Ask the Experts - Caregiver Relief

Sign in Subscribe

Ask the Experts

A collection of 51 posts

Assessing Capacity and Decision Making in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Ask the Experts

Assessing Capacity and Decision Making in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

This guide provides essential insights into assessing the capacity and decision-making abilities of elderly patients. It covers the importance of informed consent, the use of formal assessment tools, legal considerations, and strategies for supporting autonomy and ensuring well-being.

The Struggle of Balance: Insights and Support for the Working Caregiver Facing a Parent's Dementia

Ask the Experts

The Struggle of Balance: Insights and Support for the Working Caregiver Facing a Parent's Dementia

Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia is challenging and can lead to caregiver stress and burnout. Learn how to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to prioritize your own health and well-being in this informative blog post by Diane Carbo.

Caregiver Frustrated over Lack of Community Services

Ask the Experts

Caregiver Frustrated over Lack of Community Services

A resident of Northern Va shares their experience with the high cost of assisted living and lack of community services in the Washington DC area. Learn about the VA Aid and Attendance benefit and Section 8, and the challenges of aging-in-place.

Caring for Aging Parents at Home

Ask the Experts

Caring for Aging Parents at Home

Caring for aging parents at home can be challenging, especially if they are resistant to accepting outside help. Learn how to listen to and acknowledge your parents' fears, involve them in decision-making, and gradually introduce new forms of care.

Prioritizing Self-Care as a Caregiver: Unveiling the Challenge

Ask the Experts

Prioritizing Self-Care as a Caregiver: Unveiling the Challenge

As a caregiver, it's important to prioritize your own health and well-being. Learn how to make self care a priority and find balance in your caregiving responsibilities.

Dementia How to Care for a Self-Isolating Family Member

Ask the Experts

Dementia How to Care for a Self-Isolating Family Member

This guide offers practical tips on empathetic communication, creating a safe and familiar environment, and engaging in activities that help break the isolation barrier for dementia patients

Navigating Sundowning Medication and Sleep Disturbances for Better Nighttime Harmony

Ask the Experts

Navigating Sundowning Medication and Sleep Disturbances for Better Nighttime Harmony

Explore effective strategies for managing sundowning and sleep disturbances in dementia. Our guide covers medication, behavioral therapies, and environmental adjustments to improve sleep cycles and reduce nighttime agitation.

My Father is Receiving Dementia End of Life Care. How Long Will This Take?

Ask the Experts

My Father is Receiving Dementia End of Life Care. How Long Will This Take?

As someone approaches the end of life with dementia, it's natural to wonder what to expect. This blog post explains the pre-active and active stages of dying with dementia, including common signs and symptoms to watch for.

Navigating ADLs: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers on Activities of Daily Living

Ask the Experts

Navigating ADLs: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers on Activities of Daily Living

Discover how ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) are vital for senior independence. Learn about integrating physical and occupational therapy, using adaptive equipment, and the importance of fostering autonomy in elderly care. Essential reading for caregivers aiming to enhance senior well-being

Demystifying the Role of a Financial Caregiver: Responsibilities and Insights

Demystifying the Role of a Financial Caregiver: Responsibilities and Insights

A financial caregiver is a fiduciary responsible for managing the finances of an aging family member. Learn about the duties and best practices of being a financial caregiver, as well as helpful guidelines from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Dealing with Caregiver Burden: My Grandmother's Negative Behaviors Affecting My Children

Ask the Experts

Dealing with Caregiver Burden: My Grandmother's Negative Behaviors Affecting My Children

Navigating dementia and difficult behaviors can be overwhelming for caregivers. Learn more about managing the burden and finding resources to help you and your family in this personal account and list of 100 dementia caregiving tips.

How Retirement Age Parents Get the Home Health Care Services They Need

How Retirement Age Parents Get the Home Health Care Services They Need

As parents reach retirement age, it can be difficult for them to maintain their independence. Learn tips and resources for providing the best possible care for your aging parents, including access to medical professionals, nutritious meals, physical activity, and social interaction.

Dealing with Controlling Relatives as End-of-Life Approaches

Ask the Experts

Dealing with Controlling Relatives as End-of-Life Approaches

Learn how to handle uninvolved family members who become controlling at the end of life. Get tips on setting boundaries, honoring wishes, and protecting yourself legally and emotionally during this difficult time.

Exploring Financial Assistance for Caregivers of Elderly Parents: Available Support Resources

Ask the Experts

Exploring Financial Assistance for Caregivers of Elderly Parents: Available Support Resources

Caring for elderly parents can be financially overwhelming. Learn about the different options available, such as Medicaid Waiver Programs and VA Aid and Attendance Program. Consider a family caregiver contract to safeguard assets and monetarily support the caregiver.

Family Caregiver and Power of Attorney (POA)

Caregiver Stories

Family Caregiver and Power of Attorney (POA)

Katrina Gilbert shares her personal experience as the POA and primary caregiver for her 84-year-old grandmother, who has recently been admitted to a nursing and rehab care center. Learn about the challenges and best practices for advocating for quality care and handling uninvolved family members.

Complications of Frontal Lobe Dementia (FTD): Our Housing Loss

Ask the Experts

Complications of Frontal Lobe Dementia (FTD): Our Housing Loss

A daughter shares her personal experience of helping her parents navigate the complications of Frontal Lobe Dementia, including financial challenges and the need for support. Join our closed group on Facebook for support and resources.

Hope to Inspire

Ask the Experts

Hope to Inspire

Janet shares the touching story of her mom, a 5th stroke survivor, and how love and support helped her overcome nursing homes, oxygen, and more. Read on for inspiration and tips on caregiving and self-care.

Grandfather with Alzheimer’s Disease Primary Caregiver For Wife

Ask the Experts

Grandfather with Alzheimer’s Disease Primary Caregiver For Wife

How would my grandpa with Alzheimer’s use his phone to notify my father that something happened to grandma. No one lives in with the grandparents at the moment.

Navigating Dementia and Overeating: Balancing Care and Concern

Ask the Experts

Navigating Dementia and Overeating: Balancing Care and Concern

One caregiver's story of dealing with a loved one with dementia who wants to eat constantly.

Navigating the Complexities of Dealing with a Narcissist

Caregiver Stories

Navigating the Complexities of Dealing with a Narcissist

Navigating the challenges of caring for a narcissistic grandmother with dementia and the complications it brings to a family, including financial struggles and the need for power of attorney.

Question about Proper Body Mechanics and Communication?

Caregiving Issues

Question about Proper Body Mechanics and Communication?

Find out how to discuss and implement an adjustable bed for patients, prevent injuries, and improve overall care and health for patients and staff.

Has Anyone Regretted Moving Elderly Parents Into Your Home?

Ask the Experts

Has Anyone Regretted Moving Elderly Parents Into Your Home?

One family caregiver shares her experience of feeling exhausted and guilty after moving her elderly parents into her home. Learn about the realities of caregiving and options for support and respite care to maintain your own health and well-being."

From Serenity to Storm: Reflecting on Three Days in Respite Care

Ask the Experts

From Serenity to Storm: Reflecting on Three Days in Respite Care

Being a caregiver can be a challenging and isolating experience, leading to feelings of burnout, depression, and loneliness. If you're struggling to cope, know that you're not alone. Find support and advice on how to navigate this difficult journey and prioritize your own well-being.

My Vulnerability to Manipulative Siblings Amidst Caregiver Responsibilities

Ask the Experts

My Vulnerability to Manipulative Siblings Amidst Caregiver Responsibilities

In this powerful personal story the author shares her experience as a 12-year caregiver to her aging parents and how her uninvolved siblings turned against her. Learn how to protect yourself as a family caregiver and avoid similar situations.

Guns and Dementia: A Complex Medical Issue

Ask the Experts

Guns and Dementia: A Complex Medical Issue

Studies have found that caregivers and gun owning family members, living with someone with dementia, did not remove or lock up their firearms. Learn why this poses a risk and how healthcare professionals are working to educate on responsible gun safety in dementia care