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Eldercare Update
June 2004
A resource for families caring for elders
Caregiving: It's a Family Affair

This issue of Eldercare Update is devoted to the family dynamics that can make caring for your aging parent an even more challenging feat. You may have a brother who doesn’t do his share, a parent who denies any need for assistance or a sibling who disagrees with your every caregiving move.

Complicating factors like these actually may detract from the care you’re trying to provide. Learn how to make caring for your parent easier—and keep the peace in your family. Read more. 		 
The Latest in Senior Health
From MEDLINEplus
  • Diabetes May Raise Risk of Alzheimer's

  • At-Risk Elders Under-Treated for Osteoporosis

  • Antioxidants Don't Protect the Aging Brain

    • Visit MEDLINEplus for more senior health news.


    		Articles of Interest
    Coping with a Resistant Parent
    Although there may be obvious and objective evidence that your parent requires some assistance, accepting this help requires your parent to make a significant admission: “I am no longer able to manage on my own. I have to rely on others.” In this article, a licensed clinical social worker explains why compassion is key in working with a resistant elder. Read more.

    Sibling Stress
    In our busy world, caregiving can be a complicated task, and even more so when multiple siblings are involved. Who will take responsibility for what tasks? The experience of caregiving can bring families closer together — or it can be a source of ill will. Learn how to cope with stress among your siblings before resentment creeps into your family relationships. Read more.

    Family Caregiver Mediation
    Families are filing court petitions to settle caregiving disputes at an alarming rate. They often have false hope that guardianship will settle their disagreements over caring for mom or dad when, in reality, the problem is interpersonal conflict. Family caregiver mediation has emerged as a better solution for these families. Read more.

    From Our Partner
    LifeLedger

    LifeLedger is a tool that integrates all aspects of elderly care into one easy-to-navigate and secure website. A senior's LifeLedger includes all the information required by healthcare providers to deliver the highest quality care-—from contact numbers to medical history. Seniorlink customers enjoy special pricing on LifeLedger, brought to you by Elder Issues.

    Seniorlink provides eldercare management solutions to aging adults and their family caregivers. Send Eldercare Update to a friend.

    The information provided here and on Seniorlink's website is not intended to be a substitute for or replace medical, legal or financial advice.
    		  The Expert Answer

    Q: Ever since my mother passed away, Dad just can’t manage on his own. Should he come live with me?

    If we can offer one piece of advice on the topic of moving a parent into your home, it is to think the decision through carefully and discuss the pros and the cons of a new living situation with everyone concerned. That includes your spouse, children living at home, other caregivers and the elder himself.

    Here are some of the important factors to consider in making the decision. Read more.

    Do you have a question that needs an expert answer? Submit it now!