Communication

A tall painter's ladder rests agaist a wall that's been torn open to show the backing. The viewer sees unfinished patched plaster or drywall on the side.

Safety Vs. Autonomy in Aging

A recent question on the AgingCare Caregiver Forum brought back memories from my early days of caregiving. The member wrote, “My 81-year-old father still...

this indoor image shows a moder kitchen with white walls and cupboards in the background, though we see an open doorway. At a table, sits an older man with a receding hairline. His hair is white, and he wears dark rimmed glasses and a black and red buffalo plaid robe. A younger woman with long blonde hair, light skin, and causual blue tee with jeans is smiling as she hands the older man a plate. We see the arm of someone else around the shoulder of the older man.

How to Discuss End-of-Life Issues with Aging Parents

………….. Sex and death: It’s odd that these two topics of conversation should bring so much anxiety to parents and children. One addresses the...

How to Communicate with a Senior 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 background is a blurred shelf with decorative objects. In the foreground we see an older coule. the sit closely with the mans' arm around the womans shoulders and the woman's hand placed against the man's chest. The man has brown hair and is wearing a light blue, long-sleeved shirt. He smiles as he looks down slightly at the woman's face. She has graying blonde hair and is wearing a gray long-sleeved sweater. Both have light skin and are smiling softly.

Caregiver Distressed That Wife Living at Home Still Wants to ‘Go Home’

Dear Carol: My wife of over 40 years has Alzheimer’s disease and I care for her at home. While I’ve worked to become educated...

Confused About Palliative Care Vs. Hospice Care? You Aren’t Alone

Dear Carol: My mom has advanced lung disease as well as late-stage Alzheimer’s. We know that there are no cures for either of her current...

The background of this image includes palm trees and greenery in a tropical climate such as Hawaii. In the foreground, we see an older couple with brown skin and gray hair. The woman is wearing a white short sleeved top and the man is wearing a light gray long sleeved shirt. He has his arm around the woman's neck. Their hands are touching and they are both smiling.

Physical Changes Make Incontinence a Common Concern as People Age

Dear Carol: I’m writing because I want to help my husband, who had surgery for prostate cancer, understand that he’s not alone with his...

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...

The background is a grayish wall. In the foreground is an older man with large headphones over his balk head. He's wearing a black suit, white chirt and red tie, and glasses on his face. His eyes are squeezed shut in concentration and he waves his arms as if directing an orchestra.

People with Dementia Find Renewed Confidence While Playing In Orchestra

With this goal in mind, Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) in Dorset (UK) has found a unique method to help boost confidence and mood...

A clear blue sky with puffy clouds is on the horizon as an older woman is seen from the back. She's got frizzy gray hair and is sitting in a wheelchair. She looks shadowed by the bright sun.

How to Talk to the Doctor About Your Elderly Parent or Spouse

A frequent problem expressed among family caregivers is that their aging loved ones aren’t honest with their doctors. At home, they may gripe about...