Expert Voices

Jacqueline Marcell

Jacqueline Marcell

Caregiving

Caregiving

How Can I Get My Stubborn Elderly Father to Accept a Caregiver in His Home?

Posted January 08, 2009 3:34 PM

Ohhh, I had this exact situation while I was caring for my parents, so I know how exasperating it is! I actually went through 40 caregivers the first year—well, most only there for about ten minutes as my father would be so nasty they’d run out of the house or he’d throw them out. After much trial and tears, I finally figured out how to handle the many complexities of the situation—so I want to share what I unfortunately had to learn the hard way! Read more…

See Also: in-home care for aging parents, relationships

Share Your Thoughts | Send To A Friend

Assisted Living Options: Research Early, Don’t Wait for Crisis Call

Posted December 03, 2008 11:47 AM

WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS!

At one of my recent seminars, an “at-her-wit’s-end” adult daughter, Sally, rushed up afterward pleading for my advice on how to get her elderly parents to move to Assisted Living before their health deteriorated any further. She lived cross-country and was terrified about them being alone as there had already been a few close calls—like the time her father left the gas stove on without it lighting, filling the house with fumes and nearly asphyxiating himself and his wife. Sally had already tried to hire caregivers to come into her parents’ home, but her obstinate father wouldn’t allow it, so she was desperate to get them to move before the next crisis call—hoping it wouldn’t be for actually burning the house down… or worse! Read more…

See Also: assisted living, Caregiver Resources, caregiver support

Share Your Thoughts | Send To A Friend
Q:

My parents have dementia and need my help with some basic things. I’m struggling with the new responsibilities and didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Your articles on ThirdAge are so helpful, but I feel like I need a caregiving course. Can you recommend some resources to help me feel less alone and to help me give my parents the best care?

A:
Hi, so sorry to hear you are struggling with your new role as a caregiver to your folks, but congratulations for reaching out for help! Even though ... Read More...

Submit Your Own Question

Coping with a Chilly Challenging Elder

Posted November 10, 2008 6:08 PM

WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS!

My challenging elderly father always said he was feeling a bit chilly, but he’d refuse to put on a sweater or more clothes at home. He wouldn’t even wear a jacket over his thin summer clothes whenever he went outside, which of course he also wore in the winter. A wonderful caregiver (Ariana) and I constantly offered warm soups and warm liquids, but he’d refuse, only wanting to eat corn flakes with cold milk. We also constantly tried to get him to take warm showers--forget it, he’d just rather complain (and smell). Read more…

See Also: parents, relationships, termperature

Share Your Thoughts | Send To A Friend

Traveling with a Demented Elder

Posted October 14, 2008 6:49 PM

Welcome back all my caregivers!

Recently I was so dismayed to see a sweet little elderly lady (obviously suffering from dementia) and her devoted adult daughter, being delayed and searched at an airport checkpoint. The daughter was a bit heavy and apparently her underwire bra kept setting off the alarm, which finally embarrassed her to tears. The mom, seeing her daughter getting so upset, got so frightened and confused that soon she was in a frenzied panic. Read more…

See Also: Alzheimer's, dementia, travel

Share Your Thoughts | Send To A Friend

Suspecting Dementia in Your Loved One? Know the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)

Posted September 22, 2008 12:58 PM

 

Welcome back all my caregivers! Read more…

See Also: Alzheimer's, dementia, Mini-Mental State Exam

Share Your Thoughts | Send To A Friend

Top Ten Dementia Eldercare Recommendations

Posted July 30, 2008 5:30 PM

WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS!

When people hear about what I went through during the year of caring for my elderly parents, they often ask what I would do differently if I had to relive the experience with the knowledge I have now. I sigh and say, “Ohhh, if only I could! I’d know exactly what to do to help my parents much sooner and I would be able to save so much time, money, and a fortune in Kleenex!” If you are heading into the eldercare years, please learn from my mistakes and don’t reinvent the wheel. Here are my top ten recommendations:

1. Consider buying Long-Term Care Insurance while everyone is healthy. Read more…

See Also: alzheimers, caregivers, dementia, long-term care insurance

Share Your Thoughts | Send To A Friend
Ads by Google
what's this?