Learn From My Mistakes

Is it too early to look at assisted living? (Probably not!)

A common mistake I hear when I ask friends about their mistakes is that they wish they had gotten their parent into assisted living earlier.

Feb 5 • Lauren Klinger

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January 2026

Does it matter? To get a dementia evaluation or not

Fielding a question from a friend today: there's no cure for dementia, so does it matter whether you get a diagnosis?

Jan 15 • Lauren Klinger

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December 2025

Six Totally Doable Parent-Related Things To Do in 2026

I refuse to call them Resolutions, but you can resolve to do these easyish things, yeah?

Dec 31, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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November 2025

Grief hitting hard? Maybe write a thank-you note.

How leaning into your gratitude might help you deal with grief.

Nov 20, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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It's not parenting. (Or is it?)

I'm annoyed when caregiving for an aging parent is described as parenting.

Nov 6, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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October 2025

Money, money, money! How to start talking about finances with your parent

Tips and conversation starters for your first talks about finances with your aging parent.

Oct 2, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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September 2025

Talk to your parent now about hospice

How do you know whether your parent needs hospice? How do you talk to them about it?

Sep 18, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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When you start to see signs of cognitive decline

Don't wait to act when you suspect dementia.

Sep 11, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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August 2025

How to help your parent with dental care (you may have to pay for it)

Eight things you can do to help your parent with their oral health (and the critical reasons you should).

Aug 28, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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The loneliness crisis and how to help your parent

Loneliness is bad for their health.

Aug 21, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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Why you should start your parent's obit (while they're still here)

Getting started now will bring you closer to your parent and make your life easier when they're gone

Aug 14, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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July 2025

What costs $209.50 per day and also is terrible?

The answer is: coinsurance for skilled nursing when you have Medicare.

Jul 31, 2025 • Lauren Klinger

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