Since November is National Family Caregivers Month, I’ve been busy collaborating on three new resources for family caregivers.  Yes, I know the famous Beatles’ song is spelled “Here, There and Everywhere,” but my spelling is correct in this circumstance.

Hear — Listen to this Podcast

I was interviewed for the “Asking for a Friend Podcast” by Michele Falon, its creator. She asks some deep questions I’m not normally asked on podcasts. 

Our wide-ranging conversation includes:

• Techniques for mindful communication with the person in your care and your Caregiving team
• What to do if siblings are not willing to help out
• Tips for doctor appointments
• How to keep daily self-care top of mind
• When to consider in-home care or assisted living
• What to do when the whole family is not on-board with decisions
• The dreaded end-of-life conversation
• The grieving process for the caregiver

Click here to listen to our 30-minute episode.

There — Read this Article about Long-distance Caregiving

I contributed to an article for OprahDaily.com about caregiving long-distance called “Yes, You Can Care for Your Aging Parents from Afar.” The author, Amy Conway, calls it “a guide to keeping them safe while you hold on to your sanity,” and she’s correct, it’s possible! Along with sharing her own caregiving story, Conway asked me and two other caregivers to share our experiences, ideas and tips to make long-distance caregiving easier for everyone involved. 

Click here to read the article.

And Everywhere — Caring for Aging Parents Summit 

Stacey Rothfarb, a family caregiver in Florida, interviewed me on Zoom for her “Caring for an Aging Parent Summit,” that will go live online December 3rd, 2023 and be available 24/7 until December 10th. The event’s goal is to share “secrets to successfully creating a remarkable and quality life beyond caregiving.” Rothfarb asks me about self-care tips and other important questions family caregivers have. The four other experts speak with her about topics such as coping with the Anxiety of caregiving, designing a fulfilling life while caregiving, and navigating end-of-life challenges. There are also free digital giveaways donated by each speaker available when you register.

I hope you’ll enjoy watching it.

Click here to register for the Summit. 

Once registered, you will receive an email notification about how to access the Summit from December 3 – 10, 2023.

And about that Beatles’ song . . .  caregivers carry their responsibilities Here, There and Everywhere. Hopefully these three new resources will help you on your caregiving journey, whether you’re a new or veteran caregiver. 

Linda Abbit Author, Speaker, Family Caregiving Expert

Linda Abbit is an eldercare professional and caregiver with more than 25 years of experience caring for her parents and other family members. She is the author of "The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself," (Simon & Schuster, 2017).

Linda worked for over 10 years in the eldercare and health care professions. In 2021, she retired from her position as Community Outreach Manager for Alzheimer’s Family Center, an adult day health care agency designed solely for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

She currently speaks, leads workshops and assists family caregivers through her book, blog and the Tender Loving Eldercare Facebook page. Her talks are engaging, inspiring and, most importantly, full of real-world practices for new and veteran caregivers to implement in their daily caregiving.

In June 2023, Amy Dickinson recommended Linda's book to family caregivers in her nationally-syndicated column, "Ask Amy."

Linda holds a Master’s degree in Education and was a support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association in Orange County for many years.

Her motto is "Self-care is NOT selfish."