The Ecosystem of Family Caregiving

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Q. My family is new to caregiving, and we're trying to figure out how to best support each other, but it seems like a tangled web. For instance, I am divorced, but I have a son who can help with practical responsibilities as I care for my mother with Parkinson’s disease in our home. My sister and her husband are both in their 60's and both struggling with serious illness. They live nearby, but they have few friends. They may also need assistance from me and my son, and perhaps some relatives and friends we haven’t considered. Then, there is the help from professionals to add to the equation.

How could these webs of relationships — people who are caring for each other and who are cared for, in turn, by others — best be portrayed and simplified? I heard something about CareMaps once, and it sounds like a possible solution for our family. How do they work, and are they typically hand drawn or digital? Thanks for any guidance you can provide!

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Critter Corner: Including Grandchildren in Caregiving

Dear Magic,

My mother moved close by after my father passed away. She suffers from diabetes and has hip problems. My 13-year-old daughter, Bella, and my 9 year old, Rex, want to visit to help with grandmother's caregiving and spend meaningful time with her. What are some ways that young Bella and Rex can help grandma and make the most of their time with her?

Ty M. Withgramma

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