Archive for August, 2010

According to WellSpouse.org, spousal caregiving has an interesting breakdown. While heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., long-term illnesses such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s top the spousal care list. Perhaps this is because certain diseases require more assistance such as the physical challenges that come with MS or Parkinson’s, and... »

Spousal and partner care doesn’t feel like caregiving. We’re just caring for the one we love—but when does it cross the line from caring—to caregiving? According to the National Family Caregiving statistics  14 million of the close to 50 million caregivers in the United States are now males—and the numbers are rising. Click here... »

Many of our elders and caregivers struggle each day with depression. It’s no wonder. They’re fighting pain, disease, death, dealing with mounting medical costs and frustrations—and many are isolated and overwhelmed with day-to-day care needs. In fact, elder suicide is higher than any other age category—those 85 years old and older are highly susceptible... »

Depression and the elderly go hand-in-hand. Seven million adults over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with depression, and that’s not counting the millions who are still struggling in silence. And yet, we don’t like to talk about it. Many of our elders are from the “we don’t talk about such things” generation.... »

We all look forward to taking a summer vacation-heading to the beach or the mountains, to visit relatives or attend a family reunion-but traveling with your elder parents can be a bit of a challenge. Medication, schedules, walking or transportation issues, heat exhaustion and eating concerns all top the list. Is it worth the... »