Let’s face it: sitting your aging parents down to talk about their finances is about as comfortable as talking to them about sex (eons ago, they probably felt the same way you do right now!) But just as it was back then, the conversation- though difficult- is imperative to your future decision making.

Recently,  Dr. Judith L. London published a book of 54 stories detailing the challenging and sometimes heroic lives of caregivers of Alzheimer's sufferers. And it's no wonder Dr. London found it compelling to collect a these stories in one place:  in a study conducted by Stanford University and the Alzheimer's Association, more than 15 million people provide unpaid care for family members,  or even friends, who suffer from the disease.

There are more than 2 million senior caregivers working in private homes to help our aging loved ones to 'age in place.' These caregivers are employees. They are either employed by the home health agency who hires, schedules and pays the senior caregiver, OR they are the employee of the senior or their family who pay the caregiver directly.

Although the Holiday Season is usually filled with excitement and celebrations, for some in their “golden” years, this can be one of the toughest times of the year.   The stress that comes with taking part in these special celebrations can be overwhelming for some.  Many people, regardless of age, can experience feelings of sadness, disappointment and depression this time of year which is often referred to as the “Holiday Blues”. This can be due to the extra stress that results when preparing for all of the fun holiday festivities, while still juggling all of the day to day of our busy lives.

Some seniors experience the “Holiday Blues” more intensely, while others are not affected at all ...  Life experience brings many changes with it, and our senior family members often reach a point in their lives when it becomes more difficult to adapt to change. During the Holidays, in particular, some reminisce about better times and the absence of their loved ones.  Some of their spouses or closest friends might even have already passed, and their grown up children have busy lives of their own now …

For many, the time and money associated with caring for aging relatives are nothing short of overwhelming. Financing long term care is a particular source of anxiety and stress. If you have determined that at-home care is the avenue that best suits your family, then you have probably already worried about financing this long term care plan.

Families of aging seniors are confronted with many choices as they navigate options to help maintain a healthy and productive life for elderly family members.  Home safety, medication management and transportation are key concerns for every family facing the naturally changing capacities seniors face as they age.  In fact, according to the Congressional Budget Office, one third of seniors aged 65 and over need some assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing and personal hygiene, shopping and preparing meals

Care For Your Emotional Health

Along with the emotional rewards that may come from helping an older family member maintain safe and with a good quality of life, the responsibilities may take a toll on a caretaker’s emotional well-being. A reverse in roles when taking care of an aging parent can be especially difficult.