Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/673060
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamanonly child. My family and I live about five hours from my parents, who are retired. My husband and I have two children, one in college and one in high school. I am a teacher and my husband has worked in the man- agement field for a company for more than 20 years. My dilemma is that my mother has Al- zheimer's, and I am really feeling the strain of the distance between us. I want to be there to support her, and to help my dad with caregiver responsibilities. There is no other family around to help them out, and it's very important to me to be there for them. Do you have any advice on how I can bridge the gap? —Worried DEAR WORRIED » You should make sure your parents have the best possible care. This is something you can help to set up and monitor (to some extent) from a distance. You will feel better when you are confident that they have a local safety net. The Alzheimer's Association has a very helpful "community resource finder" on its website: (alz.org). I tested this using several different ZIP codes and searching for different categories, such as "adult day care programs." Doing a search like this would help inform you about what services are available to your parents locally. The local Office on Aging will also help. You can hire a local geriatric care manager to coordinate some of these services and communi- cate with you. You should plan a trip home and stay for at least a week, in order to try to get an idea of what their challenges are over the course of several days and to check out local programs and caregivers. Work with your father to set up some respite care and household help — even if he says he doesn't need it. Because you are a teacher, I'm assuming you might have some time during the summer when you aren't working. You should ask your husband to pick up the slack at home in order for you to spend more time with your folks (perhaps he could drive to visit you on the weekends). Ultimate- ly, moving them near you — or you moving to them — might be necessary. DEAR AMY » I want to tell the poor man who signed his letter "Divided Fam- ily" that it is OK to cut off contact when someone is abusive. Do not feel guilty for protecting yourself and family. It is the right thing to do to keep your children away from toxic people. Don't let this abuse affect another generation. — Been There DEAR BEEN THERE » I agree with you — and I agreed with this man's choice to keep his chil- dren away from his fa- ther. Reconciliation with his own father seemed possible, but not likely. Only child is concerned about caring for distant parents You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Taurus(April20-May20) — Realign your thinking to overcome any uncertainty that someone is creating. Let intu- ition be your guide when dealing with people asking for a handout. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A receptive, honest approach is best for any deals or situa- tions that put you in a vulner- able position. You don't want to jeopardize your reputation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Use your creative imagination in order to come up with unique, beneficial ideas. The help you offer others will lead to unex- pected rewards. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take the initiative and follow through with your plans. Actions will speak louder than words and help you avoid criticism. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Keep your wits about you when dealing with pushy salespeople. Attend functions that will open your mind to different lifestyles and ways to improve your cur- rent situation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A short vacation or making special plans to spend time with someone you love will boost your morale and encourage you to make subtle improvements to your image and appearance. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Try something totally different. It will encourage you to set new standards and make changes to where or how you live. Romance will enhance your life. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Fraternize with like- minded people who could help you achieve your personal goals. A change at home will be com- forting and help you alleviate negativity. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A couple of alterations to your home will give you the perfect setting to host a gather- ing or to encourage your family to spend more time together. Money will come from an unex- pected source. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Consider your options and make personal, financial or health-related changes that will make you feel and look your best. Strive for greater freedom to follow your dreams. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Focus on yourself, not on someone else. You owe it to yourself to live out your dreams and to enjoy opportunities that come your way. Stop putting other people first. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Avoid controversy. You have much to gain by wholeheartedly going after your dreams. Disci- pline and high energy will lead to success. Focus on yourself. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, APRIL 29 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 6 B