family caregivers

Power to the People via Family Caregiving Coalitions

Posted on 05/1/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

CaregivingWhen I learned about the concept of family caregiving coalitions, what sprung to mind was the Carole King song “You’ve Got a Friend.” I say that in a good way! The famous lyrics are: “When you’re down and troubled and you need some love and care . . .” America’s 65.7 million family caregivers may be an army, but if you’re one of those troops, you can feel alone in the trenches. There’s the ever-changing situation, unpredictability, loss, exhaustion and, …

A Deep Connection: the Internet, Family Caregivers and Recipients

Posted on 04/24/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal Health | RelationshipsHigh-speed Internet can be key to living independently (also known as “aging in place“). You can go online or get smartphone apps that help you monitor chronic diseases, work from home to care for a loved one or prevent or delay functional decline with game systems that help you stay physically active. And, don’t forget the ability to be socially connected through email, online forums and message boards. And yet, a recent report issued by the AARP Public Policy Institute shows that …

Poll: Aging U.S. in Denial About Long-Term Care Need

Posted on 04/24/2013 by | General News | Comments

Bulletin Today | Caregiving | Personal HealthBy Jennifer Agiesta and Lauran Neergaard, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — We’re in denial: Americans underestimate their chances of needing long-term care as they get older — and are taking few steps to get ready. A new poll examined how people 40 and over are preparing for this difficult and often pricey reality of aging and found two-thirds say they’ve done little to no planning. In fact, 3 in 10 would rather not think about getting older at all. …

Quick Tax Tips for Family Caregivers

Posted on 03/6/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Money & SavingsApril 15 is galloping into view. Give me a break! That’s what we all want when it comes to taxes. And this may be your year. Some of the rules regarding tax breaks for family caregivers have changed slightly since last year. I thought I’d do an update. Software tax programs like TurboTax, TaxAct and H&R Block at Home are easy to use and do many of these calculations for you. It’s still good to know if you qualify. You might …

4 Effective Ways to Ask for Help — and Get It

Posted on 02/20/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Home & FamilyWhy is it so hard for family caregivers to ask friends and family for help? They may be in the throes of a crisis or bone-weary, but there’s something about that independent, I-can-do-it-myself American way that gets in our way. Caregivers, it’s OK — and wise — to let go. I can’t say it enough: You don’t, and shouldn’t, do all the caregiving. I recently heard California bioethicist Viki Kind, a former family caregiver and author of the Caregiver’s Path …

3 Things to Add to Your House Today

Posted on 01/23/2013 by | Home & Family blogger | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | TechnologyLAS VEGAS — Spending a day on the floor at the NAHB International Builders’ Show is like Disneyland for homeowners. If only I could afford the remote controlled sliding glass door that I can open with my iPad so I don’t have to get off the sofa when the dogs want in. <sighs> However, I did manage to talk to some great vendors who have the aging in mind. As a family caregiver, I was keeping an eye out for …

« Older Entries