Caregiving Across the Miles

Q. I live in Northern Virginia, 700 miles away from my parents, who are in Florida. My father has Parkinson’s and insists on staying in our family home. His mobility has diminished, and I worry about him falling nearly every day. … [Read more...]

Alzheimer’s: Preserving Family Memories

Every year, Carol Magro would prepare a delicious Italian feast for the holidays. Five years ago, her daughter Barbara noticed that her mother was getting tired, confused, and didn't remember the ingredients for some of the dishes … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Talking to an Estranged Sibling about a Mother’s Care

  Dear Ernie and Janette, My mother has late-stage dementia and no Power of Attorney or Advance Medical Directive in place. Unfortunately, I am estranged from my sister and we haven't spoken in years. We need to discuss plans … [Read more...]

Caring for a Difficult Parent

Q. Throughout my life, my mother has always been a difficult person. She complains about everything and is hyper-critical, overbearing and, as you can imagine, hard to get along with. She always compares me to my older sister, who … [Read more...]

NASA SmartWatch, Implanted Health Devices, and Other New Technology for Seniors

Is Grandpa going gadget-crazy? Not quite yet, but we are getting there. According to a recent Pew Research survey, the number of older adults using the internet and related tech devices is increasing, with 59% of seniors reporting … [Read more...]

Six Myths About Falls

Q. I recently visited my parents, who are in their 70’s, and have been worried ever since. My father, Sam, fell three times during the two days I was there. Often, my mother, Elaine, has lunch out and quilts with her friends, … [Read more...]

Filial Responsibility: Elderly Couple May Be Responsible For Son’s Medical Bills

Filial responsibility laws obligate adult children to pay for their indigent parents’ food, clothing, shelter and medical needs. When the children fail to do so, nursing homes, hospitals, and other creditors can file lawsuits … [Read more...]

Embracing Green Living as we Age

Q. My mother, Phyllis, is very environmentally conscious. She recycles and finds a creative use for nearly everything. Green living is among her top priorities.Ever since my father died, my mother has had a hard time living … [Read more...]

Joan Rivers Death Reminds us to Have End-of-Life Conversation

Q. I am very close with my in-laws, who are both in their late 70’s, and all I want for them (and for everyone I care about) is to live a long happy life.  Unfortunately, the inevitable happens to us all, and when it does happen, … [Read more...]

New Technology to Age-in-Place

Currently, there are 75 million baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964). And, according to AARP research, more than 80% of them want to age-in-place as they get older. But how can they do so if they need family members—who … [Read more...]

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