Caregiving

This outdoor image shows a cloudy atmosphere. An older couple walks together on a sidewalk. The man is on the left in the photo. He has lots of gray hair,, is wearing a brown plaid sport coat, brown pants and uses a cane in his right hand. With his left hand, he holds an older woman by the hand. She,has iron gray hair and is wearing a cream knee-length coat. They are both looking down toward the ground.

Managing Finances, Insurance, and Appointments for Aging Parents Exhausting

Dear Carol: My parents are in their 80s and live nearby. I manage their finances and medications, take them to medical appointments, and until...

Caregiver Burnout is Best Prevented Since Recovery Is Hard on Everyone

Dear Carol: My mom, age 79, has had steadily declining health for several years. Arthritis is a genetic problem in my family, so pain is...

This ndoor image shows a white door with a window blurred in the background. In the foreground, two women site together looking at a smart phone. The older woman has short graying hair, and is wearing a pink wrap around her neck over a blue shirt and jeans. she's holding her glasses in one hand as she points to something on the phone scree that is being held in front of her by a younger woman. The younger woman is on ghe right. She has long grown hair and is wearing a white summery sweater.

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 because...

This indoor image shows an older Arfrican American couple sitting on a couch with heads turned facing each other. The love they have shows in their faces. The man o the left has very short gray hair with a receding hairline. He wears wirerimmed glasses and a muted gray plaid shirt. The woman, on the right, has short gray hair and glasses and wears a muted ivory top.

Spouse Criticized for How He Cares for Wife with Dementia

Dear Carol: My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago. While it hasn’t been easy keeping her home with me, it’s been her choice...

This indoor image shows a white paneled background. In front, two women sit on a counch. The older woman has gray hair and is searing a light blue, collared shirt. Next to her sits a younger woman with blonde hair who is wearing a blue, short-sleeved top. The younger woman has her arm around the older woman as they look at each other. Both are smiling.

Cohabitation with Parent Working Except for Incontinence Battles

Dear Carol: My mom has lived with us for several years and it’s been going pretty well up to now. Her dementia is worsening,...

This images shows an older man sitting in a beige recliner type chair with a lamp on a table slightly behind. He has white hair and is wearing dark-rimmed glasses, a navy blue striped short-sleeved shirt and white pants. A brown spaniel sits on his lap as he holds the dogs head up toward the camera. the man has his head down as if kissing the top of the dog's head.

The Stigma of Incontinence Can Keep Older Adults Secluded Adding to Potential for Decline

Dear Carol: I’m worried about my husband. We’re both in our 70s and in relatively good health but he’s had surgery for prostate cancer...

A visually upset woman is wearing a beige hoodie. Her long brown hair comes forward out of the pulled-up hood and she has her arm up coving her eyes. We see the sweatshirt sleeve and her hand as she holds her arm backward over her face.

When You’ve Promised a Parent You’d Never Put Them in a Care Facility

Caregiving is a job that is full of ups and downs. Many of us take on this role out of love and concern, but...

This indoor images shows a younger woman on the left. She has long, light brown hair and iw wearing a pink sweater. She's pointing to something on a smartphone that's held by an older woman with white hair. The older woman wears alight blue top with white trim. Both woman have slight smiles and are communicating about what they see with pleasure.

An Older Adult Skips Bathing? Maybe there’s a Good Reason

A common complaint about older people, especially those who have health challenges, is that they “smell” or have other signs that they don’t shower...

This outdoor image shows a park in the background. Int the foreground, a man is pushing a woman in a wheelchair along a brick path. The man has gray hair, glasses and is wearing a blue, long-sleeved shirt. The woman seated in the wheelchair has white hair, and is warhng a white, long-sleeved top and jeans.

Traveling Well with Both MS and Incontinence Takes Planning

Dear Carol: My wife, age 48, is incontinent due to multiple sclerosis (MS). We used to love camping in national parks, so I’ve been...

This indoor image shows a blurred background with an older mother-daughter in the foreground. The daughter is one the left. She has a blonde bob, wire rimmed glasses, and wears a green sweater. The mother is on the right. She has steel gray hair drawn back and is wearing a dark, collared top. The younger woman has her arm around the older woman's shoulders and they both wear soft smiiles.

People Living with Dementia May Fight Bathing: Compassion, Education Can Help

Many older adults may not bathe as often as younger people think they should, but what about people living with dementia? Here lies a...