Amy Goyer

Biography: As AARP's Family Expert, I provide expertise on a variety of family issues - from grandparenting to family caregiving, parenting and other family relationships, multigenerational living, family history and just about anything that pertains to families! Right now the most important role I'm playing in life is that of primary caregiver for my parents who are 85 and 88. My Take Care blog posts are about caregiving for them, and you'll also hear about my partner in caregiving: Jackson, their (our) Schnoodle dog. My All in the Family blog posts are about a variety of family issues.

In 2009 I began spending most of my time in Arizona as primary caregiver for my parnets and I return to Washington, DC frequently. 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!

I also write a column on AARP.org, act as an AARP 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.

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

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Amy Goyer 'sPosts

Grieving Through the Holidays

Posted on 12/24/2012 by Amy Goyer | Multigenerational & Family Issues | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships Christmas is upon us and I am both relieved and apprehensive. The holidays this year are especially difficult for my family because they are the culmination of our first year of grief. My niece, Shaelee, lost her life to suicide on Jan. 4 at the age of 19. She suffered from bipolar disorder for much of her life. It has been a rough year – to say we miss her terribly is such an understatement.We also have the challenge of ongoing grief and loss as my …

28 Ways to Heal From Tragedy

Posted on 12/20/2012 by Amy Goyer | Multigenerational & Family Issues | Comments

Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeMany of us are experiencing grief and sorrow after the shock of the deaths in Newtown, Conn., on Friday. The tragic shootings have brought many issues to the forefront: gun control, school safety, mental illness and the daily tragedy of thousands of children around the world who die every day from violence, child abuse, neglect and hunger. How can we lift ourselves up from the fear, sadness and negativity? What can we, as individuals, do to make a difference? At …

Grandparents Can Help Grandkids in Aftermath of Tragedy

Posted on 12/14/2012 by Amy Goyer | Multigenerational & Family Issues | Comments

Home & Family | Relationships | 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 grandkids cope with these traumatic events? How can we help …

Tips for Multigenerational Living

Posted on 12/13/2012 by Amy Goyer | Multigenerational & Family Issues | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeI was pleased to be included as an expert in a recent NBC Nightly News three-part series on caregiving. The series culminated in a segment in which I was interviewed about multigenerational living. After many years of working with multigenerational families, and now that I, too, live in a multigenerational household with my parents and their live-in caregiver, I’ve learned a lot. Here’s a roundup of my tips for those of you in similar situations — or those of you …

Tips for Difficult Family Conversations

Posted on 12/12/2012 by Amy Goyer | Multigenerational & Family Issues | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsIn the course of caring for our aging loved ones many family members must have difficult conversations around decisions and changes — whether they be about driving, living situations, health care, financial or care and support issues. Here are some of my tips for approaching these conversations, as well as my Taking Care with Amy Goyer video (above) on the topic. Talk early and often. The more you’ve discussed and planned for the future, the easier it will be when it is time to …

He Has Alzheimer’s, Now What? Part 2

Posted on 12/6/2012 by Amy Goyer | Multigenerational & Family Issues | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal Health | Relationships | Your LifeIn Part 1 of this two-part post I recently shared a question sent to me from a Twitter follower, @Jason_Bournesm, whose grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease. Jason wanted ideas for how to help his grandfather. Here is Part 2 – more ideas for how to interact with your loved ones when they have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia: Use familiar photos. Jason shared that he was thinking of creating a special photo album for his grandparents. Great idea! Meaningful …