Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia or Forgetfulness?
The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression and depression are all part of the...
Aging parents
Helping vs. Enabling: How to Strike a Balance While Caregiving
Most family caregivers want what is best for their loved ones, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Unfortunately, discerning what’s...
Planning a “Picnic” for a Loved One in a Senior Living Community
While most senior living communities offer an array of programs and events, activities directors often work with limited budgets and are challenged to meet...
Family Caregivers Still Undervalued By Many
We live in a society that tends to value what we do over who we are. If what we do isn’t highly paid or...
Should You Convince Your Aging Parents to Move Closer to You?
As a columnist for a newspaper on the northern plains, I often have readers write me that they are begging their parents to “come...
How to Keep Older Adults Active and Engaged
As family caregivers, we strive to meet all our loved ones’ needs. We give medication reminders, cook meals, manage doctor’s appointments, and keep schedules....
Caring for Aging Parents Who Didn’t Care for You
Years ago, a journalist (we’ll call her Nancy) requested an interview with me to discuss common caregiving issues for an article she was writing....
Mother’s Day: How Caregiving Can Help Us Rethink the Meaning of Motherhood
Many children face significant challenges as they grow up. Even so, when a child knows there is someone they can always count on during...
Caregivers Can Celebrate Mother’s Day With Forgiveness
Nearly any of us who are mothers have wanted to be a perfect example of motherhood. Yet, the reality is, that since we are...
Should You Join Someone with Dementia in Their Reality?
It was not unlike any other day, but on this particular afternoon Dad was adamant. He was waiting for his medical degree from the...
