Connie Matthiessen
Caring.com senior editor
- About
Constance (Connie) Matthiessen, Senior Editor of the Life channel, has worked as a healthcare and environmental journalist at the Center for Investigative Reporting, and has written for WebMD, Consumer Health Interactive, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, BabyCenter.com, San Francisco Magazine, Mother Jones and other publications. Connie's background also includes a B.A. in literature from Evergreen State College and an MFA in writing from Warren Wilson College. She has been interested in eldercare issues since shortly after college, when she spent a year caring for elderly people in a nursing home.
Connie, who lives in San Francisco with her three children, considers herself lucky that her parents are still healthy and active as they approach their 80s. They both continue to pursue their passions, including fishing, horseback riding, travel, and spending time with their children, grandchildren,and great-grandchildren, providing living proof that growing old -- for all its challenges -- can be a time of inspiration, connection, and adventure.
Recently Published on Caring.com
Thursday September 04, 2008
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Blog Post - A Grandchild Steps In to Help Her Family
A young woman with both a big heart and streak of cynicism steps in to help her aging grandparents
2 Comments
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Thursday August 28, 2008
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Answer - My dad refuses to obey his doctor's orders and stop driving
It sounds like you're doing your best in a very difficult...
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Blog Post - Sandwich Generation: Dispatches Part 2
Sandwich issues take a toll on the families and colleagues of caregivers.
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Monday August 25, 2008
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Blog Post - Sandwich Generation: Dispatches From the Front
Members of the "Sandwich Generation" face many emotional as well as practical challenges
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Thursday August 14, 2008
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Blog Post - Watermelons for Healthy Living -- and Loving
Watermelons can improve everything from your circulation to your love life.
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Monday August 11, 2008
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Answer - How can you help convince a caregiver to stop focusing exclusively on caregiving?
It's not uncommon for caregivers to become totally...
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Thursday August 07, 2008
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Article - Why Giving Up the Car Keys Is Such a Loaded Issue
Why giving up the car keys is so traumatic for your elderly parents, and how to help prepare them for the day when they have to stop driving.
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Blog Post - Prescription Addiction Part 4: One Family's Story
Prescription medication causes a senior to become addicted.
1 Comment
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Thursday July 31, 2008
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Blog Post - Prescription Addiction Part 3: No Magic Pill
Prescription drug abuse and addiction by the elderly, and how to help them avoid it.
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Wednesday July 30, 2008
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Article - How to Write a Meaningful Eulogy
How to Write a Meaningful Eulogy. Giving a eulogy for a parent who has recently died isn't easy, but it's something you'll never regret doing.
1 Comment
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Thursday July 24, 2008
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Article - Caregivers' Concerns About Their Parents Driving -- and What to Do About It
Adult children worry that their parents shouldn't drive -- but they worry even more about discussing driving. How to handle this sensitive issue.
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Blog Post - Prescription Addiction Part II: (Grand)Mother’s Little Helpers
Prescription and other drugs are commonly abused by seniors.
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Thursday July 17, 2008
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Blog Post - Over-The-Counter Driving Hazards
Even simple cold medications can undermine the driving abilities of elderly people.
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Thursday July 10, 2008
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Blog Post - Prescription Addiction: Are Your Parents at Risk?
Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a growing problem among the elderly.
1 Comment
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Thursday July 03, 2008
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Blog Post - Does Older = Wiser?
Help for caregivers who are having conflicts with elderly parents and other relatives.
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Thursday June 26, 2008
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Checklist - 8 Ways to Prepare Your Young Child for a Grandparent's Death
8 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Grandparent's Death. Help your child by talking openly about death and let them spend time with the grandparent.
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Monday June 23, 2008
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Blog Post - Behind-the-Wheel Safety for Older Drivers
Car makers and others are gearing up for an increase in the number of older drivers over the next decade.
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Friday June 20, 2008
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Article - When Your Parents Can No Longer Drive
Practical tips on how to help your elderly parents cope when it's no longer safe to drive -- and how to help them get around without a car.
1 Comment
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Thursday June 19, 2008
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Blog Post - In Defense of Older Drivers
Statistics show that older people, in general, are safe, responsible drivers.
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Tuesday June 17, 2008
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Blog Post - Help for Elderly Drivers -- On and Off the Road
California's Senior Driver Ombudsman program helps seniors and their families negotiate the whens and hows of giving up driving.
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Friday June 13, 2008
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Blog Post - Driving: A Love Story
Giving up the car can be devastating for the elderly, but you can help your parents make the transition to life without a car.
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Thursday June 12, 2008
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Answer - How can I ease tensions between my grandmother, myself and my roommates?
Your situation sounds difficult, and I'd be willing...
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Wednesday June 11, 2008
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Answer - How should I handle brothers who are upset about me taking care of my dad by scheduling doctor appointments and being present durning exams?
It's very hard to answer your question with so little...
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Blog Post - Parents' Driving Worries Baby Boomers, But No One Wants to Talk About It
Survey finds widespread concern among Baby Boomers about their parents' driving -- and reluctance to talk about it
1 Comment
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Tuesday June 10, 2008
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Article - How to Know When Your Parent Should Stop Driving
How to Know When Your Parent Should Stop Driving. Risk factors and warning signs that tell you it's time for a parent to stop driving.
4 Comments
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Monday June 09, 2008
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Article - How to Approach Your Parents With Concerns About Their Driving Ability
Giving up a driver's license is likely to be difficult for elderly parents. Learn how to approach and talk to elderly parents about driving safety.
2 Comments
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Thursday June 05, 2008
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Article - What to Do If Your Parents Refuse to Stop Driving
How to keep a dangerous driver off the roads and out of harm's way -- what to do if your parents refuse to stop driving.
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Article - The Best Way to Talk to Your Parents About Driving
You're worried about your parents' driving abilities but don't know how to tell them. Tips for talking with elderly parents about driving.
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Thursday May 29, 2008
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Blog Post - Aging Artfully - Part II
Research shows a powerful link between creativity and healthier, happier aging.
1 Comment
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Wednesday May 21, 2008
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Blog Post - Aging Artfully, Part 1
How you can age artfully by pursuing your passions
1 Comment
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Monday May 19, 2008
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Answer - How can someone become a caregiver?
Most people become caregivers not out of choice but...
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Monday May 12, 2008
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Answer - How can I carve out time for myself without feeling guilty?
It sounds as if you don't have a lot of support in...
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Answer - How can I persuade my mother to attend a support group for chronically ill people?
Your situation sounds tough. I think that you're right...
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Sunday May 11, 2008
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Article - Demystifying Your Aging Parents' New Stage of Life
Demystifying Your Aging Parents' New Stage of Life. Understand your elderly parents to improve communication and avoid power struggles.
6 Comments
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Thursday May 08, 2008
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Article - Caring for Your Elderly Parents: How to Handle Family Conflicts
Family conflicts and sibling rivalry often arise when caring for elderly parents. Find ways to share the caring burden and resolve family conflicts.
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Blog Post - Sex for Life
New research shows that many people are sexually active well into old age.
1 Comment
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Wednesday May 07, 2008
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Answer - Can you advise me about how to talk to my grandmother's doctor?
It's important for you to talk directly to your grandmother...
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Thursday May 01, 2008
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Blog Post - The Mother's Day Gift That Keeps on Giving
Spending time with your mother on Mother's Day is the best gift of all.
6 Comments
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Thursday April 17, 2008
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Blog Post - It Takes a Neighborhood (Part II)
Taking care of an elderly neighbor can enrich the lives of everyone involved.
2 Comments
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Thursday April 10, 2008
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Blog Post - It Takes a Neighborhood (Pt. 1)
Neighbors pitch in to help an isolated elderly neighbor so he can stay in his own home.
3 Comments
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Wednesday April 09, 2008
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Answer - How can I get a break from caring for my mother 24/7?
It's good that you recognize that you need regular...
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Tuesday April 08, 2008
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Answer - My parents are having marital problems. How can I help?
Your parents aren't too old for counseling -- or for...
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Monday April 07, 2008
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Answer - How can I get help for my ill sister, who doesn't have any family nearby?
Caring.com isn't (yet) able to provide information...
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Friday April 04, 2008
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Answer - How do I keep my spirits high when caregiving in a challenging situation?
You're in a very tough situation, and I hope I can...
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Thursday April 03, 2008
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Answer - How can I help my mother if she refuses my help?
You are in a very frustrating position, but I think...
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Blog Post - Caregiving: Does it Have to Be This Hard?
A summary of caregiving in the U.S. in 2008: some statistics and how it got this way
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Wednesday April 02, 2008
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Answer - How do I get my siblings to realize that it is important to be with our parents during the holidays?
You didn't give many details, for example, do your...
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Answer - How do I cope with an aging parent living in my home?
You're in a difficult situation, but don't wait until...
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Tuesday April 01, 2008
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Answer - What can I do about my emotionally dependent mother?
It sounds like your mother is lonely and depressed...
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Answer - How can I get my father to stop yelling at me?
Before you do anything else, it is important for you...
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Thursday March 27, 2008
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Blog Post - Is It Time For Your Parents To Give Up The Car Keys?
Tips for how to know when it's time for your elderly parent to stop driving -- and what to do about it.
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Thursday March 20, 2008
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Blog Post - Caregiving Isn't for Sissies
Caregiving requires courage, compassion, resourcefulness, and an open heart -- qualities that most of us would use to describe a hero.
2 Comments
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Tuesday March 11, 2008
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Article - Caring for Your Difficult Parent
If you have a troubled relationship with your parent, try these strategies to help you function effectively – and remain sane -- as her caregiver
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Article - When One Parent Is Caring for the Other
If one of your parents is caring for the other, your involvement is essential to help your healthy parent avoid burnout.
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Saturday November 17, 2007
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Article - Helping Your Parents Stay on the Road -- and Preparing for the Day They Can't Drive
How to help your elderly parents stay safe when they're behind the wheel -- and prepare for the day when they can no longer drive.
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Checklist - 8 Ways to Assess Your Parent's Driving
Concerned that your elderly parent is a hazardous driver? Learn to assess her driving skills without threatening her feelings of independence.
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Friday November 16, 2007
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Article - How to Deliver a Eulogy for Your Parent
How to celebrate your parent's life with a eulogy. How to prepare a eulogy, including do's and don’ts for writing an authentic tribute to your parent.
1 Comment
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Friday November 09, 2007
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Article - Talking to Your Parent About Death: What to Say and How to Say It
Guidance for talking to your aging parent about death, from what issues you might want to discuss to being a good listener.
2 Comments
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Wednesday September 19, 2007
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Article - Your Parents' Legacy: A Beginner's Guide
How to help your parents accept and be proud of all they've accomplished in their lives.
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Article - How to Help Your Parents Create a Lasting Legacy
Practical projects and treasured memories your whole family can create to help your parents accept and feel proud of all they've accomplished in their lifetimes.
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Wednesday September 12, 2007
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Checklist - 8 Life Issues You're Bound to Face When Caring for an Aging Parent
You'll deal with a range of challenges when caring for your elderly parents. The way you approach these tough issues is as important as what you say.
11 Comments
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Thursday August 30, 2007
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Article - How to Talk to Your Elderly Parents
How to Talk to Your Elderly Parents. Tips on talking to your elderly parents to help you avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
3 Comments
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