Caregiving

I’m not a patient woman by nature. I’ve never gone slowly and carefully into things but run full bore ahead. One of my mottos is, “If all else fails, read the directions.” When I start something new, I want to go to the last chapter first…

On a recent long flight, I happened across a better than average film amongst the airline’s offerings. It gave me pause to consider how adamant I might be in making my wishes known about health care when I can no longer care for myself…

Are you worried about the safety of your elderly parents driving? It’s common for adult children to start worrying about an aging parent’s driving skills. It can, however, be tough to start that conversation. It’s a sensitive topic, especially for older adults…

Being a caregiver comes with its challenges and rewards, especially when you are placed in the unexpected position of caring for a relative or loved one diagnosed with dementia. When a loved one cognitively declines, the question is not whether…

When a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living, visiting regularly is an important way to stay connected and show how much you care. Spending time with you will brighten their day and knowing when you’ll…

Caregiving can often feel like a full-contact sport, and all too many caregivers find themselves under siege by other family members and even the ones to whom they provide care. This sense of attack drives caregivers either into despair or…

I spoke to Dr. Pamela Pitman Brown, a credentialed professional gerontologist and a fellow in the Academy of Gerontology, about the topic of inappropriate sexual behaviors displayed by a loved one in the throes of dementia…

Having a conversation about preparing for aging with mom or dad can be challenging. Heck, having them with a spouse is not a breeze either. Topics like finances, insurance, wills, estate planning, living situations, care and treatment plans…

Summer is here, so it’s time to get going in the garden and look forward to being outside more. As a dementia professor, I know how important gardens are for people with dementia. They offer health benefits that can reduce the symptoms…

A caregiver’s sacrifice often goes unappreciated. Feeling unappreciated when you do so much to care for your older adult is a common issue in caregiving. Not feeling valued increases resentment and stress, eventually leading to burnout…