Minding Our Elders

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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 experiences and...

This festive indoor image shows a family table with windows in the background and holiday lighting. Four arms are show toasting with stemmed glasses containing red wine. On the left, an arm shows a dark red sweater sleeve and ext to that person, we see an arm clad in black. Two bear arms show on the right as if short sleeves are worn.

Communicating with Intentional Goodwill Key to New Year’s Caregiving Conversations

Dear Carol: Our parents are in their mid-80s and are comparatively healthy. While I live near them, I work and have kids, so my...

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Coping with Repetition Caused by Dementia

According to the Alzheimer’s Association repetition is common in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, often in association with a person’s desire to seek...

This outdoor image shows a lake in the background with foliage on the other side. The foreground shows an older man, maybe Middle Eastern decent, with white hair and a white mustache. He wears sunglasses and an off-white long-sleeved shirt. His expression is one of displeasure or stubbornness.

Convincing An Older Adult to Wear Incontinence Protection Takes Sensitivity and Tact

It’s often difficult for older adults to accept and deal with incontinence issues. Many try to ignore this new development and carry on with...

Image shows an older, gray-haired woman wearing a white top. She's seated and cutting an onion that is resting on a table top. Next to her sits her granddaughter who is smiling as she watches. The little girl has brown hair and is wearing a cream-colored top.

Kitchen Safety Concerns for People with Dementia

Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more...

The image is a close up sot of a decorated Christmas tree. There is some blurring in the background, but the foreground shows a gold bell, and read and gold Christmas bulbs.

It’s Christmas Day: Are You Enjoying It?

It’s December 25th and Many people are celebrating Christmas Day. Caregivers might find the word celebrating a little over the top but try not...

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Christmas Is Here: Our Best Is Good Enough

The decisions caregivers must make during the Christmas holidays are fraught with opportunities to make mistakes in judgment. Chief among them is how much...

This outdoor image has a background of blurred trees. In the foreground, we see an older woman wearing a brown gardening apron. She's clearing having fun as she mugs for the camera with her hands raised and a big smile. She has short light-brown hair, brown-rimmed glasses, and is wearing a short sleeved, cream colored shirt under her apron.

Confabulation in Dementia Can Feel Like Hurtful Lies

When a person develops any form of dementia, it is difficult for family and friends to witness their diminishing capacity and the unbearable frustration...