In Caregiving, Anxiety Can Be Contagious
We all live with a certain amount of worry, much of which is caused by fear of the unknown. Since health issues can change...
Dementia care
Caregiving Needs to Be a Team Effort
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “there’s no I in team,” meaning that every member of a successful team puts selfishness aside and works...
What to Do When a Senior Repeats the Same Things Over and Over
One sign of the aging brain is repeating things more often, especially stories and questions. There are reasons for this that are not related...
Encouraging Parents to Socialize After the Move to Senior Living
Moving to senior living is often a difficult transition for aging loved ones. Even elders who are on board with the decision to relocate...
A Cautionary Tale About Self-Care During Caregiving
I know. I know. You are thinking, “When will I do all these things and how will I pay for them?” That was my...
Are People with Advanced Dementia Aware of Their Surroundings?
Even among medical experts, you will find differing opinions on how much someone with advanced dementia of any type understands. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in...
Father’s Day As a Caregiver: Remembering Dad Before Dementia
This Father’s Day I’ll have fond memories of my dad, as will many caregivers and adult children. The juxtaposition of the past and present...
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...
Confabulation: What’s Really Happening When People with Dementia Seem to Lie?
Dear Carol: I’m my mom’s only daughter, so we are close. Mom was recently diagnosed with mixed dementia, so I moved her in with me...
How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell When Incontinence Accidents Happen
Dear Carol: I feel like my home is becoming contaminated territory! My Dad is a sweetheart, but he’s got dementia and has developed incontinence....
