Self-care

Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role

Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it. What Is...

Loving Yourself: A Caregiver’s Ultimate Challenge

We’ve all heard that we must first learn to love ourselves before we can love others. Yet, many of us have grown up with...

Dark haired younger woman looking in a mirror feeling. Reflection shows distress over passing time.

Caregiver Feels Unappreciated for Upending Her Life

Dear Carol: Shortly after her 85th birthday, my mom had a stroke. She recovered, but she still has mobility deficits. We discussed assisted living,...

Home is All About Heart, Especially for Older Adults

For many of us, the word “home” signifies refuge, safety, caring and warmth –a sanctuary where we belong. It’s a place that we know...

Memory Lapses Have Caregiver Concerned About Her Brain Health

Dear Carol: My husband recently moved to memory care. While I’m still an active caregiver with visits and decision-making, I finally have some time...

Strategies for Getting (and Staying) Organized While Caregiving

There are now many apps available that can help with organizing, but that said, some of these older tips are still valid. Personally, I...

8 Truths of Dementia Caregiving

As we travel our own unique journeys, most of us find that certain phrases or concepts take on the status of truth in our...

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...

5 Ways to Get an Older Adult to Smile

Despite increasing awareness of and sensitivity to ageism in our society, age-related stereotypes about stubborn, grumpy seniors persist. Chronic health conditions, changes in functioning...