Amy Goyer

Biography: As an expert in aging and families, specializing in family caregiving and multigenerational issues, I am a consultant, speaker and writer. I've worked for more than 30 years with older adults, children with special needs and their families.

As AARP's Home & Family Expert, I provide expertise on a variety of issues, including family caregiving and aging in place, livable communities, grandparenting, parenting and other family relationships, multigenerational living and family history.

Right now the most important role I'm playing in life is that of primary caregiver for my parents who are 86 and 89. In 2009 I moved to Arizona to be close to my parents and I return to Washington, DC frequently for business. It's a crazy life but I'm grateful to be able to support my parents and do the work I love at the same time!

My Take Care blog posts are about caregiving for Mom and Dad, and you'll also hear about my partner in caregiving: the adorable Jackson, their service dog, who is a Schnoodle. My All in the Family blog posts are about a variety of family, friendship and other relationship issues. I also write a column on AARP.org, act as a media spokesperson and am a regular guest on AARP radio. Author of "Things to do now you're a Grandparent." Winner of 2012 ALTY Best Blog Award in Caregiving category and Finalist in Seniorhomes.com Social Media Rockstar Award.

My new book, "Juggling Work and Caregiving" will be released in fall of 2013.

Follow me on Twitter @amygoyer and Pinterest! Connect on Facebook www.facebook.com/amygoyer1, LinkedIn or I'm agoyer here in the AARP Online Community.

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Amy Goyer 'sPosts

TEDMED’s Great Challenges Day Addresses Caregiver Crisis

Posted on 05/2/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsRecently, I participated in the first TEDMED Great Challenges day which addressed 20 great challenges (see my previous post about the Dementia Tsunami, one of TEDMED’s Great Challenges). I participated in a breakout group of about 20 people who rolled up our sleeves and dove into a discussion of the “caregiver crisis.” It was an afternoon full of passion and spirit among all contributors. Many of us are or have been caregivers; others approached the topic from a business viewpoint (those who …

Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren in Aftermath of Tragedy

Posted on 04/15/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Home & Family | Your LifeWhile details are still being learned about the explosions at the Boston Marathon, I wanted to share with you how you can help your grandchildren heal from a tragedy like this. We want them to be active and healthy throughout their lives, and encourage them to exercise — perhaps even become a runner — and they might have questions about today’s events. So, how can we help our kids and grandchildren cope with these traumatic events? How can we help …

Anne Samaan: Inspirational Caregiver Blazes the Trail

Posted on 04/8/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeNot even 5 feet tall, she was tiny but powerful; she filled up a room. She was my second “mommie;” counselor, comforter, friend and inspiration. Dr. Anne Samaan, my best friend Laurette and her sister Jenny’s mom, and my godchild Catalina’s grandmother, died last week; she was 91. The world is dimmer without her sometimes colorful presence. She has influenced me since I was 6 years old, especially because she was a caregiving pioneer. She taught me how to make choices …

Justin Timberlake Video Honors Grandparents — How Do You Honor Yours?

Posted on 04/3/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Home & Family | RelationshipsJustin Timberlake’s video for the Mirrors track of his recently released new album, 20/20 Experience, is a moving tribute to his late grandfather, William, his grandmother, Sadie, and their 63-year marriage. William passed on just last December, and the video symbolizes his grandmother looking through a box of old belongings and remembering their six decades of life together. The video takes us from their meeting and dancing as teens to their wedding to what appear to be marital challenges (the woman …

Caregiving and Taxes

Posted on 03/28/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Money & Savings | Relationships | Your LifeAs working caregivers, we often have extra pressure around tax time. Even a simple tax situation can be very daunting as we are simultaneously working, caregiving, organizing our own and organizing our loved ones’ taxes! The good news is there may be some ways to ease the burden for your loved ones. Here is my short Taking Care with Amy Goyer: Caregiving and Taxes video with a few tips on handling this stressful time of year, which you may have …

Three Ways Caregivers Can Use Music Therapeutically

Posted on 03/15/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeAs a music therapist, I worked for many years with older adults and children with special needs using music as a tool to achieve non-musical goals. I used music to encourage expression and social interaction, physical activity and movement, brain stimulation, healing, verbal expression and communication, expression of emotions, reminiscence and even achieve simple eye contact. I created a hand-chime choir with my adult day services center participants who traveled around performing for their peers at other centers. One of …