Family

Family Caregivers Still Undervalued By Many

We live in a society that tends to value what we do over who we are. If what we do isn’t highly paid or...

Black and white image of tools on a bench: hammer plyers, screwdriver, needle nose

How to Keep Older Adults Active and Engaged

As family caregivers, we strive to meet all our loved ones’ needs. We give medication reminders, cook meals, manage doctor’s appointments, and keep schedules....

Older couple, both with white hair, waltzing on the lawn. The woman is weating a blue dress; the man a dark suit

Adult Day Services Can Fill a Gap for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Most seniors are keen on staying in their homes as they age, but family caregivers often struggle to meet their loved ones’ needs and...

Older man with white hair in an outdoor setting looking angry

Caring for Aging Parents Who Didn’t Care for You

Years ago, a journalist (we’ll call her Nancy) requested an interview with me to discuss common caregiving issues for an article she was writing....

Blurred background with rose colored tulips. The one in the foreground is just ready to open.

Mother’s Day: How Caregiving Can Help Us Rethink the Meaning of Motherhood

Many children face significant challenges as they grow up. Even so, when a child knows there is someone they can always count on during...

Older woman in orange and black ruffled dress looking annoyed as younger woman in white top and hoop earrings kisses her cheek

Caregivers Can Celebrate Mother’s Day With Forgiveness

Nearly any of us who are mothers have wanted to be a perfect example of motherhood. Yet, the reality is, that since we are...

Cover of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories with the image of an older man - the author's father - on the cover sitting with his arms crossed.

Should You Join Someone with Dementia in Their Reality?

It was not unlike any other day, but on this particular afternoon Dad was adamant. He was waiting for his medical degree from the...

An image of hospice care where a younger man comforts and older adult lying in bed

Hospice Care: Help During End Stages of Life

Each time I walked into Dad’s room in the nursing home, he would be rigid in bed, propped up on one elbow and slamming...

Background of a wall of framed degrees and certifications. Professional in white shirt or coat sitting behind a desk talking with older man with balding head surrounded by gray hair. The older man, wearing a gray suit sits across the desk from the professional.

In-Office Dementia Test Just the First Step in Getting a Diagnosis

Dear Carol: My mom is showing signs of compromised decision-making ability as well as some short-term memory loss. I understand that there are quick,...