Dignity

This outdoor summer image shows a woman with shoulder-length, blonde hair. She wears a black scoup necked sweater and is smiling toward the camera.

Caregiving: A Legacy To Be Proud Of

Have you thought about what you’d want your obituary to say about you? I hadn’t until I was recently asked to write...

This indoor image has a black background. IN the foreground, we see a table with comforting items. There's a tissue box, a white cup with a straw, and a pair of reading glasses made handy.

Breaking the News That a Loved One is Going on Hospice Care

When the paperwork was finally signed to get hospice care for my dad, I was grateful. There would now be a routine...

This outdoor image shows a brick wall with foliage behind it. In the foreground, we see an older woman with short gray hair, slightly windblowen. She wers a cream, V-necked cardigan and pearls. By her side and looking toward the older woman we see the prfoile slightly turned away of a younger woman with a light brown messybun. The two are looking directly at each other.

Top Tips for Understanding the Dementia Side of Interactions

Dear Carol: Alzheimer’s runs in our family. We prayed Mom would be spared, but that’s not to be, and last week, she...

This image shows a park like background with a brick walk. An older man with gray hair and a blue long-sleeved shirt is pushing a wheelchair carrying an older woman about his age. The woman has white hair and wears a cream-colored long-sleeved shirt and jeans.

Traveling Well with Both MS and Incontinence Takes Planning

Dear Carol: My wife, age 48, is incontinent due to multiple sclerosis (MS). We used to love camping in national parks, so...

This extremely closeup image shows an old woman's face with only a peek of her white hair showing. She has very light skin, intense blue eyes, and mutiple age spots.

Are People with Advanced Alzheimer’s 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...

This black and white image has a plain dark background. In the foreground is an older African American woman with curly white hair. Whe's got her eyes closed and is wearing a sad expression, with her head tilted upward. She's wearing a light colored print top.

Confabulation in Dementia Can Feel Like Hurtful Lies

When a person develops any form of dementia, it is difficult for family and friends to witness their diminishing capacity and the...

This indoor image shows a white walled modern kitchen in the background. In the fregroud is a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue jeans-style shirt and black pants. Shes's poring form a bottle into a serving dish wa she looks over at an older man seated at the table. He is wearing a read and black shirt and has white hair and glasses. Both are smiling as they talk.

Living with Elderly Parents: Do You Regret the Decision?

If you are like most family caregivers, you probably made a promise to your parent(s) years ago that you would never place...

This image shows a blurred indoor background. In the foreground, we see a tall glad of amber liquid, presumably beer, sitting on a brown table. There is a small amound of foam on top and swirls indicating bubbles.

The Hazards of Alcoholism in the Elderly

Millions of people consume alcohol, but each person has their own unique relationship with this substance. While many are able to drink...

This image has a gray indoor backdrop. IN the foreground, a woman with long, light brown hair bends her had forward where she covers her face with her hands. She has light skin and red polished nails.

Coping with the Stigma of Dementia

People stare. Most are not unkind, they are just curious. But when someone “different” from the norm becomes part of their environment,...

Cover of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. The background is a sepia-toned room. In the foreground is a picture of the author's father, sitting in a contemplative pose with arms crossed. This image is also sepia-toned in browns of different shades. To the right is the book title.

Seniority Authority presents: A Caregiver’s Toolbox with Carol Bradley Bursack, Minding Our Elders

Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed by Cathleen Toomey of Seniority Authority. Cathleen’s enthusiasm for the topic turned the experience...