Dear Erased: I’m deeply sorry! Having your parent forget your name is said by many caregivers to be one of the most painful parts of being a care partner to their parent who is living with dementia. Yet, it’s one of the cruel, nearly predictable realities of some types of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s. Read more →

Dear GT: This is a challenging spot for an older person to be in but choices like this might be even tougher for adult children to come to terms with. The fact is, while you and your siblings want the best for your dad, what “best” means for your dad is up to him. Read more →

Dear Fearing: You truly have your hands full. Preventing burnout is the right approach because like so many things, backing off once you are completely immersed in them presents even more problems. I hope that you can put a plan in place that will work for the long haul. Here are some strategies that might help: Read more →

As with so many things regarding our aging parents, you could consider how you are approaching your mom. You might think that you are doing so with compassion and gentleness, but it’s possible that your frustration is showing. Read more →

...Ask yourself if they are having problems in other areas, such as remembering to pay their bills or step-by-step work such as following a recipe. This might provide you with more insight. Read more →

“My mom is 81 and lives alone in her condo,” Judy Hanson writes. “Her arthritis is painful, but she gets around with a walker. Her mind is okay for now, though she is sometimes forgetful. I also feel that she is lonely. “I’m worried about her safety and have been telling her for several years that she needs help,” she continues. “I’m not proud to say that I’ve stooped to yelling at her, but I have done it. Read more →

...survey found that 44% of Americans aged 60 or older either suffer from incontinence or know someone who does, with females suffering from incontinence slightly more frequently than men.” Read more →

There might be other reasons related to incontinence that would make it wise to review medications, as well. According to UsPharmacist.com, there are a number of drugs that can cause or exacerbate incontinence. Read more →

Dear GT: Letters like yours remind me daily of the heartbreak that caregivers and the people they love are facing now because of COVID-19. Sadly, it could still take some time before all facilities can safely allow people from the outside. Read more →

Dear LM: My heart goes out to you. Losing your mom when you were so young and your resulting extra closeness with your dad has to make this very tough news for you to bear. For several decades, most likely starting with the successes brought on by antibiotics and other advances in modern medicine, the general attitude of the medical community was that no matter what, all illnesses must be fought. Read more →