Minding Our Elders

In Caregiving, Anxiety Can Be Contagious

We all live with a certain amount of worry, much of which is caused by fear of the unknown. Since health issues can change...

Types of Incontinence, Causes, and Management Explained

Incontinence is common in older adults and people with certain disabilities. Sadly, embarrassment over being an adult who cannot completely control urinary or bowel...

Fecal Incontinence Can Be a Side Effect of Various Conditions Including Constipation

Many conditions can carry as a side effect some degree of fecal incontinence, so if you are affected or someone you care for is...

Engaging a Care Partner: Benefits and Setting Boundaries in Care Partnering

Care Partner Responsibilities: A Deep DiveThe responsibilities of a care partner extend beyond basic patient care. They play a crucial role in the healthcare...

Caregivers: It’s Time to Stop Second-Guessing Ourselves

Like most adults, I’ve second-guessed many of my own decisions. While most were made with my own future in mind, that all changed when...

Regular Medication Reviews Important for People Taking Multiple Drugs

Dear Carol: I’ve read your articles about drugs that are bad for older brains. My dad takes a long list of drugs for heart...

Caregiving Is Not a Competitive Sport: The Case for Supporting Caregivers’ Unique Decisions

Caregiving. What does it mean to you? While often rewarding and frequently exhausting, it’s one of many life events that can only be understood...

Tips for Balancing Caregiving Relationships between Generations

Caregiving can creep into your life or crash down with a bang, but either way, if we aren’t thinking ahead, we can find that...

5 Ways to Get an Older Adult to Smile

Despite increasing awareness of and sensitivity to ageism in our society, age-related stereotypes about stubborn, grumpy seniors persist. Chronic health conditions, changes in functioning...