How to Support a Friend Who Has a Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness, such as cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or an immune disorder, can be isolating and...
Family
Loving Yourself: A Caregiver’s Ultimate Challenge
We’ve all heard that we must first learn to love ourselves before we can love others. Yet, many of us have grown up with...
Caregiver Feels Unappreciated for Upending Her Life
Dear Carol: Shortly after her 85th birthday, my mom had a stroke. She recovered, but she still has mobility deficits. We discussed assisted living,...
Caring For Those in Chronic Pain: How Caregivers Cope
Traditional marriage vows generally contain the words “through sickness and in health.” For some couples, chronic sickness in the form of a painful disease...
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....
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....
The Importance of Grandparents
The importance of grandparents in the lives of children cannot be denied. Before our society became so mobile, it was common for children to...
Creating a Bucket List: Tips for Seniors and Family Caregivers
The Bucket List, a 2007 movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, helped contemporize the old expression “kick the bucket,” a common slang phrase...
Why Some Family Caregivers Refuse Help
Even when family caregivers have access to help, many still come up with excuses to turn down assistance. Learning to accept support and assistance...
