Aging-in-place

Older woman with gray hair wears a white, vee necked shirt. She's tugging on a lock of hair by her chin and smiling like she's telling someone what she wants.

Helping vs. Enabling: How to Strike a Balance While Caregiving

Most family caregivers want what is best for their loved ones, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Unfortunately, discerning what’s...

Man and woman sit on a couch with expressions and gestures of those who are arguing. The woman has long brown hair and a light sweater. She's turned toward the man, with hands out in front as if explaining something. The many has arms crossed with one hand gesturing. He has dark brown hair and a beard and mustasch.

Hands-On Vs. Distance Caregivers Can Offer Different Perspectives

Dear Carol: I’m a husband and father living about 200 miles from my aging dad. Since my sister lives in his community, she checks...

Background is a garden and high greenery with a border of pink blooming plants on the ground. Foreground is an older woman with dyed red hair and dark rimmed glasses. She's standing in front of the bushes, wearing a white tea shirt and holding a tea cup as though ready to sip.

Tips to Help Older Adults Avoid Dehydration During Summer Heat

Dear Carol: We’re heading into the hottest part of summer and I’m getting nervous for my 79-year-old mother. She likes it warm, which I...

Mid-2024 Roundup of Caregiver and Elder-Friendly Products, Services, and Technology

Dear Readers: It’s already mid-2024! That means it’s time for our bi-annual roundup of products, services, and technology. Remember these are not recommendations. I...

The background is a wooden slat bench or deck. Foreground shows various tools spread about including a hammer, pliers, screwdriver and more.

How Hiring a Handyman Can Help Your Older Parents

Years ago I saw a van whose driver was letting teenagers off in front of the local high school, where I was doing the...

A comfortable sitting room with a blue print wing chair in one corner. A round lamp table with a white reading lamp is near the chair. Visible is the end of a white couch with pillows and a glass coffee table.

Choosing Senior Housing and Care Based on Your Parent’s Needs

As our population ages and more of our national focus is on senior care, we can find ourselves in a muddle over confusing choices....

Nicely dressed older woman with gray hair. She's wearing makeup and pearls with a cream colored sweater. A younger woman with dark blonde hair in a messy bun sits by her, holding her hand and chatting with her.

Aging Life Professionals Can Help Swamped Caregivers Find Resources

Dear Carol: I feel like I’m failing everyone because I can’t do everything well. I work full-time, and my kids are in middle school,...

An adult daughter with brown hair and wearing a red dress is showing dancing with an older gray-haired man, likely her father. The background shows lovely spring trees and a gathering that could be in a park.

Spring and Summer Cleaning: How to Refresh Your Caregiving Routine

For many families, spring or early summer is a time to shake off the winter blues, deep clean their homes and focus on getting...

Image of cluttered room with window and draperies. Room is jammed with clothing and other items making it unsafe

How Do I Get Dad Out of His Cluttered, Unsafe Home?

People want to stay in their own homes. You hear it and read about it all the time. And there’s some merit to that....

Black and white image of tools on a bench: hammer plyers, screwdriver, needle nose

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....