Parent Abuse

Thanks to Academy Award-winning actor Mickey Rooney, the media spotlight is once again illuminating the problem of elder abuse. However, this time it’s not just a 20/20 or Dateline NBC expose on seniors getting roughed up at assisted living facilities by a bunch of paid strangers. Rather, Rooney is pointing fingers at his own family, saying he was physically, mentally, and “financially” tortured by his stepson. For the record, the 90-year-old actor didn’t come out and name his stepson as his attacker. However, he has obtained a restraining order keeping his stepson, Chris Aber, away from him until an April … Continue reading →

Hugo Elite Rolling Walker

As our parents age walking may become difficult for them. This occurs due to arthritis, unsteadiness, episodes of dizziness, generalized fatigue and weakness, as well as other health problems that are common among senior citizens. It is not at all uncommon for their gait to suffer as a result of this. These factors bring them the increased risks of falls possibly leading to fractures. Very often they will deny these observations that are seen by their families and friends. It may be difficult to convince them that a walker would be beneficial to them during these moments. The Hugo Elite … Continue reading →

Caring for Your Aging Parent

Watching your parents grow older can be heart wrenching at times. They not only change physically, but their personalities may change as well. Many will develop health problems. You may notice that their eyesight or that their mental sharpness is declining as well. Our parents took care of us and guided us when we were young and now it is our turn to be there for them. Being a caregiver to your aging parent can be stressful at times. If you are in the position of being the sole caregiver it is especially trying. If you have other family members … Continue reading →

Maria Shriver’s Challenge to Parent her Parents and Bristol Palin Struggles as a Teen Mom

Maria Shriver is the mother of four children, but she doesn’t want you to ask her for parenting advice. Rather, California’s First Lady says she is just as lost as the rest of us. She may be part of the powerful Kennedy clan and married to actor turned California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Shriver maintains that has not helped her avoid daily challenges that come with raising four teenagers, and parenting her own ailing parents. “I don’t have it all together … the road is bumpy, and I don’t have any shame in sharing that,” the 53-year-old mom recently told … Continue reading →

Being the Mom I Never Had to My Mom

I have Families.com reader Skaytes, who left a comment on my article “Big Changes in a Little Marriage”, to thank for inspiring me during my daily caregiving duties. She had been in a similar position with her mom that I now find myself in. She said it was the best thing she’d ever done. She also gave me the following advice: Be sure to not only show your love but tell her how much you love her as often as you can. Enjoy the time you have with her as we never know how long the Good Lord will give … Continue reading →

Aging Parents and Holiday Stress: Create Moments of Joy

Taking care of aging parents during the holiday season can add to your daily stress. Between shopping, decorating, meal planning and partying, you can get overwhelmed when you also have to add taking care of mom or dad to the mix. But elder care expert Ester Koch believes caregivers can use the holiday season to bring joy to their lives instead. She recommends that caregivers create “moments of joy” by changing their focus from all the things they do for their parents to the joyful experiences they can create for and share with them. She advises caregivers to “Become a … Continue reading →