Minding Our Elders

How to Respond When Someone with Dementia Hallucinates

Dear Carol: My dad has Lewy body dementia (LBD) and likely Alzheimer’s, as well. The current crisis is that he thinks bugs are crawling...

We see a very closeup image of harp-like stringed instrument

Music-Thanatology: Providing Harmony at the End of Life

The mission of hospice providers is to help people live their last months or weeks of life in the most comfortable, dignified, and satisfying...

The image shows a summery day outside. An older man sits on a park-like bench. He wears a blue baseball-style hat, and a blue long-sleeved shirt with sleeves pushed above the elbows., over shorts and brown shoes and socks. His arm is outstretch as he rests his hand on the curved end of a traditional cane.

Expert Advice: How to Choose a Mobility Aid for a Senior

Most of us would love to live our lives without the need for mobility aids, but as we age, we begin to realize that...

An older woman is sitting in an easy chair but leaning slightly forward and to her right side. She has short steel-gray hair with whispy bangs, grazing her forehead. Her expression is annoyed, as she holds her hands over her ears. has an annoyed expression

5 Tips for Safeguarding Ear Health

Hearing problems don’t just happen to the very old. Boomers, as well as their parents, need to pay attention to ear health. Working with...

This black and white image has a dark background. In the right foreground, we see an older man with short likely graying hair parted on the side, the front grazing his forehead. We see a wrinkled brow and frustrated expression on his face. He appears to be wearing a pull-over sweatshirt with a drawstring.

Aphasia: Speech Problems Caused by Brain Injury

My uncle was an avid reader and loved playing word games. After a series of strokes, he had extreme difficulty communicating. The worst part...

This outdoor image shows a rising sun just over the horizon of a body of water. A person with long hair is seen from the back, completely shadowed due to light contrast. They are sitting cross kneed with elbows on thighs, as if comntemplating.

A Self-Help Approach to Coping with Caregiver Stress

Caregiving can bring forth an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions. These feelings are often bittersweet, but without the proper preparations and assistance, things can quickly...

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Losing the Ability to Swallow: How to Help Someone With Dysphagia

Coping with an ill loved one’s difficulty swallowing can be frustrating and frightening for everyone involved. Caring for someone we love means nurturing and...

This indoor image shows a gray wall in the background. An older woman sits on a lavender and green print couch She has short, dyed blonde hair and wears a purple short-sleeved dress and glasses. She holds a smart phone to her ear and she listens to someone talking to her. Her expression is pleasant with a slight smile.

Protecting Older Adults from Scams While Honoring Their Autonomy

Dear Carol: I understand that scammers have always targeted older adults, but technology is making this a nightmare. My 84-year-old mother is generous and...

this indoor image shows a close up view of a white pillow and slue blanket framed by a wooden bed.

When Your Loved One Rallies Before Death

Family members are often relieved and hopeful when a dying loved one suddenly becomes more aware of their surroundings or begins talking or eating...

This outdoor image shows a spring tree flowering in the background against a blue sky. In the foreground, we see two women. Oe has long redish hair. Shes' wearing a black sweater and hs her head tilted back and to the said as she kisses a younger woman on the cheek. The younger woman is looking to the side but also up a little. She has longish light-brown hair and is smiling.

Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role

Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it. What Is...