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Blog Posts

• Blog Post - The Adult Diaper Wars: A Call to Arms!

  A Canadian government official's threat to wear diapers triggers open talk of how to keep seniors who wear diapers comfortable and healthy.

• Blog Post - My father seems interested in moving in with me -- and I don't want him to.

  At 81, my dad has Parkinson's, three heart stents,...

• Blog Post - A "Sandwiched" Daughter Says Enough is Enough

  A "sandwich generation" caregiver describes how asking for help saved her sanity — and her family.

• Blog Post - Memory Loss Is on Everybody's, Um, Mind

  Many caregivers wonder about their own memory loss; these amusing readings offer a cheering perspective.

• Blog Post - Dementia Caregiver? 4+ Ways You Can Take a Break

  Ideas for how dementia caregivers can use the arts for stress relief.

• Blog Post - Five Tips for Keeping the Sandwich Together

  Five tips to help sandwich generation members ease the stress of caring for aging parents in their homes.

• 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.

• Blog Post - 5 Surprising Ways to Use Memories to Help People With Memory Loss

  Reminiscence therapy improves mood and communication in people with Alzheimer's and dementia by prodding deeply-held memories.

• Blog Post - How Retirement Is Changing

  A rundown of emotional and financial issues facing current and future retirees.

• Blog Post - My mother's growing needs are putting a strain on my marriage, and I find myself wondering which will fall apart first -- her, my marriage, or me. What can I do?

  Since my dad died five years ago, my mother has had...

• Blog Post - A Promising New Lung Cancer Vaccine

  This week brought welcome news for people with non-small cell lung cancer: Long-term results from a clinical trial showed that a new immune-boosting treatment worked as well or better than chemotherapy at reducing relapse.

• Blog Post - Robots and Other High-Tech Solutions Help Seniors Stay at Home

  New high-tech monitoring systems allow seniors to age in place with greater safety and freedom, but also raise privacy concerns.

• Blog Post - Brain-Training 101: Does It Really Help Those With Dementia?

  Brain-fitness games are a huge growth industry, but can they help prevent or reverse dementia?

• Blog Post - A Big Butt May Keep Diabetes at Bay

  New research suggests that body fat found around the buttocks may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Blog Post - My dad wants to double-date with me!

  What to do when your elderly dad starts dating -- and he wants to double-date with you and your spouse.

• Blog Post - Too Much and Too Little Shut-Eye May Be Bad for Health

  Too little and too much sleep can be a health hazard. Find tips on helping your parents get just the right amount of rest.

• Blog Post - Day Services Really Help People With Dementia -- and Their Caregivers

  New research shows using day services for people with Alzheimer's or dementia helps both them and their caregivers.

• Blog Post - My mother's caregiver is too controlling and won't take direction from us.

  My mother has Alzheimer's and has had a live-in caregiver...

• Blog Post - Aging Artfully - Part II

  Research shows a powerful link between creativity and healthier, happier aging.

• Blog Post - Farewell to Falls

  Seniors can prevent life-altering falls by doing balance training exercises.

• Blog Post - I constantly feel guilty because no matter how much I do for my parents, I know it's never enough.

  My mom has advanced Alzheimer's and my dad is 92 and...

• Blog Post - Be Social and Save Your Memory

  News about prolonging memory loss and postponing aging.

• Blog Post - Going For Broke? Seniors Turn to Newer Loans To Avoid Cash Crunch

  Seniors hurt by the tough economy are raising money using reverse mortgages, life insurance settlements and 401k loans. In exchange for up-front cash, your parent may lose future equity or investment gains, so help them make smart money choices.

• Blog Post - My mother, who suffers from dementia and alcoholism, wants my sister and me to be her caregivers, so she keeps sending away the one we've hired.

  My sister and I hired a caregiver to come into our...

• 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.

• Blog Post - Cash and Counseling Program Offers a Paycheck for Care Giving

  Medicaid's Cash and Counseling Program lets recipients spend home-care benefits as they see fit -- including paying family members to care for them.

• Blog Post - My mother gave power of attorney to her new husband, who is putting her life in danger. How can we get it away from him?

  My mother's new husband has power of attorney for her, but I feel he puts her life in danger. How can we get her to reappoint power of attorney?

• Blog Post - Tired No More: New Drug Can Treat Cancer Fatigue

  New research shows that the narcolepsy drug Provigil can treat cancer fatigue.

• Blog Post - The Connection Between Diabetes and Sleep Apnea

  People with type 2 diabetes urged to get checked for sleep apnea.

• Blog Post - My mother says she's lonely, and it's heartbreaking for me to hear her crying at night. What can I do to help her?

  My father died seven years ago, and for quite some...

• Blog Post - Help Seniors Beat the Dangers of Summer Heat

  Tips for helping your parents avoid the risks of summer heat.

• Blog Post - Alzheimer's Breakthrough: What It Can Mean to You Right Now

  A cure is still far away but here's a way to further the cause.

• Blog Post - "Wings" For Frail Seniors Who Can't Travel On Their Own

  Frail seniors can still travel with a little help. Here's a guide.

• Blog Post - Seniors Hit Hard By Overdraft Charges

  High banking fees are hitting senior citizens hard, but seniors can protect themselves by monitoring their account online.

Questions & Answers

• Question - Are there any benefits available to retired law enforcement?

  Retirement benefits are usually available to former law enforcement officers through their agency's Public Employees Retirement System.

• Question - Should I take Medicare Part B even though I still work full-time and have health insurance from work?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Am I eligible for disability?

  If you're under 65 and can't do substantial paid work, you may get Social Security disability, SSI and Medicaid, plus Medicare after two years.

• Question - Does guided imagery really control cancer-related pain?

  Is guided meditation or guided imagery helpful in relieving pain from cancer or other diseases? Studies have shown that guided meditation can help.

• Question - What can I do to encourage my father to work on recovering from his stroke?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I cope with an aging parent living in my home?

  Since my mother came to live with me, our relationship has gone down hill and my home feels like a prison.

• Question - When a good in-home caregiver loses enthusiasm, how can I get her back on board?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What's a Totten Trust and how does it work?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Do I Need Medicare Part D If I Have Blue Cross/Blue Shield from work?

  You may not need a Medicare Part D drug plan, and won't be penalized for not signing up, if you have employer-sponsored drug coverage.

• Question - How can I get my parent to eat without nagging?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - How can I help my parent control nausea while he's on chemotherapy?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I get my mother, who has dementia, to calm down in her nursing home?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I pick an attorney and what should I expect to pay?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Do hip protectors really work to prevent fractures?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I get my mother, who has breast cancer, to be more active so she won't lose muscle strength?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Is a personal emergency response system appropriate for a parent who travels?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - If I hire an aide for my father should I be responsible for payments?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - What short-term in-house care options when caregivers need to go out of town?

  Some guidance for those seeking temporary in-house care for their aging parent.

• Question - Can I get paid to be my mom's caregiver?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How does retiree health benefits work when you move out-of-state?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Where can I get a bracelet that helps with nausea due to chemo?

  This question has been answered by three Community Members

• Question - What can I do to get my mom to take her diabetes pills, which she doesn't think are keeping her blood sugar in check?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Is there a way to prevent or treat bone pain when my father takes neulasta after chemo?

  Here are some pain management options for those suffering bone pain due to chemotherapy.

• Question - How can I get my brother to help out more in caring for our mother?

  Ideas for how to handle sibling rivalries and misunderstandings between sibling caregivers.

• Question - Is there help for someone under age 65, who has serious illness and little money?

  For someone under 65 and disabled, government programs can help: Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Question - Are there government benefits for someone who's had a stroke and gets only a small company pension?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do you get financial help if you are between 55 and 60 years old?

  A few government financial benefits are available to someone under age 60.

• Question - When you have 100% blockage on the right side, 80% on the left and they tell you that surgery won't work, what is the next step?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Is it OK for my mother to keep her recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease a secret from friends and colleagues?

  Is it okay to conceal a Parkinson's disease diagnosis from friends and colleagues? Expert commentary on the consequences of concealing Parkinson's.

• Question - My parents are 81 & 82, my father was in a bad car accident...

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - What is maximum income a widow can make to receive her husband's Social Security?

  If you claim Social Security survivors benefits before you reach full retirement age, they're reduced if you earn over $13,560 for the year.

• Question - Why does the drug levodopa seem to work well for my father with Parkinson's only at certain times of the day?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What if the chemotherapy doesn't work?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I take over care-making decisions when my brother has power of attorney?

  Try getting to the root of your family member's unwillingness to carry out the duties required in a power of attorney; then, consider other action.

• Question - What's the difference between a senior real estate specialist and a garden-variety real estate agent?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can you offer any advice on bathing a modest parent?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - When a person with Alzheimer's repeatedly makes mistakes, is it OK to correct her?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - My mother has been depressed since her cancer diagnosis; how can I persuade her to see a therapist?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - Why does my mother talk about health issues -- in excruciating detail?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What can I do to help my dad stay comfortable during bath time?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - How do I get my father, who has prostate cancer, to accept help from others?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What steps are required to get a conservatorship?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - What should I do when my parent with Alzheimer's doesn't recognize members of the family?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How should my mother decide when to file for Social Security?

  Is it best to file for Social Security benefits early, at age 62, if a parent needs money or wait until 65 or 67 to file for Social Security benefits?

• Question - How do I get my father, who's depressed about being treated for cancer, to talk about how he's feeling?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can you advise me about how to talk to my grandmother's doctor?

  I need help talking to my grandmother's physician.

• Question - I am looking for an assisted living home for my mother in...

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - How can I get my mother to talk to me about moving?

  When an ailing parent won't talk about moving, you may have to push the issue. Here's expert advice on how to get your parent to talk about moving.

• Question - Will medicare pay for oral surgery for patients with osteoporosis?

  Medicare can cover oral surgery on bones of the mouth or jaw if it's the kind of work performed by physicians as well as by nonj-M.D. oral surgeons.

• Question - How can I get my father to stop yelling at me?

  My father is miserable, and taking it out on me.

• Question - How do I compensate a sibling who is the primary caregiver for our parent?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I get the addresses of the properties belonging to my parents after their passing?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - What can I say when my parent with cancer falls into self-pity?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Why do experts say laughter is helpful for those with cancer?

  Some expert commentary on the benefits of laughter for people with cancer.

• Question - Is there such a thing as a geriatric health manager?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How can I convince my father to go to an Alzheimer's adult day care?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I find in-home care for my father?

  This question has been answered by two Community Members

• Question - How do we prevent drug interaction problems?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How do I get my brother and sister to share more of the burden of caring for our mother, who has ovarian cancer?

  Brothers and sisters may disagree on how to share the burden of caring for a parent. Read expert tips on delegating work and avoiding resentment.

• Question - How do I get help, such as someone to assist with housework, for a relative undergoing cancer treatment that also lives alone?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How do I get the stains and smell associated with urine out of a recliner?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What are the first steps in getting my mother's home deeded to my siblings and me?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How much will Medicare cost me?

  Most people get Medicare Part A for free. Eveyone pays for Part B, the amount depending on your income.

• Question - What kind of financial aid programs are available to full-time caregivers?

  Family caregivers can get paid to take of a parent by the Cash and Counseling or similar state program for low income seniors.

• Question - What can I do if my co-executor will not meet with me?

  Co-executors are both legally responsible for winding up an estate within a reasonable time. If you can't get the other person to cooperate, act quickly to right the wrong.

• Question - How can I convince my pack-rat mother, whom I'm moving into a smaller apartment, to let go of all her junk?

  My mother is a pack rat. I need to move her into an apartment but she refuses to throw anything away. How do I convince her to let go of all her junk?

• Question - How do I help my elderly mother deal with the loss of her pets?

  When someone moves into assisted living, does he have to give up his pets? If so, what should you do with his pets once he moves into assisted living?

• Question - How do I make sure my father with Alzheimer's remembers to take his medicines?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - Are hearing aids really worth the cost and all the trouble?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - How can I get the doctor to be more responsive when my mother has side effects from chemotherapy?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I help my dad, who has Alzheimer's, communicate?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Could my father's loud snoring be caused by a medical problem?

  Loud snoring may indicate a medical problem like sleep apnea. Loud snoring could also be caused by obesity, alcohol, smoking, and medications.

• Question - Could my mother's sleeping pills be causing her sundown syndrome?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Am I responsible for my parent's debt?

  Am I responsible for my parent's debt? I recently discovered that my father has several thousand of dollars of debt. Are parent debts transferable?

• Question - How can I encourage my mother to be more independent after her stroke?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - My father has colon cancer. What's the best way to deal with his angry outbursts?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - My mother, who has breast cancer, asks me to visit her every time she thinks there's a crisis. What should I do?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I ease my father's discomfort when I have to help him with physically intimate tasks?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will a gait belt help my elderly mother walk?

  Will a gait belt help my elderly parent walk and move better? Get expert advice on using a gait belt to assist elderly parents to balance and walk.

• Question - How often do I need to bathe my parent?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I help my 82-year-old mother overcome her fear of falling?

  If a parent has a fear of falling, it can actually make things more dangerous. Here's expert advice on how to help a parent overcome fear of falling.

• Question - How can I help my mom, who has chronic pulmonary disease, from across the country?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do you deal with aphasia?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - Where can I find a supportive appliance for the toilet?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Should I get a personal emergency response system (PERS) for my mom, who has early-stage Alzheimer's?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Since my parents own property in several states, how will their estate be administered?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I encourage my father to use his left side after his stroke?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Why is my mother's ovarian cancer causing swelling in her legs and feet?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I help boost my mother's mood after her bypass surgery?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I get my father with diabetes to eat appropriately?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I handle my dad's denial about his diabetes?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I help my anxious mother sleep better?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Who are the best long term care providers and reverse mortgage companies?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Does stress affect my parent's blood sugar levels?

  My mom is diabetic and has a tendency to get upset and anxious. Does stress have an impact on her blood sugar level, and if so, what can I do to help?

• Question - What's the best way to move my mom from her wheelchair into the car?

  How do you transfer someone from a wheelchair to a car? Devices can help transfer him from the wheelchair to the car, but body mechanics matter too.

• Question - Can I give my father a diuretic to help with the swelling in his feet caused by liver cancer?

  When swollen feet are caused by liver cancer, will a diuretic help relieve the swelling? Or is the cause of the swelling more complicated than that?

• Question - Can I take classes and become certified for home care for my mother?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Why hasn't the age for signing up for Medicare changed to coincide with the eligibility date for drawing social security?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Do we need to inform the first attorney that we wrote a new will with another attorney?

  When hiring different attorneys to prepare your estate plan, it can buy you some peace of mind to make doubly sure that your documents don't conflict.

• Question - Financial Aid for Caregivers?

  I am caring for my parents and need to be home with them day to day. Is there any financial aid that I can get since I will have lost my income?

• Question - What could be wrong with my mother-in-law who makes irrational decisions and wets herself, yet the hospital says she's competent?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I determine "reasonable" trustee fees?

  You may need to do some careful bookkeeping and verifying to determine a "reasonable" trustee fee.

• Question - Will Medicaid pay for my dad's ventilator and skilled nursing care in my home?

  Medicaid might not cover enough nursing services to allow a patient on a ventilator to receive care at home.

• Question - How do we explain to my mom, who has Alzheimer's, that she cannot bring all of her household items when moving in with my brother?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How can I help my father deal with the "dawn phenomenon," or high blood sugar on awakening?

  Dawn phenomenon, having high blood sugar in the morning, is a common problem for diabetics. Get advice on dawn phenomenon treatment strategies.

• Question - How can I cover my medical care expenses?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How can I find agencies or companies that provide in-home care in my area?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - My parents are having marital problems. How can I help?

  My parents aren't getting along very well. Are they too old for counseling and/or separation?

• Question - Are there programs that can help with the cost of in-home care?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Can you tell me about a drug called Sumitinib?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How can I help my parents with dementia accept the care they need?

  Refusing help is common in parents with dementia. Get advice on dealing with parents with dementia who refuse help from assisted living staff.

• Question - What is Albuterol updrafring with chemotherapy treatment?

  This question has been answered by two Community Members

• Question - How can I help my Grandfather with his chemo treatments received via catheter?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Are there portable chemo methods?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - How can I stop feeling resentful that my parent with cancer has become so self-involved?

  How to deal with troubling feelings toward a parent who has become self involved after cancer diagnosis.

• Question - Which systems in the body are affected by chemotherapy?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What is the difference between an infusaport and IV?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Why does my father keep refusing to take his medicine, and how can I get him to take it?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I get my anxiety under control while caring for my mother with lung cancer?

  How do you manage the anxiety of caring for someone with a disease like cancer? Here's expert advice on easing the anxiety and stress of caregiving.

• Question - If I'm the primary caregiver for my parent with cancer, should I join a caregivers' support group?

  Guidance on the benefits of cancer caregiver support groups and what its like to be part of one.

• Question - What's an A1c test and why is it important for my dad to take it?

  A diabetes expert gives you the scoop on A1c tests and why your parent with diabetes might need one.

• Question - Does chemotherapy change the scent of a person's skin?

  This question has been answered by two Community Members

• Question - How do I encourage my mother, who has limited mobility, to exercise?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Is chemo effective in treating squarmous cell cancer of the vulva?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Could my dad's stroke be causing the sensations of cold on his left side?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I persuade my father to join a clinical trial that could help him fight bone cancer?

  When a parent with cancer won't join a clinical trial, find out why. Then discuss his concerns, given the research and his own prognosis.

• Question - How can I convince my mother that she needs an assistant to run errands instead of expecting me to do it when I live two hours away?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How can you pay for care when your assets are too high for Medicaid?

  You can still qualify for Medicaid in many states if your assets are above the normal eligibillity limit but you have high medical bills.

• Question - Having limited resources, how do I get into a nursing home?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Financial help when a parent leaves a nursing home to live with family?

  A low-income elder who leaves a nursing home to live with family may get help from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

• Question - My ill mother refuses to live with us, what can be done?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - What extra precautions should my dad with diabetes take when he has the flu?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I protect my incontinent mother's skin?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Mom is moving here from several states away. How do I find...

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How Can I Convince my Brother Not to Leave His Nursing Home?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What is the best way for my 87 year old mother to invest her money?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - I'm trying to decide which personal alert (device) program is best for my father. Which is best?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How do I get into a nursing home with limited resources?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - Is one of the side effects of chemo a tendency to fall down?...

  When someone is weak from chemo, is falling a side effect? Do falls from chemo treatment caused by numbness or weakness require medical attention?

• Question - Is there any program that offers free or low-cost dental care for seniors?

  Can seniors get low-cost or free dental care from Medicare, Medigap, or Medicaid? Or are there other resources for senior dental assistance?

• Question - What can be done about excessive sleepiness after a stroke?

  Advice on how to deal with excessive sleepiness six months after a stroke.

• Question - If you miss a chemotherapy apointment would a doctor give...

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What can I expect--regarding my Dad in moving from a nursing...

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I resolve a family conflict so I can visit my mother?

  My sister lives with my mother, and is making it hard to visit Mom and make sure she is okay.

• Question - What is the red chemo that is administered by a large needle over a 15 minute time span and what are the side effects?

  Adriamycin, aka doxorubicin or the Red Devil, is a red chemo that may be taken with other cancer drugs. Possible side effects include heart failure.

• Question - How can I help my mother with the stress of caring for my grandmother?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Two months after my father-in-law's passing, my mother-in-law with dementia no longer recognizes my wife. What could have triggered this?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - What kind of living arrangements are available for those under 65, but disabled, without a lot of money?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I keep my spirits high when caregiving in a challenging situation?

  Caring for mother is taking over my life. Is there anyway to make things easier?

• Question - What is insulin resistance?

  What "insulin resistance" means, how it affects people with type 2 diabetes, and what you can do to treat the condition.

• Question - Do we need Medicare Part D?

  A Medicare Part D plan is a good idea for people with high out-of-pocket drug costs.

• Question - From what money are final expenses paid first?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How do I apply for Medicaid?

  Medicaid provides broad coverage for medical care. You apply at your state's local Medicaid office, usually a county social services office.

• Question - What are some tips for a long distance caregiver to a dad with pancreatic cancer?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - is it a good idea to put your IRA in a revocable living trust?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can a new diabetes drug also help my mother lose weight?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Can the new drug Symlin help my overweight dad with diabetes?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How can I persuade my father to stop driving?

  My father insists on continuing to drive -- against the advice of two doctors. What should I do?

• Question - My mom has macular degeneration, but still insists on driving. Is there anything I can do?

  My mother has macular degeneration. Should she still be driving?

• Question - Is there a resource to find a nurse who will travel to rural areas?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Can my half-brother keep me from seeing my mother, who is in a nursing home?

  Make sure you've tried to get to the bottom of a family member's attempts to block you from seeing your ailing mother. Then, you may need to take matters in your own hands.

• Question - How can I carve out time for myself without feeling guilty?

  I"m my mother's caregiver, and I feel guilty when I take time for myself.

• Question - my husband doesnt understand severe fibromyalgia and how my...

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - If visiting with and talking to extended family members unsettles my father, who has Alzheimer's, should we continue while still remembers them or stop?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Any financial aid to help us care for Mom full-time?

  Family caregivers can get paid to take of a parent by the Cash and Counseling or similar state program for low income seniors.

• Question - Does Medicare cover children?

  Medicare does not cover medical care for children, but Medicaid and related programs do cover care for children in low-income families.

• Question - How can I convince my mother and sister to step back without hurting their feelings?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - How do I get my husband signed up for Medicare Part D?

  Medicare Part D drug coverage is very inexpensive for people eligible for Medicaid and in nursing homes.

• Question - How can I find a new doctor and can my wife qualify for SSI?

  Medicare's web site has a tool to help you find a doctor who accepts Medicare patients. SSI is based on a couple's joint income and assets.

• Question - How can we protect our elderly mother from being taken advantage of?

  If you're sure that it's money and not love that is prompting an alleged suitor to call on your mother, act quickly to avoid financial scamming.

• Question - Do you have any tips for moving my parente out of a nursing home back to a home?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will chemo take away quality of life for my mother, who has Alzheimer's?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - What are ROM exercises, and will they help my bedridden mom?

  ROM (range of motion) exercises can help bedridden patients.

• Question - How can I help convince my mother that it's time to move into a retirement community?

  My father is ready to move into a retirement community, but my mother refuses. What can I do?

• Question - What should I do when my parent with Parkinson's disease suddenly "freezes"?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - My mother thinks that there are people hiding in her cabinets.

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - An assisted living center, that my grandmother never ended up living in, is harassing me for 1 month's rent. Do I really owe this money?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - Can chemo cause side effects for those exposed to the patient receiving it?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - What is the legal cost if a court appoints a non-relative to serve as conservator?

  There are laws that allow a person to be paid for acting as conservator of an estate, but the actual amount due is generally left to murky standards.

• Question - Why would chemo cause stomach pain for my dad, who has stage 4 colon cancer?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - Does Medicare cover psychologist's visits?

  Medicare can pay some of the cost of care by a Medicare-participating psychologist. A doctor's referral is usually required.

• Question - How can I get my father, who lives with us, to respect the rules of our household?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - How can I get guardianship over my mother in order to add her to my health insurance?

  An adult guardianship may be a way to get health insurance coverage for a parent.

• Question - How can you help convince a caregiver to stop focussing their sole attention on just caregiving?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - How can I ease tensions between my grandmother, myself and my roommates?

  My grandmother is living with me and my roommates, and can't pay her share of the bills.

• Question - Can my parents access a nursing home without a hospital stay?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

Tips & Reflections

• Tip - cracks and splits at the corners of the mouth

  Stubborn lip splits are often the result of a yeast...

• Reflection - What I Wish I'd Known: Julie Winokur

  Filmmaker Julie Winokur, who chronicled care giving for her father in The Sandwich Generation, talks about being a working mother and caregiver.