Caregiving

This outdoor image shows two women sitting on a bench with a brick building behind them. The woman on the left has long brown hair and is wearing sunglasses, a blue short-sleeved shirt, and black shorts. Her head is turned toward a woman with dark hair pulled back. She is wearing a sleeveless black top and a tuquoise skirt. Her had is tippped back as she looks at her friend. They are both laughing.

Humor Shared Among Caregivers Is Therapeutic

I once visited a caregiver friend and her mother, who had moderate Alzheimer’s disease. At one point during the visit, the mother abruptly stood...

The image shows an outside looking in view of a window with a cheer curtain in front. We see a woman's shadowy head with her hand upraised against the window. The feeling is one of grief or frustration.

In Caregiving Anxiety Can Be Contagious

We all live with a certain amount of worry, much of which is caused by fear of the unknown. Since health issues can change...

This indoor image shows two empty closets in the background. The walls are white. In the foreground we see piles of boxes taped with brown straping tape. Some boxes are white, others normal brown.

Downsizing Tips for Seniors Who Are Moving to Assisted Living

For most seniors, moving from a long-term home into an assisted living facility is difficult. For some, it’s nearly paralyzing. In addition to countless...

This indoor image has a paned window in the background. One the lesft is an older man with gray hair and glasses. He's wearing a green cardigan and a navy and white checked shirt. His expression is happy and he's holding a peach. One the right is a younger woman who is also smiling and holding a peach. She has medium length dark blonde hair, glasses, and is wearing a tuquouise blouse.

4 Things to Consider Before Moving Aging Parents in With You

Decades ago, it was fairly common to have grandparents living with family and it often worked well. It did for my family. My parents...

This indoor iage shows brown blinds in the background that are tilted open. One the window ledge sits a small lit lamp. There is a dramatic feather and dried plant arrangement in the corner by the window. A brown, tufted couch is visible on the left with a matching love seat on the right. A coffee table between olds a glass ornament.

Making an Assisted Living Apartment Feel Like Home

While change is difficult for people of all ages, deviating from the status quo seems to become even more taxing as we get older...

The background shows vertical blinds half open showing a night view. In the foreground, we see a lit, goosenecked floor lamp, the top of an easy chair and a table with an arrangement on it.

What to Look for When Visiting an Elder in Senior Housing

So, you and your loved one have taken the plunge. You’ve put in the time and effort to research senior housing options, take tours...

This indoor image shows an open door in the background with a large plant barely in view. In the foreground is a young mane with dark hair and a beard and wearing a white short-sleeved shirt standing over an older man feeling his forehead. The older man is Black. He has gray hair and is lying in bed. We see his pajama-clad arm laying on top of the white sheet.

Breaking the News That a Loved One is Going on Hospice Care

When the paperwork was finally signed to get hospice care for my dad, I was grateful. There would now be a routine of care...

This indoor office image shows gray walls and a widow in the background. A Black woman with curly hair has one hand on the wall by the window and with the other arm draped to her side. Shes' wearing a white buttoned up cartigan. We see two silver topped opened laptops on a table with arms of their users just visible. One has a hand, palm up, in front as if explaining something.

Should You Quit Your Job To Care for Your Elderly Parent?

As parents age and need more assistance, most adult children do what they can to help. For many, the first step is a weekly...

An older woman lies contentedly on her back with her arms and hands supporting her head on the grass. She's got long gray hair and is wearing a beige fisherman's sweater. A younger woman has her had lying against the older woman's chest and shoulder. She has long brown hair and is wearing a barely visible cream top. Both women have their eyes closed and look content to be together.

A New Generation of Caregivers: Grandchildren Taking Care of Grandparents

A new generation of young people is stepping up to help their aging and ill family members. Although the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020...

With an autumn tree in the background, a younger woman stands with her arm slung around the neck of an older woman. The older woman has her head turned toward the younger woman as they smile at each other.

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....