When older adults begin needing help with everyday activities, our initial reaction is to provide as much assistance as we can. Our response is often that we want to provide safety; we believe it is our obligation; and we want to make things as easy as possible for...

To say that coronavirus is a challenge is an understatement for everyone, but if you are a caregiver--it is particularly difficult due to the stressors already one faces. The fear and anxiety about contracting a serious illness is very scary and self-isolation can...

Paul Shifrin has been the caregiver for his sister and her friend since his mother died several years ago. Until a few weeks ago, his sister and her friend were living in  Farmington Hills but the distance made it difficult for him to oversee her care. He just...

Ocene Neglik came to the JFS Caregiver Support Group in January 2019 and has been a regular attendee since then. She agreed to share her story with us for this month’s Caregiver Spotlight which celebrates National Caregiver month. Since her husband Ray suffered a...

Caregiving is a difficult job. It is important to reward yourself with respite breaks often to avoid burnout. JFS offers respite to caregivers to allow them time to recharge themselves so they can be the best caregiver to their care recipient. It is important to watch...

In 2014, President Barack Obama declared November as National Caregiver Month. An excerpt of his proclamation states, “It is a time to shine a spotlight on those who care for a loved 365 days a year. Each day courageous individuals step forward to help care for family...

You, the caregiver, desperately need regular breaks, but your older adult absolutely refuses an in-home caregiver. What can you do? Seniors often won’t admit they need help, even if they are struggling with everyday tasks. In-home care can be a sensitive topic which...

Many caregivers today are part of the sandwich generation- a group that is simultaneously raising children and caring for senior parents as well. Many adult children are also now living significant distances from their families of origin. Juggling multiple...

Do you ever wonder if your loved one’s increased forgetfulness or unusual behavior is part of normal aging or signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? It is easy to make an assumption but it is important to get the right information. There are big differences between...

Whether we are young or old, the fear of the unknown affects us all. As we age, however, our world may shrink as physical abilities, cognitive abilities and independence diminish. This exacerbates the unknown. If days are unstructured and unpredictable, fear and...