Aging parents

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...

Spring Cleaning: How to Refresh Your Caregiving Routine

For many families, spring is a time to shake off the winter blues, deep clean their homes and focus on getting organized. De-cluttering your...

11 Downsizing Tips for Seniors Who Are Moving to Assisted Living

For most seniors, moving from a long-time home into an assisted living facility is difficult. For some, it’s nearly paralyzing. In addition to countless...

Making an Assisted Living Apartment Feel Like Home

While change is difficult for people of all ages, deviating from the status quo seems to become even more taxing as we get older...

How Important Is It to Know the Exact Stage of Dementia for Providing Care

Dear Carol: It’s been nearly a year since my mom was diagnosed by a neurologist with early-stage Alzheimer’s. This doctor has left, but since...

Embracing Positive Caregiving Moments Makes Bad Times Tolerable

My nature is generally upbeat. I try to be grateful for my many blessings and not dwell on the negative. However, as a family...

Dementia and Inappropriate Behavior: How to Respond

Dementia can cause people to say and do some pretty odd things. Family caregivers may be caught off guard at first, but as they...

‘Virtual Dementia Tour’ Increases Caregivers’ Empathy (Dementia sensitivy trainging, Part 2)

…Goggled, Hobbled, Isolated by Headphones, I Am Guided Forward/ We finally reached the top step. The woman holding my elbow didn’t have much to...

Sensitivity Training for Caregivers of People with Dementia ( Part 1)

Sensitivity Training for Caregivers of People with Dementia ( Part 1) Please wipe this mess off of my face. Please! Don’t go so fast,...

7 Pitfalls to Avoid When Visiting Someone with Dementia

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or visiting them from time to time you’ll want to do your best to make them feel...