Family

The background is a plain white wall. In the foreground, we see a closeup of the lower portin of an older man's face. We see his ears and white mustache. He's weraring a gray/beighe sweater and his is hands resting on top of a cane hanles held in front of him as he sites. One hand is on top of the straight cane handle and his other hand is clasped on top of it.

A Speech Pathologist Explains Common Swallowing Issues Part 1: Causes and Coping

A few months ago, a gerontologist told us her story about how she coped as a family caregiver when her father developed swallowing problems...

This vewry close image shows an older woman with white hair, a wrinkled forehead, and wire-rimmed glasses. She wears a white top with the shoulders barely visible. Her expression is stern with a tight mouth.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s and the Caregiver’s Role

When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s only natural to worry about what comes next. While Alzheimer’s will progress differently...

This indoor image shows an olde fashions room with a patterned oil-cloth table cloth. There is equipemnt hooked up around the woman sitting at the table with lots of cords evident. The woman is older with gray hair peaking out from a gray wool watch cap. She wears a bulky light-blue cardigan and is studying a paper in her hands.

Why Older Adults Often Feel Cold and How Dementia Exacerbates the Problem

Dear Carol: I’m a menopausal caregiver who is trying to balance my mom’s comfort with mine. She lives with me and has mild dementia...

‘Virtual Dementia Tour’ Increases Caregivers’ Empathy

Goggled, Hobbled, Isolated by Headphones, I Am Guided Forward We finally reached the top step. The woman holding my elbow didn’t have much to...

Sensitivity Training for Caregivers of People with Dementia

Please wipe this mess off of my face. Please! Don’t go so fast, I can’t swallow! I’m not ready for a drink yet! Is...

This image has a cloudy, rainy background. We see a woman with bobbed gray hair from the back. Her gray-clad shoulders are bent forward in grief..

Grief: The Way to Continue On Is to Work Through It

Dr. Gail Gross, Ph.D., doctor of education, is a nationally recognized family, child development, and human behavior expert, author, and educator. She has contributed...

This closeup image shows a young woman with light blonde hair. fair skin, and blue eyes. Her hair is cut into a short bob with long front hair over one eye. She's looking to the side so what we see of her face if sad with a slightly reddened nose.

The Emotional Impact of Losing a Loved One to Dementia

“Carol!” The hospice nurse’s voice was quiet but urgent. I instinctively knew what was happening. She had been shifting Dad’s position so that he...

An older couple sit close on a park bench with trees in the background. The man wears a pink sport coat, khakis, and sneakers. He's bald, wears glasses, and has his arm around the woman who looks up into his face with a smile. The woman has graying brown hair and wars a light green cardigan and cream pants with sneakers.

Caregiver or Care Partner? What Evolving Terminology Means

Decades ago, when I began my caregiving life, I just did what I did. I’m not sure I was referred to as anything other...

This indoor image has a window in the background where we see a blurred outdoor scene. In the foreground is a smiling older woman with short blonde hair. She has her head tilted with her chin down as she leans slightly forward in her chair gripping a cane. One hand is on top of the cane handle and the other grasps the stick of the cane.

Mom Won’t Use a Cane Because She Thinks It Makes Her Look Old

Dear Carol: My mom has always been a fashion slave. She’s looked young for her age from a distance due to rigorous weight control,...

A clear blue sky with puffy clouds is on the horizon as an older woman is seen from the back. She's got frizzy gray hair and is sitting in a wheelchair. She looks shadowed by the bright sun.

How to Talk to the Doctor About Your Elderly Parent or Spouse

A frequent problem expressed among family caregivers is that their aging loved ones aren’t honest with their doctors. At home, they may gripe about...