With Halloween upon us, now is the time when we present you with this year’s scariest & creepiest stories. From posthumous messages from loved ones to Alzheimer's being contagious, we uncovered some scary ground. To … [Read more...]
Mandating Overtime Pay for In-Home Caregivers
My mother-in-law, Stella, lives alone in her home in Florida, and her health has been declining for some time. About a year ago, we hired an in-home caregiver for her who comes 4 hours every day from a local agency. Now her … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: I Am A Caregiver Whose Friends Are Deserting Me!
Dear Angel, My mother needs full-time care, so I quit my job and moved in with her. Before doing so, I had a core group of friends that I went to lunch with, to the movies etc. Now, they are not including me anymore. And, it … [Read more...]
Self Care for a Special Needs Parent
Dear Angel, My daughter, Valerie, has autism spectrum disorder (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome, but now under the ASD umbrella). She is very bright, and for the most part is in an inclusive environment at school. … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Learning to “Speak Alzheimer’s”
Dear Angel, My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a couple of years ago. She used to be a college professor and is a brilliant woman. I began noticing that when someone hears of her Alzheimer's, they ask me questions that … [Read more...]
Amazing Technology to Age-in-Place (But Mom is Reluctant)
AliveCor Mobile ECG Q. My mother-in-law, Veronica, who is in her 70's, shys away from anything that involves technology. She refuses to carry a cell phone, try an iPad, or send an email. My children would love to Skype with … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: When Should I Hire Home Care for a Parent?
Dear Angel, My parents live in a condominium in a senior community, 100 miles away from me. My father had a stroke last year, and is having trouble getting around, bathing, and dressing. My mother has her own issues, having had … [Read more...]
$10,000 a month! Why don’t they take it seriously?
Q. My parents are in their 70's and I am a caregiver for them, while working part-time and raising a family. My father has had Parkinson's for fifteen years and is no longer mobile. My mother is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. … [Read more...]
If You’re A Caregiver. . . A Proper Contract is a MUST!
E.A. lived with her daughter, B.C., who was her caregiver from 2004 until 2012. They entered into a care agreement, in which E.A. was to make regular monthly payments to her daughter in exchange for room, board, and caregiving. … [Read more...]
What Happens When Caregivers Are Too Sick To Perform Their Duties?
Q. I am a caregiver for my husband, Ed, who has had Parkinson’s disease for fifteen years. While fully coherent, his physical capabilities have been greatly reduced. Confined mainly to a wheelchair, he requires my help to dress, … [Read more...]