Caring for a parent

Caregiving Essentials: Take Care of Yourself

Reflecting on caring for his late mother at home, OldLamplighter reminds us that “the best way to take care of your loved one is to also take care of yourself, whatever it takes.”
Looking Back – A Lesson on Recharging
While I had her comfortably based in an assisted living facility a few minutes from me, the demands were huge and more often than not, I ended each day – each race – feeling like I had missed the mark and failed to provide the care I know she wanted. 
When Patience is Pushed to Its Limits
Sometimes caregiving duties can push us to a breaking point. Old Lamplighter talks about the times he lost patience caring for his mom and how he found strength and control.
The Power of Flowers and Photographs
I live in a part of the country blessed with unsurpassed natural beauty...

Talking About the Future with an Aging Parent

It is never too early to talk with a parent about their future care wishes, but it can be too late. Here's how to start the conversation.

I Am a Full-Time, Sandwich-Generation Dementia Caregiver. I Am Exhausted.

Rosanne provides round-the-clock care and supervision to her mother who is in the final stages of dementia--all with no pay.

Island Treasures: The Caregiving Coin

Learn about having conversations about care as a family from Alice and Cori who care for Alice’s father, Doug.

Care Planning and My Caregiver Binder

Lindsay shares what’s inside her caregiver binder, her “one source of truth” for everything related to her father’s health and care.

Preparing to Care for an Aging Parent

Whether you’re new to caregiving or interested in what to expect, these four tips can reduce your anxiety and prepare you for future challenges.

I've Felt so Much, And Now I'm Numb

If you've ever felt numb through your caregiving experience, you're not alone. A common coping mechanism during periods of prolonged stress and trauma is suppressing your own feelings.

“For The One Who is Exhausted, A Blessing”

An Irish poem and some words of encouragement for the caregiver who's feeling uninspired and detached.

I Promise, I Swear, I’ll Never: Re-framing “The Promise”

Family members make promises to loved ones in earnest, but they may not be able to keep them indefinitely. Advice from Jennifer FitzPatrick on setting boundaries to avoid burnout.

Caregiver Spotlight Q&A on Balancing Caregiving and a Job

We spoke with caregiver and author Fern Pessin about the challenges of caregiving and employment both prior to and through the pandemic.