When an aging parent begins to need more support with the activities of daily life, family tensions can heat up. The adult child who lives closest usually bears the burden of care. Siblings who live further away often refuse to accept how much care a parent requires because they don’t see them as often. It can cause conflicts that sometimes lead to permanent damage in family relationships. [Read more…]
Dear Paul:
My mom had her annual physical with her primary care doctor last month. She has cut back on her driving lately so she asked me to take her to the appointment. Glad I did! It turns out that what our family assumed were the normal signs of aging are actually the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. While I thought there might be something more going on with Mom, it really never occurred to me that it was Alzheimer’s.
Since our father passed away two years ago, my brother and I have been splitting different errands and tasks around their house. So even though we each live about an hour away from Mom, one or both of us is there with Mom at least once a week. But I know this probably won’t be enough to keep her safe as her disease progresses. [Read more…]
Caring for an aging parent or other senior family member can be stressful. According to research from the American Psychological Association, 80% of Baby Boomers report living with high levels of caregiving stress. When your older loved one lives in a different city or state, the logistics make the role even more difficult.
How can you keep an eye on them when you don’t live nearby? What can you do to stay involved in decisions? How can you show your aging loved one that you care when you can’t be there very often?
Fortunately, there are a variety of different technologies you can use to help you be a virtual caregiver. With careful planning, you can help your north Texas senior loved one maintain their independence longer. [Read more…]
If you are the primary caregiver for a north Texas senior, you probably know their medical history well and understand the ins and outs of what they need. But what would happen if you experience a medical emergency of your own? Would anyone know how to care for your aging loved one?
Creating a caregiver back-up plan should be a priority for your family this year. We know it is a topic that most families aren’t always comfortable discussing. But having a plan in place can give you peace of mind that your loved one will be well cared for.
The first step is to create a medical file and the second step is to talk with senior care providers who provide short-term respite services in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. [Read more…]
If you are the caregiver of a north Texas senior, juggling all the responsibilities in your life may feel overwhelming. Research tells us that the majority of family caregivers work at least part-time outside the home. Many also have children of their own to care for.
This balancing act creates a variety of issues for caregivers ranging from extreme stress to insomnia. It can lead to serious health problems.
In a 2010 survey conducted by Gallup industries, caregivers were asked a variety of questions to help researchers learn more about the physical impact of caring on family members. Symptoms participants most commonly reported included: [Read more…]