How Do I Get Dad Out of His Cluttered, Unsafe Home?
People want to stay in their own homes. You hear it and read about it all the time. And there’s some merit to that....
Caregiver stress
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 a walker....
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...
Dad’s Personality Has Changed Overnight: Medications? A UTI?
Dear Carol: My dad, 86, lives with me. He has an academic’s personality, so we’ve often talked about different issues that spanned all disciplines....
Some Risky Behavior Might Be Necessary for Your Elder’s Mental Health
Dear Carol: My dad, 72, has been adventurous all his life and that spirit doesn’t seem to be dampened by aging or even some...
New to Caregiving: How Do I Keep from Going Under?
Dear Carol: My parents are in their 70s and had been mostly healthy. I don’t have to worry about financial and health legal documents...
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse in Your Parent’s Retirement Home
I think most of us approach the idea of sharing the care of an elder with a lot of trepidation. We have cared for...
Siblings Who Care More About Their Inheritance Than Mom and Dad’s Care
“We don’t want strangers taking care of Mom!” “We promised Dad he would never have to go to a nursing home!” “If you really...
Adult Incontinence Rash Happens: How to Prevent It and/or Treat It
Human skin is not meant to withstand close contact with urine-saturated briefs for extended periods of time. When bowel incontinence is also an issue,...
Dementia Losses Painful, but Focus on What’s Still Possible
Dear Carol: My brilliant wife was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 62. She faced this diagnosis with her trademark courage. I’ve been...
