Adult children can be estranged from a parent for many reasons. We see this as a recurring issue in consulting with adult children at AgingParents.com. Usually, we hear that the parent has been repeatedly abusive or neglectful, and communication has ceased altogether. The child wants nothing more to do with that parent. Then something happens. […]
In surveys of our aging people, there is more fear expressed about getting dementia than being diagnosed with cancer. No wonder. We can treat cancer with chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiation. It can be successful and eliminate some kinds of cancer or limit the progress of other kinds. There is remission, or being free of […]
Millions of Americans are caring for an aging or disabled loved one at home. You do what you must to honor your loved one. But what about YOU? And all that empty advice about “take care of yourself”? Who has time for that? And what does taking care of yourself really mean anyway? The Smallest […]
The phone call came to Dad’s daughter (FD) at 6 AM. Again. This time, it was the night caregiver reporting that her father had fallen while trying to get out of bed. She had jumped up and tried to stop him but she could only get to him in time to break his fall. Fortunately, […]
When you speak to your aging parent, do they keep saying, “what?” Do they answer with something that is not what you asked? These are hints that hearing loss may be a problem. Typically, it gradually gets worse over time. And perhaps you have noticed that when anyone suggests hearing aids, there is resistance. That […]
The holidays often bring us face-to-face with aging parents. Maybe you’ve noticed concerning changes or know you need to discuss future planning. But where do you start when they resist these conversations? Aging parents often want to put this off, saying “I’m fine, we’ll do that later”. At AgingParents.com, we’re a unique nurse-lawyer, psychologist team […]
Most people at or near retirement age will say they want to remain at home as long as possible. That means not going to a seniors’ home of any kind “with all those old people”. It sounds fine to plan on staying at home forever when one is 65 or so and in reasonably good […]
Blended Families Are At Risk Sometimes aging and the need for change can bring out the worst in people. It can happen in blended families with aging parents. It may not surface until the adult children are faced with issues over their aging parent in common. When new obligations emerge, hidden conflicts may surface. At […]
Here at AgingParents.com, we see a broad range of elder-related problems. This one was a first. It is a true case, one a solo ager can learn from. If you are aging and living alone, take heed. The Facts: Aging veteran (AV) was living alone, and struggling with being disconnected from others. He was okay, […]
American families are often scattered across the country. Kids grow up, find opportunities they like in other places and move away. The parents may stay put, happy to remain where they’ve lived most of their lives. Then aging happens. And with it, risks no one really thought about. At AgingParents.com, where we advise families about […]
