Dear EL: This is the right move for both your mom and your grandma. It sounds like you are helping but few women your mom’s age can safely care for a much older adult long-term. Your grandma’s personality sounds difficult to live with though even a positive person can feel negative Read more →

Remind yourself that the difficult behavior your loved one may be exhibiting is the disease, not the person. In severe situations... Read more →

t’s time to develop a plan so that you can maintain your own health, your relationship with your husband, be a mother to your children, remain a dependable employee, and still take care of your dad. It’s hard to prioritize under these conditions, but seeing your life laid out in front of you can help you feel a little more organized. Number every segment... Read more →

...Those that do have private restrooms are often proud of their changing tables, as they should be. However, these are generally toddler-sized. Yet, there are legions of adults who also need a changing table (see below) so even in places like this, there is more to be done. Read more →

You may be juggling these things yourself in addition to caring for your folks. This is the unfortunate reality for many caregivers who are looking after their parents. Most of the caregiving responsibilities fall to one adult child—typically the one who lives closest to Mom and Dad... Read more →

My condolences about the tough patch you and your husband are going through. From reading your last sentence, I’ve gathered that you know that parental caregiving can present considerable challenges to many marriages. Still, that offers little comfort to you. When our lives get thrown off-track... Read more →

Federal programs like Medicare have their own specific definitions, and insurance companies that provide coverage for in-home care will also have their own definitions as related to what they will cover and what they will not... Read more →

Dear LD: My heart is with you. I've been where you are and that feeling of helplessness is awful. You probably check many of these regularly but here are some ideas. See if he seems too cold or overly heated. Try to tempt him... Read more →

Emergency room doctor Kevin Haselhorst had an epiphany while he tried valiantly to save an elderly man who’d been through one too many traumas. His book, “Wishes To Die For: A Caregiver’s Guide to Advance Care Directives,” was the first step toward a new advocacy. Dr. Haselhorst continues to work toward helping people understand the importance of healthcare directives and the ability to make their own decisions about end-of-life care. Curious about more of Dr. Haselhorst’s views, the Candid Caregiver contacted him through email for the following interview. Read more →

The ADvance II Study for mild Alzheimer’s disease is now enrolling patients. Study-related memory tests, physician exams,​ and laboratory tests will be provided at no cost. The surgery and device costs are approved for coverage by Medicare. Subjects will receive a stipend and be reimbursed for travel expenses associated with each study visit. Learn more... Read more →