How to Be a True Friend to a Family Caregiver
Family caregivers often find that their social circles shrink over time. Casual friends are typically the first to drift away because a...
Humor
Spouse Criticized for How He Cares for Wife with Dementia
Dear Carol: My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago. While it hasn’t been easy keeping her home with me, it’s...
What to Do When an Older Adult Repeats the Same Things Over and Over
One sign of the aging brain is repeating things more often, especially stories and questions. There are reasons for this that are...
Is Lying to Someone with Dementia Unethical or Compassionate?
Dear Carol: Like many of your readers, my husband has dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, and I’m caring for him at home....
Continuing Truths of Dementia Caregiving
As we travel our own unique journeys, most of us find that certain phrases or concepts take on the status of truth...
Humor Shared Among Caregivers Is Therapeutic
I once visited a caregiver friend and her mother, who had moderate Alzheimer’s disease. At one point during the visit, the mother...
Coaxing a Down-in-the-Dumps Older Adult to Smile
Despite increasing awareness of and sensitivity to ageism in our society, age-related stereotypes about stubborn, grumpy seniors persist. Chronic health conditions, changes...
Caregiver Burnout is Best Prevented Since Recovery Is Hard on Everyone
Dear Carol: My mom, age 79, has had steadily declining health for several years. Arthritis is a genetic problem in my family, so...
A Caregiver’s Struggle: Balancing an Elder’s Sense of Purpose with Their Safety
Most seniors need to feel useful to enjoy a high quality of life. They maintain a sense of purpose by sticking to...
Understanding the Difference Between Lying and Confabulation in Dementia
Dear Carol: My mom burned pans when she cooked, got overdue notices on bills, and has become incontinent. Since she wasn’t safe...
