End-of-life

An indoor image shows a white-tiled kitchen in the background. The foreground, an older woman with chin-length salt and pepper hair and a pink sleeveless shirt, stirring something at the stove. She is wearing gray wire-rimmed glasses.

Caregiver Questions Reason for Lab Work When Mother Doesn’t Want Treatment

Dear Carol: I’ve been helping my 84-year-old mom with her medications and doctor appointments. She’s made it plain that she doesn’t want any more...

Cover of the book Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.

Interview: Assisted living facilities vs. nursing homes: What to know about cost and care

I’m honored to be featured with Anthony Cirillo, a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and president of The Aging Experience, in...

Black and white image shows a very old man in a gray-toned sweater. He's seated and holding his hand up to his face, palm in. His expression shows confusion and fear.

Life As a Caregiver: Making Tough Care Decisions

Many of us feel honored to provide care for our aging parents or ill spouses, but this honor can also present serious challenges. Even...

Image background is a barely visible assisted living common room. Foreground shows two men. On the left is an older man, balding with a little gray hair. He's wearing a cream cardigan over a dark shirt. Next to him is his middle-aged son who has short, light brown hair. He's wearing a gray scarf around his neck over his dark jacket

Dementia Caregiver’s Experience Brought Premium Incontinence Protection To the US

Note: Egosan is one of my fine sponsors, so I’m proud to occasionally tell you about them. Here’s their story: As is the case...

The image shows a mix of pills such as a red capsule, a larger gray capsule in the foreground, and a blurred orange pill bottle in the left corner

Could a New Medication Be the Cause of Mom’s Increased Falls?

Dear Carol: My mom’s had a lot of health problems in her life, so her prescription list is long. Yet, sure enough, after her...

The image shows an older woman in bed. S he's got gray hair and is wearing a blue nightgown. She smiles at a younger woman who is sitting on the edge of the bed reading to her from a book. The younger woman wears a scooped necked yellow shirt jeans.

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 her...

The background shows large windows in a care home. A young woman with dark hair medium toned skin is helping an older man walk down the hall. She is dressed in a white shirt with a yellow sweater. The African American man is wearing a blue sweater over a white shirt.

Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different

Most of us who are family caregivers know that, while we often experience a sense of fulfillment when we provide care for our loved...

Background is white sheer curtain. Foreground is an older gray haired man seated in a chair. He's wearing a navy blue short sleeved shirt, His arm is raised to his face where his hand covers his mouth. He seems to be leaning slightly on his hand as he quietly dozes.

Why Does My Older Loved One Sleep All Day?

As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger. Waking up during the night due to achy joints or...

A frail looking older adults in a wheelchair, photographed from the side. Their gray hair is short, and more visible than the face which is turned in the other direction. They are wearing a dark brown sweater.

Worried Caregiver Feels Responsible for Frail Dad’s Nutrition

Dear Carol: I’m worried about my dad. He’s been diagnosed with vascular dementia, but he also has heart disease and recently had cancer treatment....

A picture of Dr. Leslie Kernisan. Dr. Kernisan has curly dark hair and is wearing a black suit with a purple bead necklace and small drop earrings. She's smiling in a professional portrait.

Geriatrician Opens Support Group to New Members Year-Around

This is a unique caregiver opportunity that includes bi-monthly live phone sessions with a geriatrician where you can discuss your caregiving concerns, bi-monthly live...