Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Growing Older and Long Distance Caregiving

I read several interesting articles recently about family caregiving and changing roles between children and their parents. Transitions are difficult, as individuals get older and are not able to do everything they previously enjoyed. Families need to spend time together and talk about their care plans, how they can help each other and not be a burden.

Here is a wonderful article by Caitlin Gibson in the Washington Post about a couple who celebrated their 80th Valentine's Day this year. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/13/AR2011021303355.html?sid=ST2011021301591

Long distance caregiving is a growing challenge for many adults. Liza Berger writes in Today's Caregiver (Feb. 25, 2011) that more than three million Baby Boomers help to coordinate care for a family member or friend who lives at least an hour away. Among several good suggestions in getting organized, she suggests that people build a team of family, friends and care professionals that you can turn to for help in caring for your loved ones. http://www.caregiver.com/channels/long_distance/articles/long_distance_care_phenomenon.htm