Topic: Family

NPR's Caregiving Series Touches Many

NPR's Family Matters: The Money Squeeze series, that airs each Tuesday on Morning Edition, is about caregiving and multigenerational families. The latest story, the third in a series of eight, profiles the story of Yolanda Hunter's family in print and audio. For the Hunters, what started out as an act of love has become a difficult and costly decision that has no easy solution and brings up many questions of how caregiving impacts our society. Nearly 10 million people over the age of 50 are caring for their aging parents, and the number of caregivers has more than tripled over the past 15 years. Stayed tuned for the rest of these profiles...

Posted on May 1, 2012

How Giving Grandparents Can Give Wisely

Topics: Family, Finance, Grandparenting

Boomers are used to taking charge...and for some, being a new grandparent can give them the "joy" of spoiling the child and a chance to exert some influence. Boomers carry some heft financially, having the highest median household income of any age group, according to the U.S. Census. Many are eager to make sure that their grandchildren are well taken care of, even if their approach doesn't fit the parents' wishes. This article provides some very good information for boomer grandparents on how to be thoughtful in sharing their wealth and maintaining family peace.

Posted on Apr 11, 2012

Classes for Grandparents

Topics: Children, Family, Health

So, you are a new grandparent and can't wait to get your hands on that darling bundle lying in the crib. But, you notice that there aren't any bumpers in the crib, the baby is wrapped like a mummy and is on her back. What's going on? Well, some baby care issues have changed and this interview on NPR will fill you in on the latest thinking and the best approach to being the kind of grandparent who gets invited to check the new diapers that have a "pee" line. And there are classes for grandparents to give you the "cred" your children might require.

Posted on Nov 30, 2011

Caregivers Doing Well? Let's Hear More...

Topics: Caregiving, Connection, Family

Can being a family caregiver actually have physical and mental benefits? Hard to believe when you realize how draining, relentless, and demanding a role it can be. A few new studies are disabusing the traditional beliefs and are showing that there can be both health advantages, lower mortality rates for caregivers, and better scores on memory tests. Those who are doing well describe the rewards in psychological, emotional and even spiritual terms: growing confidence in one's abilities, feelings of personal satisfaction, increased family closeness.

Posted on Oct 24, 2011

I've Earned It and I'm Keeping It!

Topics: Boomer, Family, Money

Selfish? Me? That's not how some boomers would see it. Many have already made it known that they will be spending their remaining money on themselves and enjoying the golden years without thought to providing an inheritance to their children. According to this Los Angeles Times article, a growing number of boomers realize that they have built businesses, careers, and assisted children through all levels of school, often at the expense of personal health or relationships...and that they have had enough of the "giving" mantra. Now..."it's all about me!"

Posted on Sep 20, 2011

"The Talk" with the Parents

Topics: Aging, Family, Housing

No, it's not that talk! But, this one may be even harder. It's the often dreaded discussion about what your parents should do when they can no longer live on their own. This article states that 42% of adults between ages 45 and 65 cite the topic as the most difficult one to discuss with their parents. And about a third said their biggest communication obstacle is getting stuck in the parent-child roles of the past. To find out how to be prepared for this sticky issue, click here.

Posted on Mar 2, 2011

Year of the Family Caregiver

Topics: Caregiving, Family, Support

Family caregivers are the primary source of support for individuals of all ages with physical, mental, and chronic health conditions; and not surprisingly, 7 out of 10 caregivers are caring for loved ones over 50 years old. For ten years, the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) has provided much-needed services.To recognize NFCSP’s decade of achievement, the U.S. Administration on Aging is collaborating with national caregiver organizations to sponsor a year of celebration. To learn about how you can take part, click here.

Posted on Oct 19, 2010

Planning Ahead for Your Aging Parents

Topics: Aging, Family, Finances

If anyone thinks dealing with aging parents is easy, they haven't been doing it! It is often one of the most difficult challenges people face during their adult lives--and one for which none of us is prepared. Taking away the car keys from an aging father, asking for power of attorney, moving parents to a senior facility...the road from independence to dependence can be truly bumpy. This article provides some proactive ideas to guide you in "parenting your parents" around financial and other issues.

Posted on May 30, 2010

Who's Got Mom Today?

Topics: Aging, Caregiving, Family

As parents age, the need for brothers and sisters to deal with each other, as well as the needy parent, can be very difficult. Sibling rivalry can emerge or intensify as adult children vie, one last time, for a parent's love or financial support. And even as parents grow dependent on children, the desire to cling to old, familiar roles can create a dysfunctional mess. This Wall Street Journal article provides some insights on how to make a bad situation better.

Posted on Mar 27, 2010

Grandmas Want Their Own Lives

Topics: Caretaking, Family, Independence

Some grandmas, like White House resident Marian Robinson, are happy to help care for their grandchildren... and even agree to move in. But, others, who feel that they gave their all in raising their children are not looking to repeat the parenting process with the next generation. While it takes a village to raise a child, the modern village may be more heavily populated with "nannies than nanas." To hear both sides, click here.

Posted on Mar 5, 2009

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