Steve Barlam, LivHOME’s Chief Professional Officer, and Sylvia Thompson, a LivHOME Eldercare Consultant in Los Angeles, offer their stories and insights in a new Wall Street Journal article on dealing with sibling dynamics when parents needs help.

Thompson talked about her personal experience in building consensus among siblings, which is often not as easy as it sounds: “We decided everything would be done by consensus.”

Barlam offered his advice as well, addressing situations where long-standing disagreements between siblings may exist: “Our philosophy is generally to encourage them to give the person a second chance.”

Caring for a parent is so much more than just the physical tasks involved. It’s about enhancing the quality of life of the senior while supporting the entire family through the process.

5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

In his article in CARING magazine, Steve Barlam, LivHOME’s Chief Professional Officer, talks about behaviors to watch for, ways to alleviate anxiety and where to turn for more information.

http://www.livhome.com/pdf/Caring%20for%20Seniors%20with%20Alzheimers-CARING.pdf

“Interdependence is all about giving and taking, or having seniors accept help with grace while creating opportunities for them to reciprocate.”

As Independence Day approaches, Steve Barlam, MSW, LCSW, CMC, Chief Professional Officer of LivHOME, discusses the idea of independence as an aspiration for seniors. He explains just what seniors mean when they say they want their independence, and points out that what they actually need is interdependence. Steve offers advice for family members seeking to introduce this idea and explains that there is a lesson in this for all who serve as caregivers and friends to seniors.

To listen, visit: www.livhome.com/podcast

We just put out a new podcast episode on paying for care. You will find some useful information during these tumultuous economic times.

Visit our podcast page to listen. Here’s a short summary:

In this episode, Steve Barlam, LivHOME’s Chief Professional Officer, discusses programs and approaches to help seniors and their families pay for care during today’s challenging times. Topics include programs such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid and special benefits for Veterans, getting information and guidance for navigating these programs, and how to make sure you are utilizing the right amount of care.