Caregiving and Elder Care Directory
Some people are thrust into the role of caregiver abruptly, such as when a loved one has a sudden illness. More often, caregiving is a gradual process that requires preparation. Key to successful caregiving for an older parent or relative is support; experts suggest that caregivers seek out resources such as a local Area Agency on Aging to identify and help resolve problems, and connecting with other caregivers. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about caregiving and elder care, how to manage as a caregiver, questions to ask as a caregiver, resources and tips for caregivers, services available for caregivers, and much more.
Medical Reference
-
Tips to Look After Yourself While Caregiving
Get tips on how to take care of your own health while you're a caregiver for a loved one.
-
Caregiving: Stress And Depression
Caregivers have a higher than normal rate of depression. Learn more about symptoms of major depressive disorder - and when to seek help - from the experts at WebMD.
-
Groups That Give Advice on Caregiving
Caregiving can bring challenges, as well as rewards. Here is a list of resources for information and support.
-
Caregiving: Gadgets, Apps, and More That Can Help
Technology like gadgets, apps, and services can ease stress on caregivers and offer safety and independence for people with difficulties. Check out some ideas.
Features
-
What It's Like to Be a Caregiver
Taking care of a parent or spouse will change your life. It can be hard work and unpredictable, but it can also bring rewards and fulfillment.
-
Role Reversal: Caregiving for Aging Parents
When an aging parent needs caregiving, the children often need to take responsibility. But what happens when only one of many siblings steps up to the plate?
-
Martha Stewart Takes on Health Care
Martha Stewart dishes about the opening of her visionary medical center for seniors, her own health challenges, and the lessons learned while coping with the loss of her mom.
-
When Your Parents Depend On You
It's important for both parties -- parents and children -- to plan for the day when parents are no longer able to live independently. Here are some of the options.
Video
-
Daily Hygiene
Learn the value and importance of hygiene for seniors.
-
Success With Medications
Medication tips for caregivers.
-
Healthy Eating: Meal Solutions
Provide tasty, healthy meals for your senior.
-
Healthy Eating: Low Appetite
Learn the importance of nutrition for your senior.
Slideshows & Images
-
Slideshow: 14 Ways to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Pets, music, pill organizers, and webcams are some ways to make caregiving a little easier -- and avoid caregiver burnout.
-
Slideshow: Everyday Tips for Caregivers
WebMD shows you some caregiving tips that will help simplify your loved one's daily life.
-
Slideshow: Senior Living Options
Independent living, assisted living, nursing home -- all the different types of senior housing or care can be confusing. Find out what they are and which one might be right for you or a loved one.