A New Year Calls for a New Attitude Toward Caregiving
How long has it been since you’ve distanced yourself from caregiving long enough to decide what is good for you? When was the last...
Health
The Substantial Sacrifices of Caregiving
Most caregivers have some idea of how they intended to spend their lives. But thanks to medical advancements, aging parents are living longer than...
Dementia Bathing: A Guide for Caregivers
Note: Since this article was written, some newer options have appeared on the market. Rinseless bath cloths and other options are available on Amazon...
Should Your Parent Risk an Anesthesia Disaster or Forego Surgery?
Just last week a reader asked me whether she should try to sway her mother, who had colon cancer, toward surgery. Her mother, 87,...
Reminder: Don’t Judge Based on Physical Disabilities
Dear Carol: I’m 81 and healthy other than a hip replacement that didn’t turn out well, so I use a cane or walker, depending...
Incontinence After Menopause A Common Challenge
Menopause: The ceasing of menstruation. Sounds simple, but for each woman, the process of going through perimenopause and eventually arriving at menopause can be...
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse in Your Parent’s Retirement Home
I think most of us approach the idea of sharing the care of an elder with a lot of trepidation. We have cared for...
The Hazards of Alcoholism in the Elderly
Millions of people consume alcohol, but each person has their own unique relationship with this substance. While many are able to drink in moderation...
Should You Convince Your Aging Parents to Move Closer to You?
As a columnist for a newspaper on the High Plains, I often have readers write me that they are begging their parents to “come...
A Self-Help Approach to Coping with Caregiver Stress
Caregiving can bring forth an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions. These feelings are often bittersweet, but without the proper preparations and assistance, things can quickly...
