To Celebrate or Not: Father’s Day when Dad Doesn’t Recognize You
Dear Carol: Father’s Day is a tough time for me. My dad has Alzheimer’s and every year the struggle to connect with...
Dementia
Dementia Bathing: A Challenge for Caregivers but Guidelines Help
Getting an aging or ill loved one to bathe can be a notorious battle that many family caregivers experience. When dementia is...
A Caregiver’s Struggle: Balancing an Older Adult’s Sense of Purpose with Their Safety
A recent question on the AgingCare Caregiver Forum brought back memories from my early days of caregiving. The member wrote, “My 81-year-old...
Can a Caregiver Be an Effective Advocate Without Appearing Adversarial?
Dear Carol: I’m confused about how much oversight I should provide for my dad who has moved into memory care. He’s in mid-stage...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Cohabitation with Parent Working Except for Incontinence Battles
Dear Carol: My mom has lived with us for several years and it’s been going pretty well up to now. Her dementia is...
Adult Incontinence Rash Happens: How to Prevent It and/or Treat It
Human skin is not meant to withstand close contact with urine-saturated briefs for extended periods of time. When bowel incontinence is also...
