When a parent or spouse can no longer do what they did yesterday, it becomes another transition for the primary caregiver and for the extended family. These transitions catch us off guard and an overwhelming sense of loss and grief is experienced by the primary care provider. The caregiver often does not label this as Read More
Guilt & Parent Caregiving
View the video blog: Guilt and Parent Caregiving Recently in talking with a caregiver who takes care of her mother, father and mother-in-law, the ever present “guilt work” came into the conversation. “Why”, said the daughter, “do I never feel like I do enough or do the right thing”? Well, it is more complicated Read More
Applying for Medi-Cal or Medicaid Benefits for a Spouse or Aging Parents
It is true that couples don’t have to spend every last dollar in order to have the cost of skilled nursing covered by governmental benefits. Remember, Medicare does not cover the cost of custodial care in a skilled nursing facility. Medicare only covers short periods of time for rehab after surgery, an accident or other Read More
Spouses and Caregiving Burdens
Why does the spouse try to do it all without hiring help or allowing others to assist? Is it the “for better or worse” vows of the marriage ceremony? Is it that they are fearful they will be judged by others if they share the care? Or, do they feel guilty if they self-care? Spouses Read More