Getting Into Their Heads: The Advantages of Not Arguing With Someone Who Has Dementia
“Where’s my college ring?” This had become Dad’s mantra during some months of his early demented years. I knew he hadn’t gotten a ring...
Aging parents
Humor Is a Survival Mechanism for Caregivers; No Disrespect Meant
Dear Carol: Is it wrong for a caregiver to laugh at situations that occur when someone is living with dementia? My grandma has Alzheimer’s....
When We Become Caregivers, Friends May Disappear
Most people have not personally provided care for a loved one and therefore cannot fully understand everything that goes into being a family caregiver....
Celebrating Valentine’s Day When a Loved One Has Dementia
Every family has their own favorite special occasions that they enjoy celebrating. Some may not be big into Halloween, Valentine’s Day or Independence Day,...
Elder Care Needs Can Change in an Instant
During the years I cared for multiple elders, I grew to dread the ringing of the telephone. It seemed most calls meant emergencies. One...
Should I Have to Take Care of My Elderly In-Laws?
Being a family caregiver doesn’t always stop at caring for our own aging parents. Our significant other’s mom and dad often look to us...
Aging Parents Refuse to Assign POA because They ‘Feel Fine’
Dear Carol: My parents are in their 70s and healthy for their age. I’m the only adult child who lives near them, so it’s...
Paying for Assisted Living: When Siblings Split Costs, What Is Fair?
There are many options for the care of our aging parents, but most of them are costly. There was a stretch of time during...
How Involved Should Families Be When Elders Live in a Senior Living Facility?
Over the course of 15 years, five of my elderly loved ones lived, for various spans of time, in a nearby nursing home. I...
Do Parents Really Want to Live with Their Adult Children?
It’s difficult to pinpoint how many aging parents live with their adult children, but there is certainly a lot more interest in this type...
