Mental Health

Middle-aged woman sits with jean clad knee drawn up. She's wearing a dark green sweather. One arm is around knew and the other bent up with hand over mouth. Her expression is one of saddness or anxiety.

In Caregiving, Anxiety Can Be Contagious

We all live with a certain amount of worry, much of which is caused by fear of the unknown. Since health issues can change...

Woman in blue tee shirt standing by a table showing a book that looks like a picture album to a seated older man in a read flannel

Having “The Talk”: Discussing End-of-Life Issues with Parents

Sex and death: It’s odd that these two topics of conversation should bring so much anxiety to parents and children. One addresses the beginning...

A picture of Dr. Leslie Kernisan. Dr. Kernisan has curly dark hair and is wearing a black suit with a purple bead necklace and small drop earrings. She's smiling in a professional portrait.

Geriatrician Opens Support Group to New Members Year-Around

This is a unique caregiver opportunity that includes bi-monthly live phone sessions with a geriatrician where you can discuss your caregiving concerns, bi-monthly live...

Image shows a blurred background of an with a speeding ambulance in the foreground. Ambulance shows red and blue graphics on white.

Elder Care Needs Can Change in an Instant

During the years I cared for multiple elders, I grew to dread the ringing of the telephone. It seemed most calls meant emergencies. One...

Two men are sitting on a couch. The younger, brown=haired man on the left is wearing a striped shirt. His expression is one of frustration. He touches his forehead with his fingers, like he's on the verge of anger. The older man, facing him, wears a light blue shirt. His hand, palm open, in front, shows he's trying to explain something.

Should I Have to Take Care of My Elderly In-Laws?

Family caregiving doesn’t always stop at caring for our own aging parents. Our significant other’s mom and dad often look to us for care,...

Older woman in a wheelchair wears a gray sweater. She has short, salt and pepper hair and has a appears happy. A younder woman, presumably her caregiver, is bending down to listen to the older woman. The caregiver has long brown hair, white skin, and has her hand on the wheelchair push handles.

How Involved Should Families Be When Elders Live in a Senior Living Facility?

Over the course of 15 years, five of my elderly loved ones lived, for various spans of time, in a nearby nursing home. I...

Background of a light wood interior door in a large room. Foreground is a communal dining table set with flowers, cups and other white tablewear. Sitting at the table is an older couple. The white-haired woman is wearing a blue dress with a white collar. The white-haired man wis wearing a dark blue suit with military medals pinned to the jacket.

Encouraging Parents to Socialize After the Move to Senior Living

Moving to senior living is often a difficult transition for aging loved ones. Even elders who are on board with the decision to relocate...

Man and woman sit on a couch with expressions and gestures of those who are arguing. The woman has long brown hair and a light sweater. She's turned toward the man, with hands out in front as if explaining something. The many has arms crossed with one hand gesturing. He has dark brown hair and a beard and mustasch.

Hands-On Vs. Distance Caregivers Can Offer Different Perspectives

Dear Carol: I’m a husband and father living about 200 miles from my aging dad. Since my sister lives in his community, she checks...

Image shows woman with light brown hair drawn into a ponytail. Her head bends forward, showing forehead in her hand. Elbow is on the table, with a water glass nearby. She wears a blue, short-sleeved shirt. The image is one of profound sadness.

Coping With the Decision to Put Your Parent in a Care Facility

Guilt is one emotion that every family caregiver will experience at some point during their journey. When you take on responsibility for another person,...