The caregiving community is growing rapidly, and caregivers everywhere share their experience and heartaches and joys in an attempt to help make it better for others. The need for caregiving tips and information is as great as the need to share one’s experience with others. In the sharing, we frequently find validation for the emotional part of this journey.

Much has been said and written about caregiving for parents and family friends. The relationship that is sometimes left out is the marriage partner. Caregiving for one’s husband or wife has unusual considerations that are not present in other kinds of situations.

BEYOND GIVING CARE Caregivers find that their job involves more than giving care to elderly loved ones.  Many times, the one needing care depends on her/his caregiver for medical and legal issues as well as daily personal care.  What do caregivers need to know?  What questions do they need to ask?  Where can they find [...]

Caregivers Need Help Too Increasing numbers of senior citizens find themselves in caregiving roles at some point in their senior years.  For some of us it’s taking care of elderly parents or loved ones in an extended family relationship.  For others, it’s caregiving for a dear elderly friend.  Sometimes the recipient is a spouse.  And, [...]

A daily discipline is staying in touch with Mom. She is 91, lives in assisted care, sometimes stays close to her room and doesn’t venture afar. Persons who are in their 90′s need the protective assurance and reinforcing companionship of persons who care, look after them, and check on them with frequency.

Persons, i.e. family members who live nearby, are fortunate. Having the opportunity to drop in on unannounced occasions is a good way to be sure a loved one is receiving adequate, personal and consistent care. Usually, in any facility, it is the squeaking wheel that gets the most attention. That is surely true in care facilities. Although that can backfire. Too many demands, too much need for care may prompt less attention than more.

Mom is an independent soul. She