How Caregiving Can Change Your Personality
There’s no getting around it: being a family caregiver is bound to impact how you think and who you are as a person. Taking...
Minding Our Elders
Respecting Diverse Approaches to Caregiving
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to caregiving. Every family caregiver must be free to make choices that work best for their unique situation. Even...
People with Dementia Might Be More Cooperative If We Show Vs. Tell
Dear Carol: Two years ago, my wife was diagnosed with mixed dementia. I’ve always been a logical, literal, some might say plodding person. My...
Recognizing Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout isn’t something that happens all at once. We all have good days and bad days, which is normal. Eventually, though, we may...
Apologizing After Caregiver Stress Causes a Blowup
Caregiving is a stressful job even during the best of times. The sheer amount of responsibility is enough to make the most stoic person...
8 Truths of Dementia Caregiving
As we travel our own unique journeys, most of us find that certain phrases or concepts take on the status of truth in our...
Documentary: The Thin Edge of Dignity
Documentary titled The Thin Edge of Dignity features Dick Weinman, who has lived in an assisted living facility for decades. He talks about the dehumanizing effect of how many are set up and must operate.
Humor Shared Among Caregivers Is Therapeutic
I once visited a caregiver friend and her mother, who had moderate Alzheimer’s disease. At one point during the visit, the mother abruptly stood...
Revisit Dying Parent’s End-Of-Life Goals Before Pressuring Them to “Fight”
Dear Carol: My mom has late-stage cancer as well as dementia and is being cared for in my home with hospice support. She’s 93,...
Why Does My Elderly Loved One Sleep All Day?
As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger. Waking up during the night due to achy joints or...
