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...
Housing
ADLs and IADLs Explained: What Are They and How Are They Used?
Dear Carol: My mom was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. While she’s pretty normal now other than some short-term memory loss and occasional confusion, I want...
Living with Elderly Parents: Do You Regret the Decision?
If you are like most family caregivers, you probably made a promise to your parent(s) years ago that you would never place them in...
Siblings Who Care More About Their Inheritance Than Mom and Dad’s Care
“We don’t want strangers taking care of Mom!” “We promised Dad he would never have to go to a nursing home!” “If you really...
Adult Incontinence Rash Happens: How to Prevent It and/or Treat It
Human skin is not meant to withstand close contact with urine-saturated briefs for extended periods of time. When bowel incontinence is also an issue,...
Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different
Most of us who are family caregivers know that, while we often experience a sense of fulfillment when we provide care for our loved...
Caregiving Is Not a Competitive Sport
Caregiving. What does it mean to you? While often rewarding and frequently exhausting, it’s one of many life events that can only be understood...
Caregivers: It’s Time to Stop Second-Guessing Ourselves
Like most adults, I’ve second-guessed many of my own decisions. While most were made with my own future in mind, that all changed when...
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...
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....
