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Supporting Family Caregivers With Leave Policies in the Workplace

Posted on 06/17/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Public Policy Institute | WorkMy sisters and I are long-distance caregivers for our 92-year old mom. We have already experienced this profound caregiving journey, having cared for our dad for nearly seven years before he died at age 94. We know how overwhelming and stressful it can be to juggle work and caregiving responsibilities. But my sisters and I are far from alone. Many of my work friends and colleagues are family caregivers too. Nearly two out of three (62%) workers aged 45 to …

A New Place to Talk About Death: A Cafe

Posted on 06/12/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

CaregivingWanna talk about death? It seems that a lot of people do. Death cafes are popping up around the country, with more than 60 so far. You will be hearing a lot more about them. (I swear on my life.) Look, even USAToday has written about them! At these Cafes, the conversation is about … death: Our fear of it, how we prepare for our own, what we think happens after it’s over, near-death experiences, grieving rituals and funerals. The biggest …

Community Caregiving in Cohousing

Posted on 06/6/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Great Places | Home & FamilyRemember when neighborhoods were like caring villages? I never had that experience, but got more than a hint when I visited Camelot Cohousing in Berlin, Mass., a couple of weeks ago. I went to do a housing story and found a family caregiving story! It also brought home the point that there are many ways to grow old and have support. Whether you’re a boomer or in your 70s and beyond, it’s an interesting option. First, the cohousing concept: People …

Helping Older Loved Ones Cope With Disaster

Posted on 06/5/2013 by | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsIn a recent conversation with the AARP Oklahoma state director, Sean Voskuhl, about the tornadoes in Moore, Okla., and throughout the state, I related my concerns about the older adults and their caregivers affected by the disasters. “In a matter of minutes, thousands of lives were changed forever as a result of the tornadoes that hit Oklahoma in May. The path of destruction and loss of life left by these storms has been heartbreaking,” he told me. “We remember the lost, pray for the …

8 Fabulous Resources for Family Caregivers

Posted on 05/29/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Home & FamilyI write on topics that I think will interest and help family caregivers, but I can’t cover every issue. Really! So this week, I’m giving you valuable (in my book) resources as well as (in everyone’s book) go-to groups, organizations and websites that have great info, forums, learning opportunities (a webinar, a podcast, an article, an upcoming conference, studies) and advice from experts and in-the-trenches-caregivers. All in one place — here! First, I want to give a shout out to …

Stuffed Animals as Therapy for the Elderly?

Posted on 05/22/2013 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | RelationshipsWalking by the gift shop at my mother-in-law’s nursing home, I did a double take. The shelves were lined with stuffed animals. My first thought was, why are they here? This is not a place with kids. Then I realized, it’s for the 80- and 90-year-old residents. I didn’t have to ask the clerk how they were selling. She was in the middle of ringing up a charming bear in a ruby satin dress donning an oversized floppy hat. During my …

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