Elder Care ABC

by Joy Loverde Talking about eldercare issues and planning for old age isn’t easy. Besides, who wants to hash over unpleasant topics when aging parents and other elderly family members seem perfectly fine? You may have been avoiding talking altogether, afraid that the conversation will be upsetting for you and for them.  And you’re right. [...]

by Joy Loverde The American family has changed. With people living longer, it’s possible for families to consist of more adult members than children. Busier people and dual-career couples also mean fewer people are staying home during the day and into the night. We spend most of our time at work, at school, and at [...]

by Joy Loverde The process of talking about moving out of the family home with a reluctant parent is tricky; but not impossible. The secret of success is two-fold: start planting seeds early and ask questions as a way to build trust. Every conversation you will have about moving will be subject to a communication [...]

by Joy Loverde If you have not already been in an emergency and/or non-emergency medical eldercare situation where doctors and nurses are demanding answers to zillions of questions regarding your aging parents’ medical and medication history, there’s still time to save your sanity. Ann Blanchard, President of HandiRecords was inspired to create a business to [...]

by Joy Loverde If ever there was a worthy cause in the world of aging parents and loved ones, it’s the mission of fostering an elderly person’s dignity for as long as possible.  And, if you’ve been reading my blogs all along, you know that I will fight tooth and nail to facilitate one’s right [...]

by Joy Loverde Much of my success as a family caregiver when it comes to aging parents and loved ones has to do with always being willing to address problems head on. In other words… be proactive. If you are the proactive type – good for you. And many people are just the opposite. In [...]

The Complete Eldercare Planner: Free forms to download – Effective Planning by Joy Loverde I work full time. How am I supposed to take on family caregiving responsibilities and keep my job, too? Where will the money come from to pay for in-home care? I’m an only child and I can’t possibly do this alone. [...]

by Joy Loverde As I said in the last blog (Part 2), it is not my personal philosophy that everyone eventually has to move out of their house. Hiring in-home helpers and asking family and friends to pitch in are certainly options to be considered. However, in the case of my Aunt, bringing help in [...]