Well, if you found your way here then you’re probably either considering taking the plunge, or you’re already the principal caretaker for a parent or other loved one.  It’s a duty, an honor, a burden, a sacrifice and so much more.  It’s truly a grand commitment, one that often goes unrecognized and unacknowledged.  If you haven’t been through it, you likely underestimate how difficult it will be. Its important to understand what you’re getting yourself into by accepting the role of decision-maker for an ailing parent or other loved one. There are recognizable difficulties as

Sometimes, if you’re very fortunate, your parents’ condition will be clear and the diagnosis all but unassailable.  Then, at least to a certain extent, you have an understood set of signposts for the diseases’ progression.  As a result you can make a pretty good plan for providing appropriate care at each expected phase of decline. For others of us, the parent will experience a gradual decline characterized by a clear physical infirmity but also likely a confusing, nonlinear mental deterioration falling under the loose category of ‘dementia’. One problem with diagnosis is

Choosing a place to live for your mom or dad can be really tough.  You’re probably feeling overwhelmed by everything this entails- What are the options? How much does it cost? Are there places close by? What if my mom doesn’t want to go? Do we make her go? To get started, it’s important to understand what the different levels of care entail.  Even armed with that information, you may find that despite what your better judgment tells you, you move your parent into a level of care that might not be appropriate for them.  Or at least your instinct will prompt you to do so.  Why would