Caregiving

THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO ALL GRIEVERS NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN [years,days]. To participate, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your comment. Click on reply again. Grief & Loss Team  🤗

Hi everyone! I wanted to make sure you all know that AARP is now offering virtual, online caregiver support groups where you can talk, live, with your fellow caregivers! I facilitate the Monday group at 3:30 pm ET and my colleague Jane Lincoln facilitates the Thursday group at 7 pm ET.We will be adding more groups soon, so keep checking if these times don’t work for you! (I’ll provide updates here in the Online Community when we add mtg times). You can go to this link to sign up! https://www.heypeers.com/organizations/173 Sign up for up to 5 mtgs at a time and you can keep signing up for more after each meeting you attend. You can attend every week as many times as you’d like, or you can drop in now and then when you can. You’ll find lots of empathy, listening ears, humor, resources and much support in our virtual groups! Hope to see you there! Take care,Amy Goyer, AARP Natl. Family & Caregiving Expert   

Thursday 7/2 at 11:16 AM I lost mt wife of 40 years. I was her caretaker for 16 years. I worked as well during most of that. To get her to relax I promised her I would hold her hand until she was out and that I'd be there when she woke up. She never woke up. The last promise I made to her was a lie and I have to live with that.  I have spent the last 54 hours reliving every time I raised my voice at her.  I am a ;ost soul.

Great day, I am looking for an online Caregiver support group. I work full-time and take care of my Mom. Seeking a safe space to connect with other caregivers.

Mom's 82 and lives a few hours away. She's mostly independent so I didn't see this coming, but the admin side of her life has slowly become a part-time job for me. This week alone I've spent an hour on hold with her supplemental insurance about a denied claim I still don't fully understand, two Medicare letters I had to read three times before I could explain them to her, a prescription that ran out because nobody at the pharmacy seemed to know whose job the refill was and a specialist referral that's been sitting in my inbox because I haven't had a clear hour to deal with it.I don't mind doing it. I just feel constantly behind and keep worrying I'm missing something important.How do other people manage this? I tried a shared calendar with my brother but it just became another thing I have to update. Genuinely curious what's worked for you.

As I age, I have been looking for a complete guide for end of life planning which would include all information pertaining to my family having access to info like passwords, legal contacts, insurance, monthly bills,etc as they transition into handling issues I deal with daily. there are several retail products available, like nokbox but I was trying to see if AARP has any product or recommendation. Unfortunately, there is nothing on the website nor the agent I spoke with had nothing as well.Perhaps this might be something that could be explored as a benefit or product. 

I just took your quiz "Quiz: Caring for Someone With Dementia" and it made me think. My wife passed away with Lewy Body Dementia and I was wondering if you could maybe do a piece on the different forms of dementia. Also would one "cure" work with all types? We hear of Alzheimer's all the time but very little on other forms. 

New here, I am my husband’s caretaker, he has advanced Parkinsons.  We have been married 52 years, both retired.  Most difficult is I never get to have ‘me’ time and worry what will I do if he gets bed bound.  Uses rollator in home very slowly and wheelchair away from home.

I am looking for ways to get a break from care giving. what options have you found available, and affordable? 

I am turning mute. It’s better said I was here, than left an impression taken the wrong way.I lost my grandpa on the same day I was going all-in with someone else to start a new family. But, …young hearts play games far too much. Keeping a vow, though, through a Yes means just as much to see how it could’ve worked out. For such an impression left, amounts the silence for an original thought. You know what it’s like to be baptized the day before your partner’s birth? You know how similar you two would be? – If only you met at the right time under different circumstances.  Money Talks 

Lost my husband 6 years ago but can’t seem to move forward. i was his caregiver and miss his presence every day. I need help living my life without him. 

My oldest brother was my mentor friend historian in last few years of his 88 yrs we talked on phone 3-4 times a week. He supported me in so many ways as my husband in midst of Alzheimer’s gratefully Mary Ellen  

Finding ways to safely move and socialize can be a good thing for our wellbeing. We lost our father in July, a good friend on Sept 2nd, and have a friend that is terminally ill. On one visit, I had her tossing a pickleball into her pockets of her walker and each time she got it in, she smiled. We were moving and socializing. I’m working on getting a new sport into all nursing homes, schools, and communities that can be played sitting and standing, inside and outside. How could the little tossing of a pickleball into pockets bring joy? Was it movement and socializing? It did create a happy memory... Stay strong!

One of the biggest struggles families face is knowing when it’s time to seek more support. Many wait until a crisis happens before exploring senior care options, which can make decisions feel rushed and emotional. As an Adult Family Home provider, I’ve seen how much peace of mind comes from planning early and understanding the different levels of care available. ❤️

I LOSS MY 24 year old daughter 16 years ago but still feels like yesterday..was hoping for a group that understands and be there for each other

Date: THURSDAY - Sep 17, 2026.Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm ET.Venue: Zoom.Location: Virtual.https://www.aarp.org/events/details.finding-meaning-after-loss-webinar.fmnt9wcwdjn

Date: THURSDAY Sep 10, 2026.Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm ET.Venue: Zoom.Location: Virtual.https://www.aarp.org/events/details.nature-heals-grief-and-the-natural-world.46nns2zgl92

Date: THURSDAY - Sep 3, 2026.Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm ET.Venue:  Zoom.Location: Virtual.https://www.aarp.org/events/details.understanding-the-guilt-of-grief.m3nw6q8qtmw

We're glad you're here. Whether you're caring for a spouse, parent, family member, friend, or planning for future caregiving needs, AARP Caregiving Connect is a place to ask questions, share experiences, exchange advice, and connect with others who understand the caregiving journey. Before You Post Please remember that this is a public discussion forum. To help protect your privacy and the privacy of those you care for, please avoid sharing personal information such as: Home addresses Phone numbers Email addresses Financial information Insurance or policy numbers Medical record numbers Other sensitive personal details  When discussing caregiving situations, consider limiting details that could identify you or your loved one. You're Not Alone Caregiving can be rewarding, challenging, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. This community brings together caregivers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are willing to share what they've learned and offer support along th

We're glad you're here. Whether you're coping with the loss of a loved one, supporting someone who is grieving, or simply looking for a compassionate community that understands, this forum is a place to share, connect, and find support. Please remember that this is a public discussion forum. While we encourage open and meaningful conversations, we also want to help protect your privacy. When posting, please avoid sharing personal information such as: Home addresses Phone numbers Email addresses Financial information Medical record numbers Other sensitive personal details  Everyone's grief journey is unique, and we ask that all participants treat one another with kindness, empathy, and respect. You're Not Alone We're fortunate to have experienced professionals participating in this community: Amy Goyer (@agoyer), AARP's family caregiving expert, shares insights and resources for caregivers and individuals navigating life's transitions. Jane Cares (@JaneCares), a licensed soc

Date: THURSDAY Aug 6, 2026. Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm ET. Location: Virtual. USE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER. https://www.aarp.org/events/details.what-to-say-and-not-say-to-the-grieving.6NNSCFJFRJF

Date: THURSDAY Aug 20, 2026. Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm ET. USE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER. https://www.aarp.org/events/details.men-and-grief-supporting-men-through-loss.ncn4l8r73jp 

II am attending a grief workshop thru my church for six weeks.  I also attended a 4 week similar workshop in the Fall but this one uses a very good book on grief as a guide for discussion and also includes a journal to write thoughts.  The bottom line seems to be that everyone has their own grief journey to make and whatever you are feeling at a certain time of day or night is perfectly legitimate.  One of my sons said to me that in the spring and summer it will be easier because then I'll be outside gardening and doing yardwork.  That's true.  It has been a long sometimes dreary winter but that doesn't change the fact that I will still be by myself puttering around in the yard and remembering the flower beds he made for me and the deck on the porch.  It kinds of stabs me in the heart.  I continue to cycle thru these first holidays and it isn't that easy but what is the alternative? I have alot to look forward to also. Thanks for letting me share some

Disabled daughter living with parents is loosing her mind trying to grasp recent things! Mother just passed, father is very ill w/cancer and I am disabled! Need legal help to protect fathers rights, etc.  How does one help another if they are lost themselves? Since mothers death my health has gotten worse and my father refuses to let me help him, (gets angry and defensive)!  I feel responsible but not allowed any responsibility! Dont want to loose the house as he has worked so hard his entire life, but loss of finances due to mothers death has hit hard!  Anyone who can give any advice...please do! Open to all! iI know there is a God because He has carried me thus far, my faith remains! Thanks!

Hi, I am brand new to reaching out in forums to find answers.  About a year ago we found my 56 year old sister dead, she appeared to have just passed away in her sleep.  She had not been answering her phone or her text for like 18 hours so me, my husband, and her best friend headed over to her house because something was definitely wrong.  I had the spare key so I went in first and found her dead, laying in bed, like she was just watching television.  I did call 911 right away and they sent a squad over right away.  After taking in the scene and interviewing us, he did call the Medical Examiner who also responded to the scene as well.  Because there was no apparent cause of death, he ordered her to be taken to the Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy.  Long story short her cause of death appears to be from an accidental acute mixture of prescription drugs.  We also discovered that she had polycystic kidney and polycystic liver disease.  N