Minding Our Elders

Interview: Assisted living facilities vs. nursing homes: What to know about cost and care

I’m honored to be featured with Anthony Cirillo, a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and president of The Aging Experience, in...

An older, gray-haired man wears an olive green cardigan over a blue and white checked shirt. He wears glasses and is holding an apple. The woman bside him has her head tilted against his. S he is much younger, with brown hair and is wearing a turquoise shirt. She's also holding fruit. Both are smiling.

The Importance of Grandparents

The importance of grandparents in the lives of children cannot be denied. Before our society became so mobile, it was common for children to...

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Why Some Family Caregivers Refuse Help

Even when family caregivers have access to help, many still come up with excuses to turn down assistance. Learning to accept support and assistance...

An outside setting shows grass and trees with a large building in the background. A younger woman in a pink sweater with dark blonde hair clipped back is showing an older soman something gon her cell phone. The older woman has gray hair and is wearing a white sweater with a blue shawl over one shoulder.

Young Woman Worries About Conversation Topics with Great-Aunt in Assisted Living

Dear Carol: I have a great-aunt who’s mentally sharp, but she’s in assisted living for physical needs. Auntie is 15 years older than my...

Two women sitting on a beach with sweaters. They are facing a bright sunset, so the ir images are sepia toned due to background light.

How to Be a True Friend to a Family Caregiver

Family caregivers often find that their social circles shrink over time. Casual friends are typically the first to drift away because a caregiver is...

A window with a sheer covering shows a blurred image of a woman looking out. She's got long brown hair and is looking over large glasses.

New to Caregiving: How Do I Keep from Going Under?

Dear Carol: My parents are in their 70s and had been mostly healthy. I don’t have to worry about financial and health legal documents...

Black and white image shows a night-time background with some lights. Foreground shows a closeup of an older, gray-haired many with a smile and crinkled eyes. He's wearing dark clothes.

Home is All About Heart, Especially for Older Adults

For many of us, the word “home” signifies refuge, safety, caring and warmth –a sanctuary where we belong. It’s a place that we know...

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Strategies for Getting (and Staying) Organized While Caregiving

Caring for a vulnerable elder can be rewarding as well as frustrating. It can increase our self-esteem to know that we are helping someone...

A younger woman with long brown hair smiles as she hugs an older gray-haired woman, possibly her grandmother. Both women are weathering shards of brown.,

14 Affirmations for Caregivers to Live By

Life isn’t easy for most people, and it’s not perfect for anybody. Sometimes, as we trudge through the days providing help for our care...

Black and white image shows a very old man in a gray-toned sweater. He's seated and holding his hand up to his face, palm in. His expression shows confusion and fear.

Life As a Caregiver: Making Tough Care Decisions

Many of us feel honored to provide care for our aging parents or ill spouses, but this honor can also present serious challenges. Even...