Minding Our Elders

An older woman smiles as she looks at a younger woman who has a hand on her shoulder.

Caregiver or Care Partner? What Evolving Terminology Means

Decades ago, when I began my caregiving life, I just did what I did. I’m not sure I was referred to as...

This indoor image shows a woman with long, intricately braided gray hair, some braided on top and some loose over her shoulders. She's wearing a gray turtleneck sweater. Her expression shows her explaining something to a person off camera and she holds her hands out, palm open upward.

New to Caregiving: How Do I Keep from Going Under?

Dear Carol: My parents are in their 70s, and had been mostly healthy. I don’t have to worry about financial and health...

Image shows woman, face looking down with eyes squeezed shut due to frustration. Hands are on her head in her brown hair. She's wearing a black tweed sweater that shows on her forearms.

Sibling Greed Focus of USA Today Article Featuring Carol Bradley Bursack

I’ve written often in the past about conflicts between siblings when it comes to spending the aging parents’ money on their care,...

A middle-aged woman with long, light brown hair kneels at an alter. There's a gold cross in the background. She's leaning on her elbows wiping at tears as she struggles.

Hindsight Can Be a Blessing or a Curse for Caregivers

They say hindsight is 20/20. But things from the past that may seem “clear” to you now can still be distorted by...

With an autumn tree in the background, a younger woman stands with her arm slung around the neck of an older woman. The older woman has her head turned toward the younger woman as they smile at each other.

5 Questions to Determine the Potential Impact of Caregiving

Are you prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for a family member? Will you be able to handle the commitment...

An older man looking slightly confused looks up at someone as he lifts a glass of water to his lips. He wears a brown button-up shirt.

How Can I Keep Husband with Dementia Hydrated in This Heat?

Dear Carol: My husband is in mid-stage Alzheimer’s. While there are many challenges, my most urgent question right now is how can...

An older man and woman are shown happily riding bicycles down a quiet city street.

Adult Incontinence Rash Happens: How to Prevent It and/or Treat It

Human skin is not meant to withstand close contact with urine-saturated briefs for extended periods of time. When bowel incontinence is also...

Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Incontinence?

While having diabetes doesn’t mean that you will experience incontinence, the disease does seem to increase your incontinence risk. There are several...

This indoor image shows a blurred background with an older mother-daughter in the foreground. The daughter is one the left. She has a blonde bob, wire rimmed glasses, and wears a green sweater. The mother is on the right. She has steel gray hair drawn back and is wearing a dark, collared top. The younger woman has her arm around the older woman's shoulders and they both wear soft smiiles.

New Caregivers: Tips on Caring for Elderly Parents

I have interacted with countless professional and informal caregivers over the years, and I’ve noticed two prominent patterns that characterized my own...