Compassion

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 image has a black background. In the foreground we see a close up of an oval-shaped female face that seems to be floating due to the dark clothing below. She has her hand raised and slightly cupped along the side of her face. Her expression is sober, her eyes tilted downward.

Relief Mixed with Grief Normal After a Suffering Loved One’s Death

Dear Carol: My mom died after five years of living with dementia symptoms along with decades of pain from rheumatoid arthritis. Her death has...

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...

‘Virtual Dementia Tour’ Increases Caregivers’ Empathy

Goggled, Hobbled, Isolated by Headphones, I Am Guided Forward We finally reached the top step. The woman holding my elbow didn’t have much to...

This closeup image shows a young woman with light blonde hair. fair skin, and blue eyes. Her hair is cut into a short bob with long front hair over one eye. She's looking to the side so what we see of her face if sad with a slightly reddened nose.

The Emotional Impact of Losing a Loved One to Dementia

“Carol!” The hospice nurse’s voice was quiet but urgent. I instinctively knew what was happening. She had been shifting Dad’s position so that he...

This indoor images shows an older woman with short gray hair, covering her ears as if she is blocking out bad news. Her expression is sad and bewildered.

When One Parent Dies the Other Often Needs Extra Help

Long-term marriages generally evolve into a support system so efficient that even adult children hardly notice changes in their parents. If Dad’s hearing is...

The image is a close up sot of a decorated Christmas tree. There is some blurring in the background, but the foreground shows a gold bell, and read and gold Christmas bulbs.

It’s Christmas Day: Are You Enjoying It?

It’s December 25th and Many people are celebrating Christmas Day. Caregivers might find the word celebrating a little over the top but try not...

This holiday image shows a cold, stary sky with snowy evergreens along a street lit with light. A tall building with lit windows and Christmas decorations on the main floor faces the street.

Christmas Is Here: Our Best Is Good Enough

The decisions caregivers must make during the Christmas holidays are fraught with opportunities to make mistakes in judgment. Chief among them is how much...