The Lifeline Blog

One of the most important duties of a caregiver is to ensure your loved one always has the care and companionship she needs. Sometimes that means lining up emergency care for times when you can’t be there yourself. It’s always good to plan ahead, but sometimes there is simply no way to avoid a sudden Read more >>

For many seniors, losing the ability to engage in some of their usual activities may lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a loss of energy. It’s important to find tasks that they can complete to help them stay active and create a sense of worth and value. If you’re stretched thin with regular caregiver duties and Read more >>

Do you play Ping-Pong? If you’re a senior looking for ways to stay physically and mentally active, it might be the right game for you. A Los Angeles Times report tells the story of a Ping-Pong club at the Langley Senior Center in Monterey Park, California. For the past 25 years, the club has showcased the benefits Read more >>

It’s probably no surprise to you that paying for care can be very expensive. When providing caregiving support, you may even find that you are paying many of your loved one’s medical bills out of your own pocket. A Medicare supplement plan, also known as Medigap insurance, can fill the gaps left by traditional Medicare. Depending on Read more >>

If you’ve been smoking for years but think it’s too late to reap the benefits of quitting, think again. Whether you’re already feeling the effects of long-term smoking or haven’t noticed any yet, it’s never too late to stop smoking and embrace healthy living. If you’re finally ready, here are some tips to stop smoking. Why Should Read more >>

Most US seniors rely on Medicare. As a caregiver, a deeper understanding of this coverage will not only help you save money by eliminating costly surprises, but it will also help you guide your loved one to an informed decision about additional health coverage. Here’s a Look at What You Should Know about Medicare and Read more >>

From the time your child was diagnosed, you’ve probably worried about financially supporting her, ensuring that she gets the assistance she needs, and taking care of her for the rest of her life. Raising children with disabilities requires planning — no one knows that better than you do. Can you successfully raise, care for, and Read more >>

With new gadgets coming out each day, it’s safe to say that technology has infiltrated our lives. While the possibilities are endless, a recent panel brainstormed concrete ideas for new technology for caregivers that might ease the burdens of caring for someone at home. Here are three new technologies you may see soon, and a Read more >>

An estimated 50 percent of family caregivers for seniors work full-time, and another 11 percent are employed part-time, the AARP Public Policy Institute reports. At the same time, according to surveys published by the Family Caregiver Alliance, 76 percent of caregivers do not pay for outside help with their family caregiving duties. This means that a majority of Read more >>

Initiating the Uncomfortable: A Conversation about Aging, End-of-Life, and Future Planning I’m preparing to have a difficult conversation with my husband. We’ve had more than a few in our marriage, but this one has me a little on edge. I’m planning to ask him questions that will make us think of the worst-possible scenario. I’ll Read more >>