Minding Our Elders

This image shows a park like background with a brick walk. An older man with gray hair and a blue long-sleeved shirt is pushing a wheelchair carrying an older woman about his age. The woman has white hair and wears a cream-colored long-sleeved shirt and jeans.

Traveling Well with Both MS and Incontinence Takes Planning

Dear Carol: My wife, age 48, is incontinent due to multiple sclerosis (MS). We used to love camping in national parks, so...

Minding Our Elders’ 2025 Mid-Year Elder-Friendly Products and Tech Roundup

Dear Readers: It’s mid-year, already! That means it’s time for my semi-annual column that features elder-friendly products, services, and technology. I mostly...

This image shows a cloudy, gray day on a construction site. We see a massive, classic yeallow digger from the rear with the bucket raised.

Husband Has Problems Accepting Surgically Caused Bowel Incontinence

Dear Carol: My husband has bowel incontinence caused by a surgical procedure that had to be redone three times. The third time...

This image shows a picnic table with read, white and blue desserts and flags on a white cloth. The overlay says Happy Independence Day! and below that it says Minding Our Elders

Happy Independence Day from Minding Our Elders!

Happy Independence Day! Many of you will be planning picnics, grilling out, or celebrating with your families in other ways. Enjoy! Some...

This image shows an older woman with dyed dark blonde hair. She is sitting in a bus seat holding a bag on her lap. She wears sun glasses, a short-sleeved shirt and a determined expression.

On July 4th and Beyond, Honor Your Elders’ Need for Independence

Although we may not think about it in these terms very often, a person’s dignity and identity are often tied to their...

This outdoor image shows a large tree behind the two women in the foreground. A lovely summer day. The older woman has shorter, curly white hair and is smiling toward the younger woman who has both arms around the older woman's shoulders from behind. She, too, is smiling. The older woman wears a light blue blouse, and the younger woman wears a beige sweater.

Low-Income Assisted Living Options Highlighted by A Place for Mom

As an expert panelist for A Place for Mom, I’ve been interviewed for articles and have reviewed many others. Over time, you’ll...

We see a red and white gingham table cloth spread out with a read plate of donuts. The visible donuts have sprinkles and frosting, one peanut butter, one chocolate, and one strawberry.

Planning a July 4th Picnic for Someone in Senior Care? Some tips:

While most senior living communities offer an array of programs and events, activities directors often work with limited budgets and are challenged...

This indoor closeup shows an older man in a cream-colored golf shrit. He's looking down at something interesting with an expressiona as though he's talking to someone. The viewer varely sees some grap hair on the far temple. He has a darker, thing mustache, and olive tonned skin. His downcast eyelids obscure his eyes.

What to Do When an Older Adult Repeats the Same Things Over and Over

One sign of the aging brain is repeating things more often, especially stories and questions. There are reasons for this that are...

This indoor image shows a comfortable livingroom. A woman sits on an area rug, cross-legged in a classic yoga pose. She wears a tourquoise stretch top and black leggings. A mug sits off to the side.

Stressed Caregiver for Husband and Parents Asks for Tips to Relax

Dear Carol: I’m taking care of my 68-year-old husband with several serious medical diagnoses, as well as my 97-year-old mother in memory...

This extremely closeup image shows an old woman's face with only a peek of her white hair showing. She has very light skin, intense blue eyes, and mutiple age spots.

Are People with Advanced Alzheimer’s Aware of Their Surroundings?

Even among medical experts, you will find differing opinions on how much someone with advanced dementia of any type understands. Alzheimer’s disease...