Minding Our Elders

We see a cheerful room with gold walls, white painted classic widows and a green Christmas tree. The tree is being decorated in gold bulbs and white doves b an older man in a white pullover that has a green and red pattern. He has steel gray hair and a trimmed beard. He's laughing and chatting with a younger woman with long brown hair who is wearing a white top.

Caregiver Tips for Enjoying Holidays with Older Adults

Even though most of us have happy memories of holiday celebrations, this time of the year can be stressful. There are pervasive societal expectations...

An older man sits in a wheelchair. We view him from the back, and he's wearing a blue cap and red sweater. He's looking up at at younger person who has a hand placed on his back. We only see a younger hand and the arm of a brown suede jacket on the side. On the horizon, we see blurred hills and trees.

Support Can Improve Post-Stroke Grief and Depression

Dear Carol: My dad had a stroke a few months ago. He’s recovered enough to come home, which would be great news, except...

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...

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...

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...

Cover of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. The background is a sepia-toned room. In the foreground is a picture of the author's father, sitting in a contemplative pose with arms crossed. This image is also sepia-toned in browns of different shades. To the right is the book title.

Finding Caregiver Support Online

I started the habit of getting up at 4 a.m. during my most intensive caregiving days. It was the only way I...

Balancing Elder Care With Other Relationships

Becoming a family caregiver is often something that either happens very suddenly or slowly sneaks up on a person. When a loved...

A family dinner table with a happy black family sharing a meal. There is a husband/father with a beard wearing a blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a wife/mother with curly black hair wearing a gray top, and two children, a girl and a boy. The girl is in the foreground. They are all having a good time.

Living with Elderly Parents: Do You Regret the Decision?

If you are like most family caregivers, you probably made a promise to your parent(s) years ago that you would never place...

The image shows a summery day outside. An older man sits on a park-like bench. He wears a blue baseball-style hat, and a blue long-sleeved shirt with sleeves pushed above the elbows., over shorts and brown shoes and socks. His arm is outstretch as he rests his hand on the curved end of a traditional cane.

Caregiver Guilt: How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Elderly Parents

Why Do Elderly Parents Make Us Feel Guilty? Get used to it—the guilt, I mean. The incessant phone call thing was just...