Mikol Davis

Caring.com Expert

About

Mikol Davis has worked in community hospitals with geriatric patients suffering from dementia, depression, and other psychiatric problems. He received his doctorate in Psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1980. Davis has provided psychological counseling for people in crisis, suicide attempts, drug dependency, and emotional problems due to failing health. He has assisted many individuals to resolve conflicts with other members of their families.

Davis has been in private practice in Marin County, California since 1976. Through developing close relationships with medical specialists, support groups and services, Davis has assisted many families with important community resources for elders. He is a skilled mediator, often working with families to develop written plans to reduce conflict.

Since founding HelpWithElders.com and AgingParents.com with his wife, Carolyn Rosenblatt, Davis has offered important emotional support and resources for family members caring for aging parents. He provides one-on-one emotional support for the primary caregivers of elders, teaches coping skills, and helps the caregiver avoid burnout and overload.

Links

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Saturday November 14, 2009

    1. I don't want my parents to live with us anymore.

      Answer - Dear Caregiver, Yes PLEASE do give yourself permission to let your parents move back out on their own. It is important that you continue to be involved in their lives and that they are safe living independently. Use of a geriatric care manager to oversee how your parents are doing would be a great stress reliever...

  2. Tuesday November 03, 2009

    1. Our family has been told our Mother who has been in the...

      Answer - Dear Family member who is caring for a parent with multiple behavior problems. Let me first address your question about using Hospice. Before you look into this option you need to have a serious talk with your mothers doctor about her condition. Generally Hospice is called in when the physician assesses that the person is terminal with months left to live...

  3. Thursday October 29, 2009

    1. How can I keep my husband, who has dementia, and teenage daughter from fighting and avoid family conflict?

      Answer - Let me start by saying how important it is while dealing in family conflict with a teenager, to get some immediate professional help. Ask you family doctor for a referral to a psychologist that works with families and specializes in inter-generational counseling...

  4. Wednesday October 28, 2009

    1. Could Mom's anti-depressant be causing memory loss?

      Answer - Dear concerned family member. Memory loss can be associated with anti-depressants and other medical conditions. The symptoms you described warrant a mental health evaluation. Licensed psychologist are trained to do these types of evaluations and are far more available than physicians or psychiatrist...

  5. Monday October 26, 2009

    1. How do I deal with my sister, who is the gatekeeper to Dad's finances?

      Answer - I am sorry you and your sister are having family conflict over finances. You wanted some advice on "how to fix it." Fix what? If you believe that your father is being "unduly influenced" by your sister, perhaps it is time to bring in a third party to mediate your family conflict. Determining who you trust that is capable of mediating your present concerns...

  6. Tuesday October 13, 2009

    1. He won't do for himself and I just can't!

      Answer - Dear He won't do for himself and I just can't! Your use of the technical phrase "Oy, vey!" seems quite on target for your present situation. You say you do not want to be a martyr, well how about becoming the one helpful soul that is sacrificed...

    2. He won't do for himself and I just can't!

      Answer - I understand that your husbands adult children live out of town, however this is a FAMILY EMERGENCY that involves the Fathers safety. A family meeting is needed whether in person or on a conference call to determine who is willing to help NOW! On our website AgingParents...

  7. Monday October 12, 2009

    1. Is it wrong to want to make my sister help?

      Answer - You are an amazing survivor in spite of your sibling being unwilling to help with the caregiving of dad. If is unfortunate that your sisters mental illness has become so toxic to you. It is unlikely that she will ever truly appreciate all that your did for mom and all that you continue to do for dad...

    2. Is it unrealistic to expect my father-in-law to help contribute to household expenses?

      Answer - Here is my short answer based on my professionally consulting with hundreds of families that are caring for their aging parents. Answer "YES" demand that Dad contribute to the household expenses.

    3. Is it normal for me to feel resentful of my MIL?

      Answer - Resentment of your mother-in-law is quite normal considering the life history you explained. If your mother-in-law has not recently had a physical it would be helpful to determine if her being an emotionally driven person may be symptomatic of chronic depression. Often depressed elders cover their sadness with intense anger and abrasiveness...

  8. Friday September 04, 2009

    1. How do I deal with caregiver anger from my brother?

      Answer - Thank you so much for describing how your brother's anger is affecting both you and your mother for whom he is her caregiver. The resentment from your brother is not uncommon. He has taken over the 24/7 responsibilities for your mother's daily needs and most likely resents your having an outside life...

  9. Tuesday July 14, 2009

    1. Can I help Mom get her life back together?

      Answer - You are truly honoring you father by stepping up and helping your parent through grief. Please give yourself permission to stop questiong yourself and making yourself feel guilty. When a parent is forced to cope with the loss of their spouse they must choose to either survive or not. The grieving process ususally takes about one year for most health people...

  10. Wednesday July 08, 2009

    1. As a family caregiver, I have grief over my mom being in a nursing home.

      Answer - Caregiver grief is truely a very lonely place to be. We often dont age or die gracefully. So how do we deal with the challenges of being a caregiver of our aging parents when the final relief of suffering won't just come soon enough? We can't just do it alone, we need help, and must force ourselves to reach out to others...