Category Archives: caregiving

Interview: Caring for an Elderly Parent

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Bob Ritzema

As discussed in a previous post, in 2012 39% of adults in the U.S. served as a caregiver for an elderly family member. The numbers of caregivers are expected to increase as the population ages. I sat down recently to … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Preparing for an Aging Population

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

A recent USA Today article by Sharon Jayson considers whether the country is prepared for the tremendous increase in the number of seniors that will occur in the next few decades.  Not surprisingly, Jayson concludes:  “Despite some pockets of progress, … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving, Resources | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

When Caregiver Guilt is Excessive

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

In an earlier post I wrote about guilt felt by caregivers.  I noted that feelings of guilt are appropriate when they result from having done harm or failing to meet one’s responsibilities.  In many cases, though, feelings of guilt aren’t connected to an … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving, Psyche | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Caregiver Guilt: It’s Not All Bad

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

It is common for adults who provide care for family members to experience guilt.  I talked recently to Jeannie, a woman who assists with cooking, managing medications, and shopping for her octogenarian mother.  As she got ready to leave her … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving, Psyche | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments