Aging

This indoor image shows a Native American woman in a gray turtleneck sweater. She faces us with an exasperated expression, hands held in front with open palms facing upward. Her hair is salt and pepper with tails of hair pulled over each shoulder.

How to Survive Caring for Multiple Elders at the Same Time

When Caregivers Are Pulled in Too Many Directions: Every caregiver is familiar with the constant nagging feeling that something or someone in...

Coping With the Decision to Put Your Parent in Assisted Living or in a Nursing Home

Guilt is one emotion that every family caregiver will experience at some point during their journey. When you take on responsibility for...

An older woman lies contentedly on her back with her arms and hands supporting her head on the grass. She's got long gray hair and is wearing a beige fisherman's sweater. A younger woman has her had lying against the older woman's chest and shoulder. She has long brown hair and is wearing a barely visible cream top. Both women have their eyes closed and look content to be together.

A New Generation of Caregivers: Grandchildren Taking Care of Grandparents

A new generation of young people is stepping up to help their aging and ill family members. Although the Caregiving in the...

Confused About Palliative Care Vs. Hospice Care? You Aren’t Alone

Dear Carol: My mom has advanced lung disease as well as late-stage Alzheimer’s. We know that there are no cures for either of...

With an autumn tree in the background, a younger woman stands with her arm slung around the neck of an older woman. The older woman has her head turned toward the younger woman as they smile at each other.

How To Communicate With Your Older Parents So They Hear You

“My mom is 81 and lives alone in her condo,” Judy Hanson writes. “Her arthritis is painful, but she gets around with...

Why Would Mom Choose to Smell Rather Than Use Incontinence Products?

Dear Carol: My mom is only 79 but she has a lot of health problems including lung disease requiring oxygen. She receives good health care...

This outdoor image shows a cloudy atmosphere. An older couple walks together on a sidewalk. The man is on the left in the photo. He has lots of gray hair,, is wearing a brown plaid sport coat, brown pants and uses a cane in his right hand. With his left hand, he holds an older woman by the hand. She,has iron gray hair and is wearing a cream knee-length coat. They are both looking down toward the ground.

Managing Finances, Insurance, and Appointments for Aging Parents Exhausting

Dear Carol: My parents are in their 80s and live nearby. I manage their finances and medications, take them to medical appointments,...

Caregiver Burnout is Best Prevented Since Recovery Is Hard on Everyone

Dear Carol: My mom, age 79, has had steadily declining health for several years. Arthritis is a genetic problem in my family, so...

An indoor background shows a gray wall with a dark wood table in the foreground. Laying on the table is a bouquet of yellow roses seen from the top of their blooms.

Celebrating Special Occasions When a Loved One Has Dementia

A Dementia Caregiver’s Experience Preserving Special Occasions Every family has their own favorite special occasions that they enjoy celebrating. Some may not...

This indoor image shows an older man on the left smiling as he looks at a younger man who sits with his arm around his shoulders. We only see the back of the younger mans head but he has short brown hair and wears a light mauve shirt open to reveal a white tee shirt. The older man has white hair and is wearing a light blue collared shirt with long sleeves under a gray sweater vest.

How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell When Incontinence Accidents Happen

Dear Carol: I feel like my home is becoming contaminated territory! My Dad is a sweetheart, but he’s got dementia and has...