Assisted living

This festive indoor image shows a family table with windows in the background and holiday lighting. Four arms are show toasting with stemmed glasses containing red wine. On the left, an arm shows a dark red sweater sleeve and ext to that person, we see an arm clad in black. Two bear arms show on the right as if short sleeves are worn.

Communicating with Intentional Goodwill Key to New Year’s Caregiving Conversations

Dear Carol: Our parents are in their mid-80s and are comparatively healthy. While I live near them, I work and have kids, so my...

This indoor shot shows an older woman with olive skin and very short, spikey white hair. She's wearing brown-rimmed glasses and a blue print top with a red apron over it. Her expression is one that could be read as accusatory.

Accusing Others of Stealing Common for People Experiencing Dementia

Dear Carol: My mom’s been in memory care for over a year, and she’s been happy with the caregivers and social opportunities. I’m aware...

This image shows a large common room with big windows looking out to a snowy yard. There's a brown faux-leather couch on the right, a rustic coffee table in the center and a brown recliner somewhat visible on the left.

How to Convince Your Parent to Move to Assisted Living

Conventional wisdom says that we all want to stay in our own homes for as long as we can. That is likely how most...

An outdoor view with semi-cloudy sky, green grass, and a multi-storied, red brick building in the foreground. One sees cement walks and a crosswalk in front.

How to Get Over Feelings That Prevent You From Visiting the Nursing Home

People cite numerous reasons for why they hate visiting nursing homes. Some can’t stand funky smells, others find the sight of disengaged, listless seniors...

This interior image shows white slatted curtains, a task lamp and a comfortable chair. It denotes comfort while also feeling institutional.

The Emotional Toll of Moving Your Elderly Parent to Senior Living

Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. For most of us, the feeling is less about how large or fancy a...

This outdoor image shows a body of water in the background, but land a city beyond. Int the foreground, an older coupld is enjyong the outdoors. The Woman, nearer the water, is weargin lime green pants and a green and white striped shirt, with a white sunhat. Her hair barely peaks out under the hat. She and the older man are holding hands as if he helping her balance since she's raised slightly above him. the man has gray hair with sunglasses perched on top of his head. He wears a white short-sleeved shirt and dark pants.

Potential Caregiver for Aging Parents Asks How to Plan

Dear Carol: My 83-year-old parents are still doing well for their age but declining as would be expected. Since I live nearby, I’ll be...

This black and white image shows a very close view of an older man's face. He's scowling with his eyes turned toward the side looking at the camera. He holds his eyeglasses in his hand so all we see is one bow in front of his face.

Coping With Seniors Who Won’t Accept In-Home Caregivers

Hiring in-home care for my elderly neighbor Joe, was quite an ordeal. The company we chose and their professional caregivers were great, but the...

Cover of the book Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.

Interview: Assisted living facilities vs. nursing homes: What to know about cost and care

I’m honored to be featured with Anthony Cirillo, a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and president of The Aging Experience, in...

An outside setting shows grass and trees with a large building in the background. A younger woman in a pink sweater with dark blonde hair clipped back is showing an older soman something gon her cell phone. The older woman has gray hair and is wearing a white sweater with a blue shawl over one shoulder.

Young Woman Worries About Conversation Topics with Great-Aunt in Assisted Living

Dear Carol: I have a great-aunt who’s mentally sharp, but she’s in assisted living for physical needs. Auntie is 15 years older than my...

Image shows an older couple from the back. They are sitting on a park bench looking out over a lake. Both wear blue sweaters and the feeling is one of contentment.

Tired, Cranky Caregiver Regrets There’s No Time to Just Be a Daughter

Dear Carol: My parents are in their 90s and live in their condo near me. Both have the expected memory problems, but neither has...