Rosalynn Carter, former first lady and prominent advocate for caregivers, famously stated that there are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers; those who will be … [Read more...]
How to Meaningfully Reconnect with Someone Who Has Dementia
Thirty years ago, Dr. Anne Basting, a gerontologist and a professor, had an experience that would change her life forever. Dr. Basting, who currently teaches theater at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, was researching aging … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How to Assess if Your Senior Loved One Is Being Well Cared for in Assisted Living
Dear Oakley, My mother has been in assisted living for a few months. I don’t hear much about how she is doing and due to my hectic work schedule, I don’t visit as much as I would like. I am planning on going with the family … [Read more...]
Bait and Switch: When You’re Not Getting the Care You Were Promised in Assisted Living
Q. When my friend, Vicki, was shopping around for assisted living facilities for her mother, one in particular stood out to her. The lovely marketing materials showed beautiful landscaping, rooms that resemble those at a classy … [Read more...]
How Taxes Work if You Have a Paid In-Home Caregiver
Stacey, an only child, was an in-home caregiver for her ailing mother for several years. She lived with her mom and cared for her while she completed college and graduate school, and even after she got married. However, after … [Read more...]
Surprise Medical Bills May Become a Thing of the Past
Freya (80) had chest pains, a hacking cough, and a high fever when she was visiting her son, Andy. An ambulance was called and she was rushed to a hospital in her health plan’s network. As she headed home after a week's stay to … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Do Caregivers Have a Higher Life-Expectancy?
Dear Magic, I read somewhere that caregivers have a higher life-expectancy than non-caregivers. With all of the stress that goes into caregiving, how can this be true? Thanks for your help! Liv Longer --- Dear … [Read more...]
When Your Adult Child Distances Themselves
Carla, age 38, is a helpful and caring adult daughter. She lives five miles from her parents and assists her mother with caregiving for her father, who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She scaled back her hours at … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How Do I Know if Assisted Living is Right for My Dad?
Dear Ernie and Jannette, My father is considering assisted living. He wants me to help him choose a facility. I honestly don’t know where to begin or if assisted living is even right for him. How can I know? Thanks!Anita … [Read more...]
What to Do When Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums are Skyrocketing
Q. Last week my friend, Patty, received notice of a substantial increase in her long-term care insurance premiums. She was so upset that she fired off an email to the Virginia Insurance Commissioner, Scott White, exclaiming how … [Read more...]