The Basics
In this section of the website, you’ll find information about, well, the basics of caregiving for an elderly or aging parent. On the left are the category pages so you can more easily locate the information you want. You can always find the most recent posts from those categories on this page. Enjoy!
21 Facts Caregivers Must Know to Avoid Accusations of Financial Elder Abuse from Siblings, Unpleasant Visits From Adult Protective Services, or Unknowingly Putting Themselves in Legal Jeopardy
It’s been a tough morning. Your dad, who’s been living with dementia for five years now, just won’t get out of bed. Your sister promised to take over for you today so you could have a few hours respite from the burden of caring for him 24/7. But… She hasn’t...
Aging Parents and Their Money (Part 1): What Caregivers Need to Know
Author: Anne Bogardus, (Founder and former caregiver) There are many difficult conversations adult children must have with their aging parents, and one of the most difficult is, of course, about money. While we have no problem talking in general terms about how well...
Legal Documents and Dementia
Posted by: Anne Bogardus, (Founder and former caregiver)This information is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your state for specific questions about your situation.Do you have a parent living...
What Do You Need to Know About Eldercare?
Author: Anne Bogardus, Founder (and former caregiver} There are so many different issues to consider when your aging parent starts to transition from self-sufficient to needing help. There are so many different kinds of help that can be needed, some of which are best...
The 5-Year Medicaid “Look-Back” Period
How does the Medicaid 5-year look-back period affect aging parents and their families? It’s complicated and requires a review of family financial transactions. Author: Anne Bogardus, Founder (and former caregiver) NOTE: This information is provided for educational and...
Are You Prepared to be a Family Caregiver?
Written by Anne Bogardus, Founder (and former caregiver) It can happen suddenly—that phone call in the middle of the night telling you your elderly parent is in the Emergency Room after a fall. Or it can happen gradually, as you become aware that something isn’t...
5 Caregiver Communication Skills to Master
Author: Anne Bogardus, Founder and former caregiver Communication is one of the most important skills a family caregiver must master. Whether it’s communicating with an aging parent who seems to reject everything you say, communicating with a doctor who dismisses what...
3 Steps to Prepare Elderly Parents for Emergencies
Keeping elderly parents safe during any type of disaster requires special planning. Whether it’s natural, pandemic, or manmade, be ready before an emergency strikes. Author: Anne Bogardus, Founder and former caregiver When Hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey...
7 Essential Legal Documents for Family Caregivers
This information is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific questions on how to comply with Medicaid programs in your state. Also, this information is not medical advice. Please consult a...
4 Steps to Prepare to Care for Aging Parents
Anne Bogardus, Founder (and former caregiver) It would be nice if caregiving issues were talked about and planned for far in advance of the need for actual caregiving to take place. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. In many instances, there is a gradual...