Mental Health

This black and white image shows a close view of a woman with downturned head, hands covering her face in grief. She has dark hair and Hispanic looks.

How to Communicate with Someone Who Can No Longer Speak

Years ago, I stumbled upon a video that remains vivid in my mind. In it, an elderly couple who had spent a lifetime devoted...

The image shows a dark background with a shower head in the foreground. Water is on making a rainbow effect.

What to Do When a Senior Refuses to Bathe and Change Their Clothes

When it comes to caring for the elderly, hygiene issues are surprisingly common. Determining why their bathing habits have changed is the best way...

The image background is a blurred, dark interior, likely a bar. In the foreground we see a large glass of beer with foam on top.

The Hazards of Alcoholism in the Elderly

Millions of people consume alcohol, but each person has their own unique relationship with this substance. While many are able to drink in moderation...

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...

Image shows an outdoor gathering in the background, Foreground shows a an older man with gray hair dancing with a young, brown-haired woman wearing a red dress.

Adult Day Services Can Fill a Gap for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Most seniors are keen on staying in their homes as they age, but family caregivers often struggle to meet their loved ones’ needs and...

Image shows a younger man with dark hair and a trimmed beard. His eldows are resting on a table, with his hands folded in fron of his mouth. He's leaning into his hands with his eyes closed, as if thinking hard or praying.

Caregiver Guilt: How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Aging Parents

Get used to it – the guilt, I mean. The incessant phone call thing was just one of the many games I had to...

The cover of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Own Stories is done in brown and sepia tones. The background image is a room interior. Inthe foreground is a picture of the authors father, a man with a receding hairline, dark-rimmed glasses, and a light shirt. He sites with his arms crossed in front of him with a contemplative expression.

A Story from the Sandwich Generation: Caring for Kids and Parents

Watching out for elders has always come naturally for me. I grew up close to my grandparents, and during my teenage years, my paternal...

A dignified older woman with short gray hair and glasses sits in front of a home. She's wearing a dressy blouse that has a whtie backgroups with splashes of colorful flowers in glue and pink. Her expression shows a soft smile of contentment.

Should You Join Someone With Dementia in Their Reality?

It was not unlike any other day, but on this particular afternoon Dad was adamant. He was waiting for his medical degree from the...

Image shows an older man with a gray mustache and brown-rimmed glasses. He's wearing a blue baseball styple cap with blue and white stripes in the front, and a light blue jeans-type jacket. His expression is pleasant.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease When Using the Seven Phase Model

Note: This is an older article and as always things change. It’s now more common just to use three stages. Still, there is merit...

A man or woman with a short mop of curly auburn hair, mostly covers their face with their hands. The viewer can see tears on the check and one eye that can be seen. They are wearing a black turtlenecked, long-sleeved sweater.

Is It Normal to Grieve long Before Someone Dies?

Nearly everyone involved in caring for an ill or aging loved one is experiencing some degree of grief. However, we don’t usually identify the...