Embracing Positive Caregiving Moments Makes Bad Times Tolerable
My nature is generally upbeat. I try to be grateful for my many blessings and not dwell on the negative. However, as a family...
Caregiver stress
How to Limit but Not Deny Spending by Someone with Memory Deficits
Dear Carol: My dad is very independent, but he has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. He lives in an independent living community, does his own grocery shopping,...
Caregiving Needs to Be a Team Effort
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “there’s no I in team,” meaning that every member of a successful team puts selfishness aside and works...
The Sacrifices Made by Caregivers Are Unique
One question that is often asked on the AgingCare.com Caregiver Forum is, “How do I deal with the reality of leaving behind the life...
Coping with Caregiving: How to End the Habit of Emotional Eating
As far back as breast or formula feeding, most of us learned that a sweet taste meant care and comfort. As we grew into...
Dementia Bathing: A Challenge for Caregivers but Guidelines Help
Getting an aging or ill loved one to bathe can be a notorious battle that many family caregivers experience. When dementia is a part...
How to Communicate with Someone Who Can No Longer Speak
Years ago, I stumbled upon a video that remains vivid in my mind. In it, an elderly couple who had spent a lifetime devoted...
Confabulation: What’s Really Happening When People with Dementia Seem to Lie?
Dear Carol: I’m my mom’s only daughter, so we are close. Mom was recently diagnosed with mixed dementia, so I moved her in with me...
Four of the Most Challenging Caregiver Situations
Caregiving throws many challenges our way, including establishing care routines for our elders that are not only challenging, but may be somewhat embarrassing. By...
Why Would Someone with Dementia Resist Changing Clothes?
Dear Carol: My 83-year-old mother was once obsessive about her hygiene and stylish wardrobe, but now she resists changing clothes. She has early dementia...
