Dementia

8 Tips from a Healthy Aging Expert

Like many Alzheimer’s advocates, I support increased funding for Alzheimer’s research. The goal is to discover a cure. However, the current reality is that...

Kitchen Safety Concerns for People with Dementia

Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more...

How to Pick a Pet for an Older Adult

Studies show that animals can be wonderful companions for older adults – their presence can calm agitation, alleviate loneliness and even lower blood pressure....

A white picture showing a shower head from below with water coming down

Tips for Coaxing Someone with Dementia to Shower or Bathe

Dear Carol: How do people get a parent with dementia to take a shower or bath? I’ve argued with my mom. I’ve coaxed her....

Multigenerational Households: The Ins and Outs of In-law Suites

When I was a teenager, my parents had a new home specifically built with separate quarters so my grandmother could live with us and...

Not Everyone Is Cut Out to Be a Caregiver

Each of us is unique, with our own talents and flaws. Often, our so-called faults are merely ways in which we differ from society’s...

Recognizing Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout isn’t something that happens all at once. We all have good days and bad days, which is normal. Eventually, though, we may...

Humor Shared Among Caregivers Is Therapeutic

I once visited a caregiver friend and her mother, who had moderate Alzheimer’s disease. At one point during the visit, the mother abruptly stood...

Types of Incontinence, Causes, and Management Explained

Incontinence is common in older adults and people with certain disabilities. Sadly, embarrassment over being an adult who cannot completely control urinary or bowel...