Caregiving

Image shows blurred dark alter or table. ON tip are rows of votive candle holders, some with lit candles and some empty. We see a total of five flames, three in back and two in the foregroud.

Mixed Emotions: Grief and Relief When the Loved One You Cared for Dies

When my mother died in a local nursing home, my “career” of visiting this exceptional facility nearly every day for almost 15 years ended....

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Tips to Help Older Adults Avoid Dehydration During Summer Heat

Dear Carol: We’re heading into the hottest part of summer and I’m getting nervous for my 79-year-old mother. She likes it warm, which I...

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Hindsight Can Be a Blessing or a Curse for Caregivers

They say hindsight is 20/20. But things from the past that may seem “clear” to you now can still be distorted by difficult emotions...

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New Caregivers: Tips on Caring for Elderly Parents

I have interacted with countless professional and informal caregivers over the years, and I’ve noticed two prominent patterns that characterized my own experiences and...

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What to Do When Someone with Dementia Repeats the Same Things Over and Over

One sign of the aging brain is repeating things more often, especially stories and questions. There are reasons for this that are not related...

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Mostly Low-Tech Time Management Strategies for Caregivers

Don’t let the title scare you, folks. I’m not presenting a “system” here. Personally, I’ve never seen a chart or graph designed to help...

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Admitting Loved One to Hospice Is Emotional, but Understanding Process Helps

Dear Carol: I’m crushed and uncertain how to move forward. My wife, 74, has spent years battling cancer with some success and a reasonable...

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When Someone You Love with Alzheimer’s Doesn’t Recognize You

Watching a loved one move through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be one of life’s toughest and most heartbreaking challenges. If we...

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4 Challenging Caregiver Situations Many Caregivers Face

Caregiving throws many challenges our way, including establishing care routines for our elders that are not only challenging but may be somewhat embarrassing. By...

Mid-2024 Roundup of Caregiver and Elder-Friendly Products, Services, and Technology

Dear Readers: It’s already mid-2024! That means it’s time for our bi-annual roundup of products, services, and technology. Remember these are not recommendations. I...