Mental Health

A Self-Help Approach to Coping with Caregiver Stress

Caregiving can bring forth an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions. These feelings are often bittersweet, but without the proper preparations and assistance, things can quickly...

An orange prescription bottle tipped over on a black surface with light orange pills spilling out

Grandfather with Dementia Refuses His Medications

Dear Carol: My mom’s having a terrible time with my grandpa who has Alzheimer’s disease. He’s supposed to take a pill to help his...

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. What Is...

Honor Your Elders’ Need for Independence

…”I often compare aging to the life cycle of a rose. It begins with a fresh new bud, which opens in full bloom and...

Dementia Can Open the Door to Artistic Expression

The treatment of people with dementia has changed dramatically since I first became personally involved with the disease. It’s now widely recognized that while...

Dark haired younger woman looking in a mirror feeling. Reflection shows distress over passing time.

Caregiver Feels Unappreciated for Upending Her Life

Dear Carol: Shortly after her 85th birthday, my mom had a stroke. She recovered, but she still has mobility deficits. We discussed assisted living,...

The Importance of Grandparents

The importance of grandparents in the lives of children cannot be denied. Before our society became so mobile, it was common for children to...

Creating a Bucket List: Tips for Seniors and Family Caregivers

The Bucket List, a 2007 movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, helped contemporize the old expression “kick the bucket,” a common slang phrase...

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 caregiver is...