Minding Our Elders

Humor Can Provide Armor Against Deep Sorrows of Caregiving

One of the positive parts of being a family caregiver is the opportunity for emotional growth. We can develop increased compassion, patience,...

This outdoor image shows a cloudy atmosphere. An older couple walks together on a sidewalk. The man is on the left in the photo. He has lots of gray hair,, is wearing a brown plaid sport coat, brown pants and uses a cane in his right hand. With his left hand, he holds an older woman by the hand. She,has iron gray hair and is wearing a cream knee-length coat. They are both looking down toward the ground.

When Older Adults Won’t Accept Outside Help Caring for Their Spouse

Dear Carol: I’m concerned about my parents, who are in their early 80s. My dad’s a large man, and my tiny mother is...

This indoor image shows an older man with short white hair and a receding hairline. He wears a crips light blue collared shirt under a gray pullover sleeveless sweater. Sitting next to him is a younger man who has his arm around the older man's neck as he looks him in the face. We only sewe the back of the younger man's head. He has short brown curly hair and is wearhig a light pinkish colored long sleeved shirt.

How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell When Incontinence Accidents Happen

Dear Carol: I feel like my home is becoming contaminated territory! My Dad is a sweetheart, but he’s got dementia and has...

This outdoor image shows a man golfing on a nice day. We see a blurry closeup of his golf bag while to the side we see him posed with is golf club head up. He's wearing a dark baseball style hat, a white golf shirt, and dark pants.

Bladder Cancer: Incontinence Can Be a Side Effect

Bladder cancer isn’t a common condition, but the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 83,730 new cases of bladder cancer...

This outdoor images shows blurred green bushes over some brick in the background. In the foreground, we see an older man with thick white hair and light skin wearing navy blue button up shirt. He is looking slight downward as he covers his mouth and one cheek with his left hand. We see a gold wedding band on his ring finger.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s and the Caregiver’s Role

When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s only natural to worry about what comes next. While Alzheimer’s will...

This indoor image shows an older man dressed in a white shirt, red tie and suit jacket. His arms are raised as if conducting an orchestra and he wears headphones for sound. His eyes are closed as if listening intently.

People with Dementia Find Renewed Confidence While Playing In Orchestra

Alzheimer’s is a global issue that is on track to bankrupt worldwide health systems if a cure is not found. Therefore, funding...

The background is outdoors but fall-like and blurred. In the foreground, we see an older man wearing a dark purple tam. He has a salt-and-pepper, neatly trimmed, beard and a darker mustache. His coat is dark gray, and his expression is pleasant with a small smile.

Lewy Body Dementia: Caregivers’ Personal Experiences

According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive brain disease. They say that it also...

An older man sits at a table hugging a brown plate to his chest. He's leaning toward the table and sucking on a sucker stick as he looks over his glasses at someone. He has short gray hair in a classic cut ad wears a brown plaid shirt.

Getting Medications Down Someone with Dementia Who Can’t/Won’t Take Pills

Dementia care demands incredible creativity. The ever changing needs of the person who has dementia challenges family caregivers and professionals alike. One...

We view a laptop sitting open on a desk with a blank journal open in front. A pen lays on top and a cup of coffee or tea sits to the side. In the background, we see through a window to blurry greenry.

Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15: Plans Changing, Premiums Increasing

Dear Readers: Medicare annual open enrollment begins Oct 15, 2025, for 2026 coverage. My usual advice stands. Ignore the calls, look over...

This indoor image shows white sheer curtains in the background. In the foreground, we see an older woma with short gray hair and a gray sweater sitting in a wheelchair where we just view the handles. We see the face of a young woman with long, dark-blonde hair and light skin bending forward from the back to speak near the ear of the older woman. She appears to be pushing the wheelchair. Both women are smiling and look pleased.

How to Handle Urinary Incontinence: Tips from a Gynecologist

The aging process brings with it any number of indignities. One of those is incontinence. People without the problem may look at...