Caregiver Community Forum

Am I Respecting My Elderly Loved One's Dignity and Independence?

I really want to make sure that while I’m helping out, I’m not overstepping or taking away my loved one's sense of dignity and independence. It's tricky because I want to be supportive, but I sometimes worry that I might be doing too much or making decisions without really hearing them out. How do you know if you’re striking the right balance between being helpful and being respectful of their independence? If anyone has tips or experiences on how to keep that balance, I’d love to hear them! It’s so important to me that they still feel in control and respected.

How to balance a loved one's wishes with my own judgment?

Balancing my loved one’s wishes with what I think is best can be really tough sometimes. There are moments I wonder if I’m doing the right thing by following their requests, or if I should trust my gut instead. It’s a delicate dance between supporting their desires while ensuring their safety and well-being. How have others navigated these tricky situations? How do you decide when to honor their wishes and when to step in with what you believe is best?

Hey everyone, I'm looking to make some simple tweaks around my house to make it safer for my loved one with dementia.

Recently mom was recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia and I want to help her stay in her own home as long as possible. I've already removed some throw rugs she was tripping on, but I'm not sure what else I should do. The house is older and has lots of stairs - should I be looking at ramps or anything? Any quick fixes you all have found helpful would be great! I truly appreciate your time and advice.

Genetic testing and clinical trials

Does anyone else have a strong family history for dementia or other neurologic disorders? I’ve tried to enroll in a “non-affected” clinical trial, but have had no response. Has anyone successfully done this?

If in facility what happens

My mom is on star plus but I’m told if goes to facility Social security takes back money how does she pay for burial insurance? Also the attitude is getting so bad the fussing and she cannot pronounce words anymore is there something to help her?

As a caregiver, are there specific tax forms or documents I need to fill out to make sure I'm compliant and getting all the benefits?

Tax season coming up and I'm realizing I have no clue how being a caregiver affects my taxes. I've been taking care of Mom full-time for the past year and I know there are supposed to be some benefits, but the whole thing is confusing as heck. Are there special forms I need to fill out and how do I prove I'm a caregiver? I don't want to miss out on any deductions or credits, but I also don't want to mess up and get in trouble with the IRS.

My mom is always cold and has the heat on when it's 80 outside. Does anyone have these issues?

She will mess with it and say I didn't do it. Puts it on emergency heat.

What should I know about what a applying for guardianship? I'm not sure where to start but my mom can no longer pay her bill but wont let me take over.