Dear PS: Over time, most older adults will experience life changes that can eat away at their sense of autonomy. For that reason, I remind caregivers that they can’t “fix” aging. Sometimes the best thing they can do is Read more →

...Assisted living facilities often include room and board in their “base package.” This consists of a private apartment and two or three hot meals each day. Communities are generally set up so that an elder can quickly summon help in the event of a fall Read more →

Distance becomes increasingly problematic as parents age and begin experiencing more difficulty with day-to-day tasks. Adult children try to keep tabs on things from afar, but they must travel to their parents to handle serious matters, such as hospitalizations and other emergencies. Even one last-minute trip can cause issues with work, childcare, pets and other responsibilities. When a parent begins needing regular assistance.... Read more →

The proper response will depend entirely on the sibling and the nature of the family relationship. Let’s look at a few examples and contemplate responses. Perhaps these can inspire other ideas for how to handle your unique circumstances. Read more →

...If the person you are caring for is on Medicaid, you might qualify for a certain number of paid hours depending on their needs. There are also Medicare waivers that can help as well as other government programs... Read more →

Companion care may even be enough. This is someone who is paid to keep an elder company. Be careful who you hire, however, since seniors can be vulnerable adults. A good place to find senior companions, and it's often free, is to call your local Retired Senior Volunteer Program, known as RSVP. They offer senior companions... Read more →

Federal programs like Medicare have their own specific definitions, and insurance companies that provide coverage for in-home care will also have their own definitions as related to what they will cover and what they will not... Read more →

For some, the arrangement works out fine. Two or even three generations residing in the same home can be a good thing. Multigenerational living works best when there is plenty of space so that everyone can get the privacy they need. Additional factors include mutual respect for one another, clear communication and a willingness to cooperate. Respite must... Read more →

Dear RT: You were exceptionally generous to buy this home to help your son and his family, so don’t fault yourself. If it helps to know this, many other well-meaning families have tried to cohabitate, and the result is often similar. That's not to say that intergenerational living doesn't work... Read more →

...They don’t want to entertain the thought of hiring professional caregivers or moving Mom or Dad to assisted living or a nursing home because outside care is expensive. To make matters worse, they wholly oppose paying a fair wage to their siblings who have taken on the role of primary caregiver. Read more →