The Hazards of Alcoholism in the Elderly
Millions of people consume alcohol, but each person has their own unique relationship with this substance. While many are able to drink...
Alzheimer’s
When Your Spouse or Parent with Alzheimer’s No Longer Recognizes You
Dear Carol: After decades together, my wife no longer recognizes me. She’s been living with Alzheimer’s for nearly ten years, so this is...
Caring for Aging Parents Who Didn’t Care for You
Years ago, a journalist (we’ll call her Nancy) requested an interview with me to discuss common caregiving issues for an article she...
Should You Join Someone With Dementia in Their Reality?
It was not unlike any other day, but on this particular afternoon, Dad was adamant. He was waiting for his medical degree...
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (the 7 Stage Model)
The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed...
Is It Normal to Grieve Before Someone Dies?
Nearly everyone involved in caring for an ill or aging loved one is experiencing some degree of grief. However, we don’t usually...
Transitioning from Spouse to Caregiver Presents a Confusing Dynamic
Dear Carol: My husband and I have been together for 59 years and married 56. He’s in his sixth year after a...
Mistakes to Avoid When Caregiving for Someone Living with Alzheimer’s
Most of us who have cared for someone living with dementia of any type, whether that is Alzheimer’s (AD), Lewy body dementia...
People Experiencing Dementia Symptoms May Deny Any Concerns
Dear Carol: Do people with dementia deny their disease because of the stigma, or do they just not know they have it?...
Common Caregiver Confessions (We’re Human)
Wouldn’t it be nice to be a family caregiver who never gets frustrated and is an eternal optimist? Maybe there are some...
