“No one needs to die in pain.” That is what the social worker told me as I signed the papers that would put my father on hospice care. That is the mantra of hospice providers. As a family caregiver entering the new and scary realm of end-of-life-care, it became my mantra, too. I had no choice but to believe Read more →

Dear SG: My heart goes out to you. I’ve been in your shoes with family members, particularly my parents, though, I was fortunate in that my sister was also there so we could support each other. I also know from different personal experiences the heavy load of being alone... Read more →

I’m sorry about your mom’s health. We can feel so helpless when we watch a loved one suffer especially when the doctors to whom we look for advice seem to give up. Palliative care and hospice are related in that they both provide comfort care. The difference is that palliative care is for people who ... Read more →

No matter where we live, I hope that adult children will be alert to signs of loneliness in their elderly loved ones while respecting their independence as much as possible. Being alone and being lonely aren't at all the same, so knowledge of the elder's personality is necessary when care choices are considered. Read more →

My struggle with this dilemma began when my father started receiving hospice care. At this point in my caregiving journey, Mom and Dad shared a room in a nursing home. For many years, they had lived in their own private rooms on the same floor, but the end was near for both of them. We felt they needed to be together, and their money was nearly gone from the expense of two nursing home rooms. Read more →

Dear GB: Several members of my family lived their last years in a nearby nursing home where we grew to know the staff well, so I’ve experienced this. Like so much of caregiving, we need to be creative enough to find a workable if imperfect solution. Read more →

Dear LD: You sound like a devoted daughter and caregiver, so your concern is natural. With the current focus on testing, I’d probably be wondering the same thing if I were in your place. However, as you seem to understand, there are a number of things to consider... Read more →

Our millions of all-important but often-overlooked family caregivers get some recognition in November, too! National Family Caregivers Month is great month for you to honor any caregivers who you may know – and that includes you. ... Read more →

Dear Confused: I’m sorry about your mom’s health. We can feel so helpless when we watch a loved one suffer especially when the doctors to whom we look for advice seem to give up. Palliative care and hospice are related in that they both provide comfort care. The difference... Read more →

Dear TR: You and your husband have my deepest sympathy for his poor health as well as for the distress his grown children are causing. Your husband’s decision is allowing for the reality of his illness and his dignity as a human being. While his children have a right to their religious beliefs Read more →