Caregiver stress

The cover of "Melted Away: A meooir of Climate Change and Caregiving in Peru by Barbara Drake-Vera. The image shows a colorful left margin using a South American theme. The main cover shows lots of blue sky and low clounds over snow capped montain peaks with foliage and then dry grass near the front.

Caregiving and Climate Change Deftly Interwoven in “Melted Away”

While there are hundreds of books on general caregiving and specifically, dementia care, I usually leave the reviews to the phenomenal group Alzauthors. My...

This indoor image shows a neat bedroom in the background The foreground shows a dignified older man with gray hair and a maroon robe. His blue and white striped pajama top shows at the neck. His hands are clasped in front of him and his expression is imperious.

Elders Who Abuse Their Family Caregivers

Most of us have seen evidence of people being harder on those they love than they are on strangers or even people they don’t...

This interior image shows white slatted curtains, a task lamp and a comfortable chair. It denotes comfort while also feeling institutional.

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...

This black and white image shows a very close view of an older man's face. He's scowling with his eyes turned toward the side looking at the camera. He holds his eyeglasses in his hand so all we see is one bow in front of his face.

Coping With Seniors 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...

This indoor image shows a confident older man with gray hair smoking a cigar. We see the cigar smoke as he puffs. He's wearing a short-sleeved golf shirt and seems thoughtful but powerful.

Caregivers Handling Impossibly Controlling Aging Parents

The responsibility of providing care for an aging or ill loved one is a monumental challenge in its own right. But when a care...

This outdoor image shows a man and a woman in the sun with flower bushes behind. The man wears a black hat and dark tee shirt. He has a dark brown beard. The woman has short drak hair and is wearing a gray/blue shirt. The are both looking to the side at something beyond the camera.

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...

Image is family photo of three generations of males. Older man has gray hair and wears a black leather-look jacket, middle aged man with brown hair wears black cloth jacket, and child has redish-brown hair with bangs and wears a dark-colored shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

Caregiving Should Ideally be a Team Effort

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “There’s no I in team,” meaning that every member on a successful team puts selfishness aside and works...

This black and white image shows a close view of a woman with downturned head, hands covering her face in grief. She has dark hair and Hispanic looks.

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...

The image shows a dark background with a shower head in the foreground. Water is on making a rainbow effect.

What to Do When a Senior Refuses to Bathe and Change Their Clothes

When it comes to caring for the elderly, hygiene issues are surprisingly common. Determining why their bathing habits have changed is the best way...

The image background is a blurred, dark interior, likely a bar. In the foreground we see a large glass of beer with foam on top.

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 in moderation...