Elder Care

If being a parent is the hardest job in the world, then being a caregiver to your parent is possibly the second hardest. Are you up to the challenge?

By Jennifer Sellers

Many concerns and questions can arise as we grow older. In the last decade or so, a new category of law has emerged that specializes in helping retirees answer their questions and learn their rights. Here, 10 questions for an elder law attorney.

By Robynne Boyd

The decision to put a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. But if you're armed with the right information, you'll be able to find a facility that will treat your family member respect and allows them to live a healthy, vibrant life.

By Michael Franco

Approximately 44 million Americans are helping care for their aging parents -- and it's a thankless job. If you're one of them, see how a few simple changes to your routine can ease the burden and help reduce your stress.

By Tom Scheve

Mention assisted living to a loved one, and you may receive a quick and forceful rejection of the idea. However, many seniors transition to assisted living successfully. What are some amenities that help smooth this transition?

By Denise Harrison

About seven in 10 people now over the age of 65 will require long-term professional care at some point. So if you're planning your future, or considering how to care for an aging parent or loved-one, there are many reasons to consider in-home elder care.

By Tom Scheve

As we get older, small things, such as tying shoes or lifting heavy pots, become more difficult. For many, the big things get tough, too. But how do you know when it's time to make the move to assisted living?

By Denise Harrison

Remember when "I've fallen and I can't get up" was the catchphrase of the moment? While the commercial was funny, falls in the home are anything but.

By Shanna Freeman

As baby boomers reach retirement age, the need for caregivers is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, that's also meant a rise in elder abuse. There are signs you can look for if you're worried that an older person is being abused.

By Shanna Freeman

Taking care of a loved one in declining health can often overwhelm the caregiver. However, there are ways for caregivers to deal with the stress.

By Tom Scheve

If you're a fatigued 80-year-old who's got back pains and a shrinking social network, a caregiver might chalk up your woes to old age. But could it be depression?

By Cristen Conger

It's a radical idea that has long since been replaced by the notion that socialization staves off depression. But why did scholars think the elderly withdraw from society?

By Cristen Conger

What if your parents handed you an itemized account of your childhood expenses? As people live longer, more children are finding that there comes a time when they pay their parents back -- as caregivers.

By Molly Edmonds

"Be nice to your kids -- they'll choose your nursing home" is a popular phrase for bumper stickers. But nowadays, it's a question of whether they'll turn to a nursing home at all.

By Molly Edmonds

Most families eventually have to deal with a heart-wrenching question: How do you know when an aging relative needs more help than the family can provide? Here are five signs to look for.

By Tom Scheve

When we're looking for our dream home, we usually have a list of must-have features in mind. When it comes to long-term care options, however, we often don't know exactly what we're looking for.

By Molly Edmonds

Living independently in your own home may be the most fundamental expression of personal freedom. None of us want to get to the point in life when we can't take care of ourselves. But eventually, most of us do.

By Tom Scheve

Have you ever seen a positive news story about nursing homes? Unless you live in a town that includes bingo results with the sports scores, it's unlikely. Why do nursing homes have an image problem?

By Molly Edmonds

Most people believe that the best long-term care plan is one that allows their loved ones to be taken care of at home for as long as possible. Is this the right choice?

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Caring for a dying loved one is difficult and emotional enough in itself, and caregivers often find themselves unprepared for the battle to make sure the person's final wishes are met. Learn how to help a loved one die with dignity.

Living out your final days your way is your prerogative. Here are some pointers to help people ensure their final days are carried out as they wish.