Minding Our Elders

Minding Our Elders Blog

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...

A wild array of junk, tools, scissors, and other items jumbled together.

How Do I Get Dad Out of His Cluttered, Unsafe Home?

People want to stay in their own homes. You hear it and read about it all the time. And there’s some merit...

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...

A wood table laden with cut-out Christmas sugar cookies. They are frosted in traditional red, green, or white with added sprinkles and candies.

10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

When store employees wish us “Merry Christmas!” we smile back and return the greeting. When acquaintances wave and shout “Happy Holidays!” across...

We see a wide shower head with gentle shower in action. The background is blurry and dark and could be indoor or outdoor.

What to Do When an Older Adult Refuses to Bathe and Change Their Clothes

When it comes to caring for the elderly, hygiene issues are surprisingly common. Determining why their bathing habits have changed is the...

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...

Shows SenecaSense wetness pod attached to diaper

SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence

I’m super excited to welcome my newest sponsor, SenecaSense! I truly believe this wetness sensor can make life healthier and potentially less...

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...

This image shows a blurred indoor background. In the foreground, we see a tall glad of amber liquid, presumably beer, sitting on a brown table. There is a small amound of foam on top and swirls indicating bubbles.

The Hazards of Alcoholism in the Elderly

Millions of people consume alcohol, but each person has their own unique relationship with this substance. While many are able to drink...

This indoor image shows a woman with long brown hair, head forward and down with an expression that suggest she's yelling out of frustration. Her hands are raised upward, palm up, as though saying, "I give up."

Handling Sibling Criticism During the Holidays

Family caregivers often put their lives on hold to care for their loved ones. In cases where adult children are caring for...