AARP Caregiving Expert: Barry J. Jacobs
Barry J. Jacobs is a clinical psychologist, a family therapist and a member of AARP's Caregiving Advisory Panel.
His passion for enhancing support for family caregivers led him to write or cowrite dozens of articles and several books on the subject, including AARP Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family and the forthcoming Love and Meaning at 50. He served as caregiver for his mother and stepfather, both of whom had dementia.
Jacobs has appeared as a caregiving expert on Dr. Phil and given more than 600 presentations for family caregivers, community groups, and medical and mental health professionals. His areas of expertise include behavioral health integration, complex care management, enhancing family caregiver engagement and supports, team-based care, and provider wellness.
A former magazine journalist, he helped put together the first edition of The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll.
Connect with Barry
Barry's Latest Columns
The Strengths and Challenges of Immigrant Family Caregivers
How to balance the cultural traditions of caregiving, while allowing for generational differences
How to Handle Caregiving’s ‘Gut-Check’ Moments
Believe in your ability to deal with any caregiving challenge that comes your way
I’m Still Flooded by Waves of Sadness About My Father’s Early Death
Losing him when I was 15 changed the course of my life — and the future of my career
Are You a ‘Control Freak’ Caregiver?
Learn how to strike a balance between being responsible vs. demanding
How Family Caregiving Can Alter Dreams and Goals Deferred
Post-caregiving life may be different than once imagined — in a good way
How Holiday Rituals Can Comfort Grieving Family Caregivers
Create a personalized remembrance to honor a loved one who has passed
How Worried Caregivers Can Avoid Becoming Anxious
These strategies can help you observe and stop harmful behavior in its tracks
How to Manage Your Expectations as a Caregiver
Some caregiving challenges have no easy solutions, but there are different ways to approach the issues
How to Cope With Guilt When a Parent Enters Nursing Home
Look at the big picture to help understand and ease conflicted emotions
3 Caregiving Strategies for Dealing With Medical Uncertainty
Learn how to ease the anguish with these tactics
How Family Members Can Cope with Sudden Caregiving
Training and preparation for future medical issues can help caregivers regain some control
Caregivers Wonder: Why Does My Relative Suffer?
Ways to find acceptance and avoid the blame game
Why Family Caregivers Should Say “No”
Occasionally declining help can assist the care recipient in the long run
How to Forgive Others After Family Caregiving Ends
Looking at the past with new insight may help caregivers get over lingering hurt, anger
Why Caregivers Should Become Champions for Other Caregivers
Helping others navigate their caregiving journey can reduce stress and provide emotional benefits
Why Caregivers Should Confront Rather Than Avoid a Dementia Diagnosis
Don’t let fear of the unknown prevent you from taking the steps to help your loved one
How Caregiving Can Liberate Caregivers From Past Trauma
Learn ways to face the challenges with dignity and resilience
How Caregivers Can Counter Family Gaslighting
Recognize the intentional deception and learn ways to stop it
How to Handle ‘Hard Feelings’ After Caregiving Ends
Guilt and emotional withdrawal can make the grieving process even more difficult
How to Write ‘The Letter’ to Uncooperative Sibling Caregivers
Make a straightforward appeal for assistance with a loved one
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers to Consider
Positive intentions to embrace in the year ahead
‘When I’m 64’ — and Hope to Never Need a Caregiver
Steps everyone can take to remain independent as long as possible
Managing Aging Adults With Personality Disorders
Strategies include staying calm during outbursts and balancing loyalty with limits
What New Family Caregivers Really Need to Know
Regular exercise, respite breaks and connecting with others will help you in this challenging role
How Guilt-Ridden Caregivers Can Set Limits
To make long-term caregiving sustainable, consider some boundaries
