There are more than 49 million U.S. residents 65 years or older and many live with undiagnosed medical conditions, leaving children and other family members with added responsibilities and questions. This can be especially difficult when a parent lives far away. Dr. Kevin McNeill recounts the overlooked signs of his mother’s undiagnosed dementia and how his father compensated for his mother’s memory loss. He provides insights as his mother’s caregiver and as a family medicine physician. Kevin suggests how to watch for warning signs, encourage parents to get tested, and involve other clinicians (e.g., social workers) and community members. He concludes with tips for addressing financial concerns (e.g., elder lawyer) and the importance of knowing your parent’s health insurance plan.
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