Minding Our Elders

Minding Our Elders Blog

This black and white image has a dark background. In the right foreground, we see an older man with short likely graying hair parted on the side, the front grazing his forehead. We see a wrinkled brow and frustrated expression on his face. He appears to be wearing a pull-over sweatshirt with a drawstring.

What Not to Say When Caring for Someone Living with Dementia

Providing care for someone who lives with any type of dementia, whether it’s Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, or any of the myriad...

This indoor image shows an older man with short white hair and a receding hairline. He wears a crips light blue collared shirt under a gray pullover sleeveless sweater. Sitting next to him is a younger man who has his arm around the older man's neck as he looks him in the face. We only sewe the back of the younger man's head. He has short brown curly hair and is wearhig a light pinkish colored long sleeved shirt.

Caregiver or Care Partner? What Evolving Terminology Means

Decades ago, when I began my caregiving life, I just did what I did. I’m not sure I was referred to as...

Cover of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. The background is a sepia-toned room. In the foreground is a picture of the author's father, sitting in a contemplative pose with arms crossed. This image is also sepia-toned in browns of different shades. To the right is the book title.

The Emotional Impact of Losing a Loved One to Dementia

“Carol!” The hospice nurse’s voice was quiet but urgent. I instinctively knew what was happening. She had been shifting Dad’s position so...

This image has a gray indoor backdrop. IN the foreground, a woman with long, light brown hair bends her had forward where she covers her face with her hands. She has light skin and red polished nails.

Grief: The Way to Continue On Is to Work Through It

Dr. Gail Gross, Ph.D., doctor of education, is a nationally recognized family, child development, and human behavior expert, author, and educator. She...

Humor Can Provide Armor Against Deep Sorrows of Caregiving

One of the positive parts of being a family caregiver is the opportunity for emotional growth. We can develop increased compassion, patience,...

This outdoor image shows a cloudy atmosphere. An older couple walks together on a sidewalk. The man is on the left in the photo. He has lots of gray hair,, is wearing a brown plaid sport coat, brown pants and uses a cane in his right hand. With his left hand, he holds an older woman by the hand. She,has iron gray hair and is wearing a cream knee-length coat. They are both looking down toward the ground.

When Older Adults Won’t Accept Outside Help Caring for Their Spouse

Dear Carol: I’m concerned about my parents, who are in their early 80s. My dad’s a large man, and my tiny mother is...

How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell When Incontinence Accidents Happen

Dear Carol: I feel like my home is becoming contaminated territory! My Dad is a sweetheart, but he’s got dementia and has...

This outdoor image shows a man golfing on a nice day. We see a blurry closeup of his golf bag while to the side we see him posed with is golf club head up. He's wearing a dark baseball style hat, a white golf shirt, and dark pants.

Bladder Cancer: Incontinence Can Be a Side Effect

Bladder cancer isn’t a common condition, but the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 83,730 new cases of bladder cancer...

This outdoor images shows blurred green bushes over some brick in the background. In the foreground, we see an older man with thick white hair and light skin wearing navy blue button up shirt. He is looking slight downward as he covers his mouth and one cheek with his left hand. We see a gold wedding band on his ring finger.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s and the Caregiver’s Role

When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s only natural to worry about what comes next. While Alzheimer’s will...

This indoor image shows an older man dressed in a white shirt, red tie and suit jacket. His arms are raised as if conducting an orchestra and he wears headphones for sound. His eyes are closed as if listening intently.

People with Dementia Find Renewed Confidence While Playing In Orchestra

Alzheimer’s is a global issue that is on track to bankrupt worldwide health systems if a cure is not found. Therefore, funding...