Caregiver Feels Unappreciated for Upending Her Life
Dear Carol: Shortly after her 85th birthday, my mom had a stroke. She recovered, but she still has mobility deficits. We discussed assisted living,...
Communication
Why Some Family Caregivers Refuse Help
Even when family caregivers have access to help, many still come up with excuses to turn down assistance. Learning to accept support and assistance...
People with Dementia Might Be More Cooperative If We Show Vs. Tell
Dear Carol: Two years ago, my wife was diagnosed with mixed dementia. I’ve always been a logical, literal, some might say plodding person. My...
8 Truths of Dementia Caregiving
As we travel our own unique journeys, most of us find that certain phrases or concepts take on the status of truth in our...
7 Pitfalls to Avoid When Visiting Someone with Dementia
Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or visiting them from time to time you’ll want to do your best to make them feel...
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...
Confabulation in Dementia Can Feel Like Hurtful Lies
When a person develops any form of dementia, it is difficult for family and friends to witness their diminishing capacity and the unbearable frustration...
Gifting a Family Caregiver without Creating Extra Burden
Dear Carol: My friend’s husband has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years which, of course, has dramatically changed both of their lives....
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...
Dad Agonizes Over the Inevitable Loss of Privacy After Death
Dear Carol: My dad is a retired college professor and researcher with a reserved nature. He’s told me that while he’s come to accept...
