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...

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.

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.

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.

Caregiving Grief and Overwhelm More Pronounced During Covid

I have a request to all of you on the sidelines, from all of us on the frontlines: If you’re not helping day-to-day and in the thick of it, please don’t second guess our decisions after-the-fact. 

Love Languages for Those with Dementia (And for the Rest of Us, Too)

The five love languages can be applied to the loving care and support we give to those living with dementia.

Love Letter to the Grabber

Making some humorous observations about the grabber, Fern Pessin uncovers the many ways this household tool promotes independence and safety for everyone.

Caregiving’s Ultimate Reward

My heart goes out to those who are alone in providing care to a loved one, but they shouldn’t have to. That has to change.

For Many Caregivers and People With Disabilities, Work From Home Was Never Just a Perk

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act empowered workers to ask for accommodations to work from home. Thirty years later, coronavirus precautions have brought remote work back into the spotlight.

Are You Ready for the Unexpected Crisis?

These organization tips, from Elizabeth Miller of Happy Healthy Caregiver, can help family caregivers manage any crisis.

20 Questions to Ask Your Aging Parents

Use these 20 questions to spark meaningful conversation with a loved one about their life and memories.

And Then There Were Three

My brother came to watch our parents so I could fly home and be with my husband and dogs for my birthday. It was the best present he could have given me.

A Caregiving Comfort: Control

There are many circumstances that can challenge our sense of control. Certified Caregiving Consultant Louisa Stringer reflects on a time when she felt lost and what eventually brought her stability.

Allowing Mom To Be

This framework for risk assessment can help you maximize your loved one's independence and avoid parentification--when you act as a parent to your own parent.

Celebrating Graduations, Birthdays, and Other Milestones Safely

When extenuating circumstances keep us apart during times of celebration, some ideas for making family and friends feel acknowledged and loved.

Flying Home (For Now)

Now that my parents are doing well, I can make more frequent one-day trips home.

Anxiety, Stress, and Covid-19: A Caregiver’s Perspective

It has been 49 days since I last posted about the dilemmas we caregivers have faced since the stay-at-home orders were put into place. I am coping and staying strong because I care for my parents.

I’m 25 and Taking Care of My Sick Dad. I’ve Never Felt Less Alone.

We often think of family caregivers as older and female. It's statistically true but often misses the second largest generation of caregivers: Millennials.

The Decisions Caregivers Face During COVID-19

Several caregivers share the emotional conversations and difficult decisions they've had to make with their loved ones amid coronavirus concerns.

Ask an Expert: My Mom’s on Hospice; What Happens If I Get Sick?

Dear Denise, I am disabled and care for my mom who’s receiving hospice...

Ask an Expert: Should I Move Mom from the Facility?

Dear Denise, My mom’s facility called this morning. The have a confirmed...

Caregiving Dilemma

Today is March 23, and we have been living comfortably and slowly...

Video: A Conversation about Providing Care at Home

In my quest to be as prepared as possible for the coronavirus, I asked...

My Parents Have Consumed My Life

It was 6:01 on February 26th when the electrical fire at Mom’s house...

Dementia Journal — Hospital Bed — January 16, 2020

This is probably the most difficult entry to write up until now.  I’ve...

Caregiver’s Office of Love

I open the strong wooden door.  It reveals a four-sided room with only a...

Blessing for the Caregiver

Blessing for the Caregiver Sending Encouragement You wait. You manage...