Minimizing Grief for a Surviving Spouse with Dementia
Deciding whether to tell someone who is cognitively impaired that their spouse has died is a serious and often recurring struggle. Dementia and death...
Family
Dementia Losses Painful, but Focus on What’s Still Possible
Dear Carol: My brilliant wife was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 62. She faced this diagnosis with her trademark courage. I’ve been...
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....
Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia or Forgetfulness?
The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, and depression are all part of the...
Adult Day Care 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...
Caregiver Guilt: How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Elderly Parents
The first call of the day from your mom you can handle. “Oh, hi, Mom. Yes, it’s a very pretty day. Maybe you should...
A Story from the Sandwich Generation: Caring for Kids and Parents
Watching out for elders has always come naturally for me. I grew up close to my grandparents, and during my teenage years, my paternal...
Is It Normal to Grieve Before Someone Dies?
Nearly everyone involved in caring for an ill or aging loved one is experiencing some degree of grief. However, we don’t usually identify the...
Dad Agonizes Over the Inevitable Loss of Privacy After Death
Dear Carol: My dad is a retired college professor and researcher with a reserved nature. He’s told me that while he’s come to accept...
Respecting the Right to Age With Dignity
The impact of aging frequently makes the news. Sadly, the coverage is consistently negative, and all facets of this topic are portrayed as “problems”...
