Jacqueline Marcell

When I began caring for my elderly parents (both with early Alzheimer's, not properly diagnosed), I was shocked to read that family caregivers are often more depressed than those they care for. (And caregivers with a chronic illness have a 63 percent higher death rate than their peers of the same age.) A year into my caregiving duties, without a day off from my "challenging" elderly father--I was surprised the statistic was that low! Read more…

Caring for an elderly loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's disease (one form of dementia) is often one of the most difficult journeys a family will ever have to take. However, with a little insight the road can be more bearable. And by implementing some creative behavioral techniques to reduce caregiver stress, the experience can become quite rewarding.  

I have learned these lessons the hard way when I cared for my elderly parents for several years, both with health problems and the beginning of dementia. My father could become extremely difficult -- OK, "challenging" -- while my mother remained as sweet and lovely as she'd always been. Read more…

By Jacqueline Marcell

Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one of life's greatest challenges. During the holidays, when even more responsibilities are added to an already stressful schedule, caregivers can often feel guilty and frustrated for not being able to accomplish all the tasks they once could. Additionally, fond memories of past holidays, when the loved one was still healthy, can create a downward spiral with feelings of loss and sadness. Read more…

If you're caring for elderly loved ones who seem to be headed toward senility, you're not alone. There are many types of dementia -- Alzheimer's is just one of them. Statistically, families ignore the early warning signs for years because they incorrectly believe that intermittently odd behaviors are just a normal part of aging . Read more…