Family

This outdoor image shows a rising sun just over the horizon of a body of water. A person with long hair is seen from the back, completely shadowed due to light contrast. They are sitting cross kneed with elbows on thighs, as if comntemplating.

A Self-Help Approach to Coping with Caregiver Stress

Caregiving can bring forth an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions. These feelings are often bittersweet, but without the proper preparations and assistance, things can quickly...

This indoor image shows two cupped hands containg small pills. One is a white capsule, one is a small round orange tablet.

Losing the Ability to Swallow: How to Help Someone With Dysphagia

Coping with an ill loved one’s difficulty swallowing can be frustrating and frightening for everyone involved. Caring for someone we love means nurturing and...

This indoor image shows a gray wall in the background. An older woman sits on a lavender and green print couch She has short, dyed blonde hair and wears a purple short-sleeved dress and glasses. She holds a smart phone to her ear and she listens to someone talking to her. Her expression is pleasant with a slight smile.

Protecting Older Adults from Scams While Honoring Their Autonomy

Dear Carol: I understand that scammers have always targeted older adults, but technology is making this a nightmare. My 84-year-old mother is generous and...

this indoor image shows a close up view of a white pillow and slue blanket framed by a wooden bed.

When Your Loved One Rallies Before Death

Family members are often relieved and hopeful when a dying loved one suddenly becomes more aware of their surroundings or begins talking or eating...

This outdoor image shows a spring tree flowering in the background against a blue sky. In the foreground, we see two women. Oe has long redish hair. Shes' wearing a black sweater and hs her head tilted back and to the said as she kisses a younger woman on the cheek. The younger woman is looking to the side but also up a little. She has longish light-brown hair and is smiling.

Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role

Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it. What Is...

Honor Your Elders’ Need for Independence

Although we may not think about it in these terms very often, a person’s dignity and identity are often tied to their independence. As...

Why So Many Long-Married Couples Die Close Together

While death rarely brings pleasant feelings, from time to time we’ll see a story about death go viral on the Internet because it touches...

This image is the cover of "Bringing Art to Life" by Daniel Potts. Close up on the left, we see a bright yellow sphere, with orage on top. Further down is more yellow with splotches of color on the left. The sphere could be a hat or a paint pallet. The cover art is slightly abstractt.

Dementia Can Open the Door to Artistic Expression

The treatment of people with dementia has changed dramatically since I first became personally involved with the disease. It’s now widely recognized that while...

This image has a black background. In the foreground we see an older woman on the left with long gray, flowing hair. She's wearing a black and white print sleeveless dress. With her eyes closed, she's holding her cheek out toward a younger woman who is kissing it. the younger woman has dark hair and is wearing a black and white striped open-collared shirt. both women have medium toned skin.

Caregiver Upset by Lack of Clarification Regarding Medical Terms

Dear Carol: I’m frustrated with medical people who think family caregivers should automatically understand their abbreviated terms. At appointments, my mom’s doctor asks about...