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...
Humor
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...
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...
Dementia and Inappropriate Behavior: How to Respond
Dementia can cause people to say and do some pretty odd things. Family caregivers may be caught off guard at first, but...
Mostly Low-Tech Time Management Strategies for Caregivers
Don’t let the title scare you, folks. I’m not presenting a “system” here. Personally, I’ve never seen a chart or graph designed...
The Sacrifices of Caregiving: Yes They Are Real
The plain truth is that assuming the responsibility of caring for another person dramatically alters one’s life. This change can happen abruptly...
A Caregiver’s Struggle: Balancing an Elder’s Sense of Purpose with Their Safety
A recent question brought back memories from my early days of caregiving. The member wrote, “My 81-year-old father still thinks he can...
Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia or Forgetfulness?
The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression and depression are all part...
Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role
Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it....
