When caregiving mode begins, the first things to go are the time, energy and desire to maintain social connections. Even close friendships that go back years can seem like yet another item on a caregiver’s never-ending to-do list. Read more →

Dear KT: While it isn’t exceptionally common, grooming older adults in order to scam them does happen under circumstances that you described. Of course, it also happens in families where some adult children don’t want to see that money “wasted” on providing care. Read more →

Burnout is a pervasive problem for family caregivers, especially those who have no time to get away from the ongoing emotional and physical demands of caring for an ailing family member. Your situation is a classic example: One adult child who is still living in the parents’ community while other siblings live... Read more →

Dear PT: Your note touched me deeply. While your feelings are normal, you have the insight to know that they are off track. It takes a big person to recognize their shortcomings and deal with them without blaming others, so you have my admiration. Read more →

As we talked, Nancy described the inner turmoil she was facing as her parents got older. She grew up with a physically and emotionally abusive mother, and her father was gone much of the time, doing what most men of that generation did: making a living to support his family. Therefore, he wasn’t around to “interfere” with the raising of the children. Read more →

...My Mom used the Egosan maxi incontinence briefs for years while she was incontinent with Alzheimer’s. I was lucky to stumble upon Egosan.. this brief was amazing... it was unbelievably absorbent and comfortable for my Mom. Read more →

Regardless of who moves in with whom, the decision to cohabitate with aging parents is a serious one that affects all relationships within a family, careers, finances, and the physical and mental health of everyone involved. For some, the arrangement works out fine. Two or even three generations residing... Read more →

As caregivers, we walk a thin line between keeping our loved ones safe and helping to preserve their independence. One of my first experiences with this concept occurred with my elderly neighbor and first care recipient. Joe was in his 80s and lived in his own home. He was totally deaf... Read more →

When sharing my personal opinion with this woman, I made it very clear that an informed decision includes information on what anesthetics can do to the aging body. Several studies have been done on the effects of anesthetics on the aging body; Read more →

I believe that fear is the foundation of much of a senior’s reluctance and even disrespect for non-family caregivers. The presence of an outsider may suggest to them that their family can't (or doesn't want to) take care of their needs. It also magnifies the extent of the elder’s care needs, making them feel especially vulnerable. This combination of concerns... Read more →