Relationships

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...

Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia or Forgetfulness?

The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, and depression are all part of the...

Should You Agree with How Someone Living with Dementia Sees 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...

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The National Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very...

Dad Agonizes Over the Inevitable Loss of Privacy After Death

Dear Carol: My dad is a retired college professor and researcher with a reserved nature. He’s told me that while he’s come to accept...

Respecting the Right to Age With Dignity

The impact of aging frequently makes the news. Sadly, the coverage is consistently negative, and all facets of this topic are portrayed as “problems”...

A Self-Help Approach to Coping with Caregiver Stress

Caregiving can bring forth an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions. These feelings are often bittersweet, but without the proper preparations and assistance, things can quickly...