Aging

This outdoor image has a background of blurred trees. In the foreground, we see an older woman wearing a brown gardening apron. She's clearing having fun as she mugs for the camera with her hands raised and a big smile. She has short light-brown hair, brown-rimmed glasses, and is wearing a short sleeved, cream colored shirt under her apron.

Confabulation in Dementia Can Feel Like Hurtful Lies

When a person develops any form of dementia, it is difficult for family and friends to witness their diminishing capacity and the unbearable frustration...

This indoor image shows an older woman with short, curly, redish brown hair and dark rimmed glassed. hes got her fingers pressed against the sides of her forehead and is looking down, forehead creased, and sad. her clothing is dark but she's wearing a turqouoise necklace and a small bracelet on each bare arm.

Making It Through Holidays with Grief and Loss in Our Hearts

Dear Carol: I’m a new widow dreading all the Christmas hoopla and yearly optimism of a New Year. Planning Christmas presents for my grandkids...

This indoor image shows a closeup of a woman with long brown hair holding her hands over her face. She's wearing red nail polish, wedding rings, and a black modern watch along with a rust colored sweater or wrap visible on her shoulders. She appears to be crying or at least frustrated.

Common Caregiver Thoughts We Aren’t Proud Of

Wouldn’t it be nice to be a family caregiver who never gets frustrated and is an eternal optimist? Maybe there are some like that...

a middle aged African American couple is show happily working in the kitchen. The background shows a home interior. The woman has long, straight black hair and is wearing a lavender sweater. She appears to be peeling a vegetable. The Man is on her left. He has dark hair with a receding hairline. He is wearing a beige sweater and has his arms crossed. Both people are smiling happily.

Dating and Caregiving: An Impossible Mix?

Back when you were in high school, you likely found that bringing your new love home to meet your parents was a nerve-wracking experience....

This black and white images shows blurred foliage in the background. In the foreground, a very old woman looks at the camera. She has curly gray hair and round glasses and wears a dark sweater over a striped shirt. Her exopression is one of stubbornness.

Detaching With Love: Setting Boundaries With Difficult Elderly Parents

When the family member we are trying to care for is critical, impossible to please or emotionally abusive, long-standing family dynamics are often to...

The background shows a white wall and closed white blinds. The foreground shows a man and a woman arguing and pointing fingers at one another. On the left, the man has short dark hair, and wears a short-sleeved dark gray shirt. On the right, the woman has long dark hair and is wearing a 3/4 sleeved dark gray shirt.

Most Used Excuses From Siblings Who Don’t Help With Caregiving

Unfair as it may seem, even in families with many adult children, one sibling usually becomes the primary caregiver for their aging parents. In...

This indoor shot shows an older woman with olive skin and very short, spikey white hair. She's wearing brown-rimmed glasses and a blue print top with a red apron over it. Her expression is one that could be read as accusatory.

Accusing Others of Stealing Common for People Experiencing Dementia

Dear Carol: My mom’s been in memory care for over a year, and she’s been happy with the caregivers and social opportunities. I’m aware...

This black and white image has a slightly blurred outdoor background. In the foreground, we see an older man looking directly at the camera. He is balding but has wavy hair sticking out on the sides above his ears and wears a beard. Hair and beard are white. HIs skin is wrinkled and he wears a bemused expression. His shirt is a non-descript collared variety.

Caregivers Coping with the Stigma of Dementia

People stare. Most are not unkind, they are just curious. Yet when someone “different” from the norm becomes part of their environment, they often...

The indoor image shows a bare white wall with shading. The foreground shows a dramatically frowning older man with a bald head and no glasses. His head is slightly tipped upward to show off his frown. He's wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt and red knotted tie.

How to Cope With an Older Adult’s Complaining and Negativity

You took your mom to the doctor, and she’s upset with you because the appointment took too long. You helped Dad with the yard...

Siblings in Denial About a Parent’s Declining Health

Nearly all family caregivers with siblings have experienced some version of sibling denial regarding their aging parents. Whether it stems from a subconscious need...