Health

This indoor images shows a younger woman on the left. She has long, light brown hair and iw wearing a pink sweater. She's pointing to something on a smartphone that's held by an older woman with white hair. The older woman wears alight blue top with white trim. Both woman have slight smiles and are communicating about what they see with pleasure.

An Older Adult Skips Bathing? Maybe there’s a Good Reason

A common complaint about older people, especially those who have health challenges, is that they “smell” or have other signs that they don’t shower...

This outdoor image shows a lake in the background with foliage on the other side. The foreground shows an older man, maybe Middle Eastern decent, with white hair and a white mustache. He wears sunglasses and an off-white long-sleeved shirt. His expression is one of displeasure or stubbornness.

Convincing An Older Adult to Wear Incontinence Protection Takes Sensitivity and Tact

It’s often difficult for older adults to accept and deal with incontinence issues. Many try to ignore this new development and carry on with...

This indoor image shows closed white draperies in the background. ONe the left we see a younger black woman who wears a yellow cardigan over a cream top and jeans. Seh's bending over as she helps an older black man sit in a chair. He has gray hair and is wearing a medium blue pullover.

Should Your Older Parent One Move in With You?

Decades ago, it was fairly common to have grandparents living with family and it often worked well. It did for my family. My parents...

This image shows a classic hospital room with a insturtional cover over sheets on a hospital bed. There's is a gray visitor's chair near the bed.

Should Your Parent Risk an Anesthesia Disaster or Forego Surgery?

Note: More is known now about the downfalls of surgery on older adults, yet some are still undergoing surgery that leaves them more damaged...

The closeup image only shows the torsos of the people. ON the left is a medical person with a purpose sthoscope around their neck. The person is holding their arm bent and hand out to support a women show is weraing a red and white checked, long-sleeved blouose. She has her hand clasped over the supporting person's wrist.

Confusion About Palliative Services Vs. Hospice Care Is Understandable

Dear Carol: After caring for my mom for years, I moved her to memory care due to her dementia. At 93, she is fading....

Background shows a glorious sunrise across a lake. Foreground shows the silhouette of a woman from the side. S he's raising her arms in a yoga pose while looking ahead, likely doing breathing excercises.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Brain Healthy While Caregiving

Many of us cope with the stress of caring for someone who has dementia. We agonize over the increasing losses that our loved one...

A very old woman sits on a brown leather couch. Her gray hair is pulled back, and she wears rimless glasses. Her dress is dark blue and she's wearing a cream-colored knit shawl. Her expression is pleasant.

People Living with Dementia May Fight Bathing: Compassion, Education Can Help

Many older adults may not bathe as often as younger people think they should, but what about people living with dementia? Here lies a much...

The background shows a white wall with a hanging of purple flowers. Foreground shows an older, gray haired woman in a hospital gown hugging a younger woman. The younger woman has long dark hair and is wearing a beige sweater.

Why Would Mom Choose to Smell Rather Than Use Incontinence Products?

Dear Carol: My mom is only 79 but she has a lot of health problems including lung disease requiring oxygen. She receives good health...

Background is a rising sun over hills. Foreground shows a back view of a siloouetted woman seated in a cross-legged yoga pose, arms in front. She's gazing toward the horizon.

10 Tips to Help You “Unplug” from Caregiving

Jen has been caring for her parents for almost two years and she is quickly approaching caregiver burnout. A close friend booked and prepaid...

Background is white sheer curtain. Foreground is an older gray haired man seated in a chair. He's wearing a navy blue short sleeved shirt, His arm is raised to his face where his hand covers his mouth. He seems to be leaning slightly on his hand as he quietly dozes.

Why Does My Older Loved One Sleep All Day?

As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger. Waking up during the night due to achy joints or...