Mental Health

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Grief: The Way to Continue On Is to Work Through It

Dr. Gail Gross, Ph.D., doctor of education, is a nationally recognized family, child development, and human behavior expert, author, and educator. She has contributed...

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The Emotional Impact of Losing a Loved One to Dementia

“Carol!” The hospice nurse’s voice was quiet but urgent. I instinctively knew what was happening. She had been shifting Dad’s position so that he...

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How to Talk to the Doctor About Your Elderly Parent or Spouse

A frequent problem expressed among family caregivers is that their aging loved ones aren’t honest with their doctors. At home, they may gripe about...

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When One Parent Dies the Other Often Needs Extra Help

Long-term marriages generally evolve into a support system so efficient that even adult children hardly notice changes in their parents. If Dad’s hearing is...

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Journaling for Caregivers: Rediscover Yourself

At some point during your caregiving journey, you may find yourself in a rut. The awareness may come with a birthday, a change in...

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Reconciling Grief & Relief When the Loved One You Cared for Dies

When my mother died in a local nursing home, my “career” of visiting this exceptional facility nearly every day for almost 15 years ended....

Hindsight Can Be a Blessing or a Curse for Caregivers

They say hindsight is 20/20. But things from the past that may seem “clear” to you now can still be distorted by difficult emotions—especially...

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New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

It’s human to want a fresh start. Even though I know that December 31 of one year is rarely that different from January 1...

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Convincing An Older Adult to Wear Incontinence Protection Takes Sensitivity and Tact

It’s often difficult for older adults to accept and deal with incontinence issues. Many try to ignore this new development and carry on with...

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Kitchen Safety Concerns for People with Dementia

Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more...