Brain Health

Caregiving During the Holidays: Have a Realistic, Positive Approach

…Each year after Thanksgiving, I would make my rounds, decorating each elder’s apartment or nursing home room, planning how we would split our time...

When a Person with Dementia Says, ‘I Just Want to Go Home’

Note: This is an older article that’s still valid, so I’m running it. However, dementia experts keep learning, and the thinking now is that...

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

A Caregiver’s Struggle: Balancing an Elder’s Sense of Purpose with Their Safety A recent question on the AgingCare Caregiver Forum brought back memories from...

Should Your Parent Risk an Anesthesia Disaster or Forego Surgery?

Just last week a reader asked me whether she should try to sway her mother, who had colon cancer, toward surgery. Her mother, 87,...

Rushing People with Cognitive Decline Simply Increases Anxiety

Dear Carol: Last year, my husband was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Our current challenge is that he still wants to be Mr....

Dementia Caregiver How-To: Holiday Visits With Loved Ones

Thank you Lonna Whiting of Lonna.co and Being Patient for featuring me in this beautifully written article. Good information from others as well. Sarah...

Coping when Both Parents Have Dementia

“My mom and dad both have dementia. I am all alone taking care of them since. I have no one to help me. I...

The Emotional Toll of Moving Your Elderly Parent to Senior Living

Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. For most of us, the feeling is less about how large or fancy a...

Thanksgiving: Gratitude Is Possible Even During Tough Times

Dear Carol: As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m struggling because my husband of 53 years can no longer reliably recognize who I am. After several years...