Caregiver Resources

DEAR CARALLEL: This is the first year that I have to do my mother’s taxes. After wasting hours on them yesterday and accomplishing nothing, I realized that I have no idea what I’m doing.   Because mine are simple, I’m able to use the free version of TurboTax. That doesn’t work for my mother because she has … I spent all morning on my mother’s taxes and got nowhere. I need help but can’t afford it. Help please!

DEAR CARALLEL: Do you have any advice on how to pay for nursing home care? My dad is in a rehab facility and it doesn’t look like he’ll be able to go back to his townhome. He had a stroke two months ago and needs a lot of help even to get from his bed to … The cost of a nursing home is way more money than he has.

DEAR CARALLEL: I care for my husband with cancer. Palliative care has been mentioned recently along with hospice but I don’t understand the difference. They seem like the same thing. Are they? –Faith in Los Gatos, CA DEAR FAITH: It’s a good question and I’m glad you wrote in. The words hospice and palliative care are often used … What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice?

DEAR CARALLEL: I need help! No one in my family understands how much work it is to take care of my mom right now. We live together and I never get to go out on my own. How can I get my family to understand how stressful this is? I want them to step up and … I want them to step up and help too.

DEAR CARALLEL: My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease last year and I recently left my job to care for her full time. At a recent support group someone mentioned advance directives. It seemed like everyone knew what they were, but I did not. What are they and should I have them in place for my … What are advance directives?