A Letter to My Family

This beautiful poem was shared at a workshop I attended for The Conversation Project.. I have a copy with my will with instructions to give to my children when the time comes. I know they will do their best to care for me, but, like me, they tend to beat

Have You Had “The Conversation”?

by Leslie Farin "It's too early until it's too late" I recently attended a workshop called The Conversation Project. This grass roots initiative, founded by Pulitzer prize winning author Ellen Goodman, encourages people to communicate their end-of life-wishes. Driving to the event, I wasn't sure what to expect; perhaps a grim discussion

It’s Not About You! What Not to Say When Someone is Grieving

by Leslie Farin An unfortunate side effect of aging is we lose people we love. There’s no getting around it. I had a big, noisy and really fun extended family for most of my life, but the numbers are dwindling every year. I try to remember how lucky I am to

Reduce Holiday Loneliness and Increase Cheer for Elderly Loved Ones

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While on a recent trip to visit relatives in New Jersey, I was reminded of how magical and wondrous the winter season can be No matter how dreary and cold the weather outside was that week, love, extended family and warm holiday celebrations filled the house. We were thrilled for

‘I Was Hoping to Be Retired’: The Cost of Supporting Parents and Adult Children

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More Americans are being squeezed by the burden of caring for two generations—just when they thought they could kick back BENTON COUNTY, Ark.—When Barb Strickert married, she and her husband wrote down a one-year plan for their lives together. And a three-year plan. Five- and 10-year plans, too. Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise

Who are the Boomerang Seniors?

Many people have heard the terms “sandwich generation” and “silver tsunami.” But today, there is a new phrase, “boomerang seniors,” that describes many seniors in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. These boomerang seniors are caring for an even older relative, usually a parent, who is in their 90s or

Tips and Tools for Family Caregivers

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Caring for aging parents can be very rewarding. It can also be hard work! From helping with errands, to cooking, to eventually even bathing or helping your loved one eat, elder care will call on your time and tug on your heartstrings. Even if all you do is phone your parent more

8 WAYS SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVERS CAN REDUCE STRESS

America’s Sandwich Generation, men and women in their forties to sixties with both aging parents and children to care for, is one of the fastest growing populations. This group of people often find themselves stuck in the middle of trying to juggle a hectic schedule that includes caring for parents

The Triple Tragedy of Grandparent’s Grief: Enduring the Death of a Grandchild While Helping Your Adult Child

by Leah Dobkin His animalistic howl shredded my soul, and literally brought me to my knees when I told my father that his 19-year-old granddaughter, Hannah Rose, had died. It’s been six years since her death. Life for our family was initially like a perpetual roller coaster inside a tornado within