Jacqueline Marcell is a former television executive who was so compelled by caring for her elderly parents (both with early Alzheimer's not diagnosed for over a year) she wrote "Elder Rage." She is also an international speaker on elder care and host of the popular Internet radio program "Coping With Caregiving."

Articles

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I found that reading caregiving statistics helped me feel less alone, especially the one about: “More than 50 million Americans are taking care of a family member or friend--and 20 million of them are Baby Boomers caring for an aging parent.”

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Getting uninvolved siblings to help you care for your aging parents can be one of the most frustrating aspects of caregiving. Instead of letting anger get the best of you, try to change your perspective and get creative with how you ask for assistance.

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They want to be supportive, but they just can't for long periods of time, because they realize what you are describing is all ahead of them. For now, they aren't there yet, don't want to be, prefer denial--and it is just too unpleasant to listen to horror stories they can't fix.

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Is an elderly loved one becoming increasingly moody? Tense? Using profanity? Exhibiting more bizarre behavior? These symptoms could be signs of Alzheimer's disease.

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Ohhh, how I wish I’d had a caring sister like you! First, realize that family caregivers often endure prolonged stress that can compromise their physical and mental health... Click to read Jacqueline's full answer.

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When a senior develops dementia, behavioral changes like verbal outbursts and aggression often come as a shock to family members. Explore tips and advice for coping with excessive cursing.

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Adult day care services can be a lifesaver for stressed caregivers, but seniors often reject this idea for respite. A veteran caregiver shares what NOT to do when pitching a senior center and offers tips for getting a loved one to try it out.

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Taking the time to research assisted living facilities before talking with resistant elders will help you understand the options and ensure the discussion goes smoothly.

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Please ask the doctor if you can try an anti-depressant on your mother-in-law, as there are so many choices these days and it is unnecessary for someone to suffer so much.

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You need the "Jacqueline Marcell emotional shield." Put it on every day, and then don't let anything she says bother you; all negativity has to bounce right off.

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Absolutely! Better yet, make an appointment and take your mom to the doctor, so you can discuss this in-depth with the doctor, because unless you have a durable power of attorney, they will not be able to discuss your mother's health with you over the phone.

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We all lose our keys or glasses sometimes, but what if they start turning up in unusual places? For caregivers who are familiar with dementia, blips like this are troubling. Is misplacing things a sign of cognitive decline, or is it chronic stress?

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I had the same problem with my father. I fed him well and kept all healthy snacks available, but he'd say he was starving to death all the time.

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There are so many anti-depressants available, why gamble with one that might reduce the effectiveness of your dementia medication?

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We may love our parents because they are family, but that doesn't necessarily mean we like them as people. When caregiving responsibilities fall to you, how do you take care of parents who you don't like?

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Making care decisions for aging parents is never easy. Use these tips to work with your aging loved ones and devise a plan that balances their safety and independence and gives you added peace of mind.

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When Alzheimer's or dementia sets in, dreams and past events enter delusional thinking and can seem like current reality to elders. What's a caregiver to do?

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No, you are not horrible—and I know exactly how you feel because my father was so difficult we had to threaten him with “Shady Pines” frequently.

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It’s about boundaries. Start setting reasonable but strict limits of when you can be available and when you can’t, and don’t allow yourself to be manipulated.

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As people age, they often consider simplifying their living arrangements. Seniors who are still physically and mentally capable of living independently and enjoy the companionship of their peers should consider moving to an independent living community.

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