Today, like any other day, I walked out to my mailbox and found an envelope from my elderly father. I can\’t remember receiving much mail from Dad in the past; it has always been Mom who sent me things. But it was Dad\’s handwriting, and I have been worried because he hasn\’t been well. I opened the letter not knowing quite what to expect. Much to my surprise, I found the following letter along with a handful of photographs that had been enlarged: Dear Julie, I am enclosing several enlargements of old slides I found in the back of the garage. I thought you and the others... Read More

In twenty years of helping people settle their estates, one glaring fact always stands out: we have way too much stuff! Just start poking around your closets, under the beds, up in the attics or your garage, and you\’ll agree. We have overstuffed and cluttered homes, and garages that can\’t hold our cars. Let\’s not forget the good reason why all of these storage companies keep going up across our city: People can\’t seem to let go of their stuff. Don\’t organize your junk — get rid of it! If not for yourself, then do it for your children. Whether you are trying... Read More

It had been a week since Dad\’s funeral, and life was getting back to normal for Sharon. Despite the sadness of the occasion, it had been nice to be with her brother and sister and their families. She hadn\’t been to her dad\’s house since he went into the hospital. She dreaded walking into the empty house, knowing it contained a flood of memories. As she got in her car to drive across town to the house she grew up in, the lump in her throat grew. She thought about all the happy times around the dinner table, and many other memories. As she unlocked the door and stepped into the... Read More

Millions of people are diagnosed every year with a chronic disease. Billions are living with one. How do you find a way to make positive changes in your life after such a diagnosis, to live a life that is as full as possible, with the highest level of independence and comfort as possible? It\’s important to do some planning, make changes in your lifestyle, and take charge of your health by doing the following: Empower Yourself: Do research on your condition and educate yourself. Learn about the condition, treatment options and how to make the most of your treatment, so it will be successful.... Read More

After spending two weeks in the hospital, The Ancient One decided that she\’s never ever ever going back. Well, she\’s 87…she should be able to make that choice. Of course, this puts The Midlife Gals, her daughters, in a funky position. What do we say if she declines in a hurry, “No, remember Mother? You decided you aren\’t going to the hospital again…remember?” And, us running around the house like chickens with our heads cut off trying to figure out what to do. Call HOSPICE, that\’s what you do. She\’s all signed up now and these people do EVERYTHING.... Read More

With 2008 in full swing, perhaps you\’ve already had your fill of economic and political predictions by experts and clairvoyants. However, if you happen to be a Sandwiched Boomer, the following quietly growing trend may surprise you. The results of recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of close to 44 million unpaid caregivers for the elderly are male. The call to honor loved ones is becoming an emerging pattern of male behavior. Traditionally, the bulk of these caretaking responsibilities have been carried out by daughters. Women have left jobs or subjugated their work life in order to... Read More

With 2008 in full swing, perhaps you\’ve already had your fill of economic and political predictions by experts and clairvoyants. However, if you happen to be a Sandwiched Boomer, the following quietly growing trend may surprise you. The results of recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of close to 44 million unpaid caregivers for the elderly are male. The call to honor loved ones is becoming an emerging pattern of male behavior. Traditionally, the bulk of these caretaking responsibilities have been carried out by daughters. Women have left jobs or subjugated their work life in order to... Read More

With 2008 in full swing, perhaps you\’ve already had your fill of economic and political predictions by experts and clairvoyants. However, if you happen to be a Sandwiched Boomer, the following quietly growing trend may surprise you. The results of recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of close to 44 million unpaid caregivers for the elderly are male. The call to honor loved ones is becoming an emerging pattern of male behavior. Traditionally, the bulk of these caretaking responsibilities have been carried out by daughters. Women have left jobs or subjugated their work life in order to... Read More

With 2008 in full swing, perhaps you\’ve already had your fill of economic and political predictions by experts and clairvoyants. However, if you happen to be a Sandwiched Boomer, the following quietly growing trend may surprise you. The results of recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of close to 44 million unpaid caregivers for the elderly are male. The call to honor loved ones is becoming an emerging pattern of male behavior. Traditionally, the bulk of these caretaking responsibilities have been carried out by daughters. Women have left jobs or subjugated their work life in order to... Read More

One of the greatest fears of older adults is the loss in independence. That loss is felt acutely when it translates into the need for institutional living. Even the most luxurious congregant living facility isn\’t the same as your own home. “Aging in place” is the chief desire of our aging parents, but for some, it just may not be possible without assistance. It is not uncommon for an ailing, frail adult to be cared for by their aging frail spouse, who will soon become ailing as well from the stress and demands of caregiving. Frail seniors who will be facing old age alone may... Read More