A trip to the emergency room made me realize why caregivers are advised to organize heath information. When Mom broke her hip, I called an ambulance. When it arrived, I confidently recited Mom’s Medicare number. When asked what medications she took, I pulled out our basket of pill bottles. At the hospital, the questions got…

The doctor has informed you that your mother can no longer live independently. You feel that assisted living would be the best solution, but your sister strongly disagrees. It seemed that at one time you were able to communicate with her, but not any longer. Ideally, providing care for an elderly parent would be a…