Being a family caregiver is a rewarding but often stressful role. Balancing the needs of your loved one with your own can be challenging. That’s why caregivers must prioritize self-care. Here are seven practical ways to maintain your mental and physical health with serving as a caregiver. Carve out daily “me time.” Even if it’s ... Read More
Being a family caregiver is a noble and challenging role, often filled with love, dedication, and, unfortunately, legal complexities. People considering becoming a caregiver should know the legal implications. Here are 9 essential tips to help you avoid potential legal problems and understand when to seek professional assistance. Understand the healthcare power of attorney (POA) ... Read More
Researchers from the University of Southern California coined the term “carefluencers” to describe a new generation of family caregivers who are using social media to share the day-to-day realities of caring for an older loved one. Social media can be an excellent venue for caregivers to connect, empathize with each other, and share caregiving tips. ... Read More
Taking care of someone with dementia is a big job. Depending on the stage of dementia and a loved one’s abilities, dementia caregiving can involve a wide-ranging set of challenges for both the person with dementia and the caregiver. Thankfully, technology is catching up to the unique needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. ... Read More
Caring for a loved one can be immensely rewarding, but it can also bring about feelings of guilt, especially when caregivers believe they are falling short of their own expectations or those of others. Coping with caregiver guilt is important for both the caregiver’s well-being and the quality of care they provide. Here are some ... Read More
Many of us struggle to recall a certain word every now and then. But persistent difficulty with communication may lead to a diagnosis of a condition called aphasia. Aphasia Awareness month was in June, a great time to learn more about this condition and how it is treated. Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects ... Read More
According to the CDC, about one in four adults act as informal or unpaid caregivers for someone with a long-term illness or disability. By 2030, approximately 71 million people will be 65 years or older, so the need for caregivers will only increase. There are many different fulfilling benefits to being a caregiver. For example, ... Read More
During the pandemic, the role of family caregivers increased, experts report. Caring relatives and friends spent many hours keeping older loved ones safe, providing hands-on care, transportation, shopping for their loved ones, and doing what they could to support elders in senior living communities during quarantine. They were even providing more tech support as older ... Read More
Making your own healthcare decisions can be tough. Making healthcare decisions for someone you care about — especially at the end of life — can be overwhelming. Even if an advance directive, such as a living will, explains your loved one’s wishes, it probably won’t cover all possible medical treatments. So, how can you advocate ... Read More
During a visit to their hometown, Dan and Amy visited their great-aunt. Aunt Becky was glad to see them, but they were worried at what they saw in her home. Her usually spotless house was dirty and unkempt. Though she’d always taken pride in her wardrobe, her dress was dirty and torn. She seemed painfully ... Read More
Liz has been an instrumental partner in 8 years of long-distance caregiving for my mother. She has seen us through multiple living situations, and has always been there to support my mother and her needs. I’ve relied on her sound advice in so many different situations and can’t imagine how my mother would have been able to stay in Florida as she wanted without Liz.