Talking about your role as a caregiver can be essential for maintaining clear understanding and communication between you and your loved one. By acknowledging the changes that are happening and the increased need for support, you can build a more effective relationship and a more mutually positive experience.

One in four people aged 65 and older fall each year. But paying attention to changes in health and mobility can help you reduce the risk of your loved one falling. 

When you notice memory lapses, behavior changes, confusion, poor judgement or a decline in driving ability in someone you care about, it can be alarming. And confusing. How do you know if a forgotten conversation is a sign of dementia, normal age-related change, stress or something else?

Kathleen Greer, an expert on employee assistance programs, knows there’s no way to be prepared for your “new normal” when you're a caregiver. But what if you had a resource at your fingertips that could provide some emotional support for you—and the information and resources you need to help plan for your loved one’s care?

Being worried about your loved one's ability to drive safely doesn't make it easy to bring up the topic. Even if your loved one agrees that their driving is a problem, they may be too concerned about losing independence to say so.

Laura Roias, a social worker, has suggestions that can make it easier for you to start the conversation.