Dementia care

Affectionate older gray-haired couple, man in blue sweater and woman in red sweater.

Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia or Forgetfulness?

The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression and depression are all part of the...

Helping vs. Enabling: How to Strike a Balance While Caregiving

Most family caregivers want what is best for their loved ones, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Unfortunately, discerning what’s...

In the foreground we see a jumble of clothing, mostly in brown tones with some rush and cream. Behind the mess is a woman in a bulky coat in the same colors. We see some brownish hair on top of her head but her face is buried behind the jumbled clothing.

Rummaging: When People with Dementia Dig Through Drawers or Trash

Dear Carol: I’m struggling. My husband was always super neat, but Alzheimer’s gradually took away his ability to organize even the basics of living....

Family Caregivers Still Undervalued By Many

We live in a society that tends to value what we do over who we are. If what we do isn’t highly paid or...

Older couple, Hispanic heritage, both with gray hair. Taller man has his arm around the woman's neck in a loving way. She is softly touching his arm and hand.

Shadowing with Dementia: When They Panic If You Are Out of Sight

Dear Carol: After my husband retired, he wanted to be involved in whatever I was doing, no matter how mundane. To me, that signified...

Older woman in orange and black ruffled dress looking annoyed as younger woman in white top and hoop earrings kisses her cheek

Caregivers Can Celebrate Mother’s Day With Forgiveness

Nearly any of us who are mothers have wanted to be a perfect example of motherhood. Yet, the reality is, that since we are...

Cover of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories with the image of an older man - the author's father - on the cover sitting with his arms crossed.

Should You Join Someone with Dementia in Their Reality?

It was not unlike any other day, but on this particular afternoon Dad was adamant. He was waiting for his medical degree from the...

A Self-Help Approach to Coping with Caregiver Stress

Caregiving can bring forth an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions. These feelings are often bittersweet, but without the proper preparations and assistance, things can quickly...

Losing the Ability to Swallow: How to Help Someone With Dysphagia

Coping with an ill loved one’s difficulty swallowing can be frustrating and frightening for everyone involved. Caring for someone we love means nurturing and...