Self-care

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...

A very close shot of an older face. The person has blank looking blue eyes, the skin is white, sun damaged, and wrinkeled.

Repetitive Questions in Dementia Stems from Memory Loss and Confusion

Dear Carol: My mother, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, repeats the same question multiple times an hour. I know that’s typical behavior with...

Image of a simple, spiral bound notebook laying on a rough cut table. A fountain pen sits on top of the notebook

Journaling for Caregivers: Rediscover Yourself and Reclaim Your Life

At some point during your caregiving journey, you may find yourself in a rut. The awareness may come with a birthday, a change in...

A colorful array of vegitables in a store showing carrots, red peppers, green peppers. broccoli, cauliflower, and more.

8 Tips from a Healthy Aging Expert

Like many Alzheimer’s advocates, I support increased funding for Alzheimer’s research. The goal is to discover a cure. However, the current reality is that...

Image shows a messy desk from the tip view. Scattered about are papers, colored markers, and a smart phone. In the foreground, we view s white computer monitor from the tip edge.

Mostly Low-Tech Time Management Strategies for Caregivers

Don’t let the title scare you, folks. I’m not presenting a “system” here. Personally, I’ve never seen a chart or graph designed to help...

Background is a bright blue sky with clouds. An older woman with frizzy white hair is viewed from the back as she sits in a wheelchair looking up at the sky

You’re Not a Terrible Person If You’ve Secretly Wished Your Ill Loved One Could Die

Every so often, someone will admit that they secretly wish the person they’re caring for would pass away. Often, this person is sick, suffering,...

Older man in dark blue jacket with plaid lining showing around the color. Brown hair mixed with gray, blue eyes, looking like he's expecting the viewer to do something

Elders Who Abuse Their Family Caregivers: Yes – It Happens

Most of us have seen evidence of people being harder on those they love than they are on strangers or even people they don’t...

Shadow image of an older man in a bowler hat crossing a city street while using a cane

A Caregiver’s Struggle: Balancing an Elder’s Sense of Purpose with Their Safety

A recent question brought back memories from my early days of caregiving. The member wrote, “My 81-year-old father still thinks he can do handyman...

Nicely dressed older woman with gray hair. She's wearing makeup and pearls with a cream colored sweater. A younger woman with dark blonde hair in a messy bun sits by her, holding her hand and chatting with her.

Aging Life Professionals Can Help Swamped Caregivers Find Resources

Dear Carol: I feel like I’m failing everyone because I can’t do everything well. I work full-time, and my kids are in middle school,...

An adult daughter with brown hair and wearing a red dress is showing dancing with an older gray-haired man, likely her father. The background shows lovely spring trees and a gathering that could be in a park.

Spring and Summer Cleaning: How to Refresh Your Caregiving Routine

For many families, spring or early summer is a time to shake off the winter blues, deep clean their homes and focus on getting...