Aging

Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

It’s human to want a fresh start. Even though I know that December 31 of one year is rarely that different from January 1...

Coping with Your Older Parents’ 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...

How to Handle Siblings in Denial of 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...

Caring for Aging Parents Who Didn’t Care for You

..Nancy had spent years in therapy learning to cope with her childhood issues. Through hard work, she learned to forgive her father for his...

A Caregiver’s Struggle: Balancing an Elder’s Sense of Purpose with Their Safety

…One day, I hurried into his house at my typical visiting time and immediately sensed that something was off. Joe would usually sit at...

Coping With Older Adults Who Won’t Accept In-Home Caregivers

Hiring in-home care for my elderly neighbor, Joe, was quite an ordeal. The company we chose, and their professional caregivers were great, but the...

What to Do When Siblings Can’t Agree on a Parent’s Care Needs

For some lucky families, having all adult siblings gather around and plan how to take care of Mom and Dad as their parents’ health...

Siblings Who Care More About Their Inheritance Than Mom and Dad’s Care

Ah, siblings. Some are a joy—our very first and forever friends in life. Others are more of a nuisance, a source of drama that...

For Older Adults, Competence and Cognitive Capacity Override Age

Dear Carol: In general, around what age should older people stop managing their own finances? When should they stop driving? Do doctors check older...