Mental Health

We see a dark-haired woman from the top io her head. Her hands are in her hair as she holds her head forward, eyes closed and nose wrinkled, mouth open as if to scream. Her upheld arms show the wrists of a black tweed sweater or coat.

“I Promised My Parents I’d Never Put Them in a Care Home”

Caregiving is a job that is full of ups and downs. Many of us take on this role out of love and...

A wood table laden with cut-out Christmas sugar cookies. They are frosted in traditional red, green, or white with added sprinkles and candies.

10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

When store employees wish us “Merry Christmas!” we smile back and return the greeting. When acquaintances wave and shout “Happy Holidays!” across...

We see a closeup view of a gold snowflake against a lit tree with blurred lights and red ornaments.

Caregiving During the Holidays: Have a Realistic, Positive Approach

There’s an image of holiday perfection that our culture encourages. Starting with Thanksgiving, we are inundated with images of families happily enjoying...

An older man sites at the steering wheel of a classic green John Deere tractor. He's wearing overalls and a straw hat and is gazing off into the distance. Behind him, we see part of a classic old red barn.

Keep An Open Mind When Choosing Assisted Living for Lifelong Farmer

Dear Carol: My dad, now 83, inherited a small farm from his parents. Though he’s sold most of the land, he’s lived...

This indoor image shows a woman with long brown hair, head forward and down with an expression that suggest she's yelling out of frustration. Her hands are raised upward, palm up, as though saying, "I give up."

Handling Sibling Criticism During the Holidays

Family caregivers often put their lives on hold to care for their loved ones. In cases where adult children are caring for...

We see barebranches from a tree in the background. In fore foreground are weatherd gray boards and pumpkins as if on a deck or porch.

Happy Thanksgiving from Minding Our Elders!

Sending wishes to all of you for a fulfilling day. I’m thankful for the many things in my life, and that includes...

We see a brown, fall background with dead grass and cold looking water. An older man with a white beard weathing a gray watch cap sits on a bench staring off into the distance. He has darker skin and wears a gray hoodie zipped up over light khaki pants with no gloves. He rests his forearms on his knees.

Reducing Loneliness: How to Help Older Adults During the Holidays

There is a lot of pressure on people to enjoy themselves during the holidays. The season is supposed to be merry and...

We see a dark wood, planked tabletop from the top view. Two hands are visible from a corner. On holds a fork, tines down, ready to spear a piece of pumpking pie. the pie has one slice missing. On the right, we see a dark veverage in a clear cup. Some decorative autumn leaves are scattered on teh table.

Celebrating Special Occasions When an Older Adult Has Dementia

When a senior has dementia, celebrating holidays, birthdays and other special occasions becomes increasingly complicated. As caregivers, should we help our loved...