Aging parents

Family Disagrees about Moving Widowed Mom Weeks After Husband’s Death

Dear Carol: Dad died two weeks ago at 89 years of age. Mom is 87 and has what they think is early-stage Alzheimer’s. She’s...

Darker skinned older woman with gray hair and vacant look in eyes

How to Communicate with Someone Who Can No Longer Speak

Years ago, I stumbled upon a video that remains vivid in my mind. In it, an elderly couple who had spent a lifetime devoted...

Image of cluttered room with window and draperies. Room is jammed with clothing and other items making it unsafe

How Do I Get Dad Out of His Cluttered, Unsafe Home?

People want to stay in their own homes. You hear it and read about it all the time. And there’s some merit to that....

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“I Promised My Parents I’d Never Put Them in a Care Home”

Caregiving is a job that is full of ups and downs. Many of us take on this role out of love and concern, but...

Shower with white subway tile and chrome and black fixtures. Two bottles of shampoo or conditioner are on built in shelf

What to Do When Older Adults Refuse to Bathe and Change Their Clothes

When it comes to caring for the elderly, hygiene issues are surprisingly common. Determining why their bathing habits have changed is the best way...

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Alcoholism in the Elderly: How Can You Help?

Millions of people consume alcohol, but each person has their own unique relationship with this substance. While many can drink in moderation without it...

black and white image of an older, white-haired woman crying into her handkerchief. She's holding out her glasses to wipe her eyes.

Ways to Minimize Grief for a Surviving Spouse with Dementia

Deciding whether to tell someone who is cognitively impaired that their spouse has died is a serious and often recurring struggle. Dementia and death...