Spouse Criticized for How He Cares for Wife with Dementia
Dear Carol: My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago. While it hasn’t been easy keeping her home with me, it’s been her...
Relationships
Clarify Expectations for Hired Care by Using Task List
Dear Carol: I’m married with teenage kids and work full-time. Until recently, I’ve felt I could also support my 83-year-old mom’s care, but her...
An Older Adult Skips Bathing? Maybe there’s a Reason
A common complaint about older people, especially those who have health challenges, is that they “smell” or have other signs that they don’t shower...
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse in Your Parent’s Retirement Home
I think most of us approach the idea of sharing the care of an elder with a lot of trepidation. We have cared for...
Minimizing Grief for a Surviving Spouse with Dementia
Deciding whether to tell someone who is cognitively impaired that their spouse has died is a serious and often recurring struggle. Dementia and death...
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 them in...
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...
Dementia Losses Painful, but Focus on What’s Still Possible
Dear Carol: My brilliant wife was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 62. She faced this diagnosis with her trademark courage. I’ve been...
Tips for Balancing Caregiving Relationships between Generations
Caregiving can creep into your life or crash down with a bang, but either way, if we aren’t thinking ahead, we can find that...
Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different
Most of us who are family caregivers know that, while we often experience a sense of fulfillment when we provide care for our loved...
