

While few of us think about our own self esteem – how we feel about ourselves, our work, our relationship to our family and community, our place in the world is the cornerstone not only of our ability to function and be productive in life but of our mental and physical health as well.  That [...]

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Change happens! That is a way of life that some people find disturbing. They go day to day settled in their routine, at peace with the world, and content to remain where they are. Others, however, embrace change. They want change on a daily basis and are bored to tears when everything stays the same. [...]

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As a caregiver, we should never underestimate the value of building a network of support. Good contacts are a valuable resource when we are in need of any type of assistance. Having a well thought out rolodex can make a huge difference between our success or failure as a caregiver to our aging parents. Building [...]

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Many people liken being a caregiver to their aging parents as a relatively difficult battle they must face on a daily basis. If you have ever engaged in war with someone, on the battlefield or not, you understand the pressure and fatigue that can set in during the duration of the battle. However, if you [...]

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In recent years, labels have been given certain time-periods that helps identify that particular generation. One obvious example is the Baby Boomers that started in 1946 and ended approximately 1964. A current title that is most appropriate for those of us who are caregivers for our children or grandchildren as well as our aging parents [...]

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What most adults do not usually think about as they go about their daily lives is that, unless their parents pass away when they are younger, the adult child will more than likely become involved in their care as they age. Caring for aging parents isn’t normally on anyone’s mind when they and their parents [...]

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We have found that most relationships between caregivers and the seniors they are caring for tend toward self-absorption or self-centeredness. Most topics of conversation dwell on the caregiver or the person receiving care. On any given day, about all your elderly parent talks about are his or her physical or emotional needs and we all [...]

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When you were growing up, your parents were your care givers. They made sure you were safe, well fed and clothed, had medical care and that the money was there for the things you needed. But, for your mom and dad being your caregiver was about more than just giving you the basics of survival [...]

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Much of the adjustment that goes into caring for your aging parent deals with the stress and the emotional drain that being a caregiver can bring. In addition to the issues involved in how to care for your loved one in the best possible way, there are also the emotions of anger and frustration to [...]

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Providing care for your adult parent can be difficult in the best of times. However, when their health seriously begins to decline and you wonder is the end near, you are placed in a position of having to make a growing number of difficult decisions. Many of those decisions will be made without the input [...]

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Sometimes when you have a consuming problem, it can so take over your life that you let go of the rest of life’s responsibilities and relationships. That is certainly a danger that caregivers face. It is easy to become so wrapped up in the demands of being a good caregiver for your aging parent or [...]

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Have you ever had a to-do list in mind and there was no force in the world that was going to keep you from accomplishing your goal? I know I have! As our population continues to age, more adult children go into their aging parent’s home to help with cooking and cleaning. That is one [...]

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What happens when you find the turkey is only half cooked, you don’t have all the ingredients for the mashed potatoes, the cranberry sauce is more like a cranberry juice and you have no idea what to do with all of the green beans. Has that ever happened to you? In the midst of your [...]

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Do you remember the Lone Ranger from the 1950s? I sure do – I watched that show every chance I got. Unfortunately, when someone becomes a caregiver that responsibility can easily take over their life. One of the biggest dangers caregivers face is trying to go it alone. It is easy to become so wrapped [...]

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Just who is the National Family Caregivers Association? They are a group of people who “educate, support, empower and speak up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the facilities of old age.” They believe all caregivers should have the recognition they deserve [...]

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