...Each time I visited and saw him in such an agitated state, I would hurry from his room back out into the hall to talk with his nurse, Sarita. Had the doctor been in yet? Had he seen Dad like this? Would he please help us get Dad on hospice? 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. Read more →

I remember watching my parents age in the normal fashion. I’d occasionally look at them and be startled by the realization that they were getting older, but that was all I acknowledged. I never consciously dwelled on the fact that they would continue to decline and eventually I would lose them. I didn’t want to.... Read more →

Our feelings of exhaustion and stress are valid, even if we feel guilty about them. Don’t add to your burden by beating yourself up over these thoughts. Instead of resigning yourself to feeling powerless or ashamed, learn how to take an active role in fighting caregiver burnout... Read more →

I found this particular story riveting. Human touch has long been known to have soothing, healing qualities, especially for those who are unable to communicate using traditional methods such as speech and writing. For example, researchers found that babies who live in orphanages ... Read more →

When our lives get thrown off-track, most of us need to regroup. That’s OK. Part of that regrouping may mean reconstructing, with our partner, the way our lives will be looking for a while. Part of that reconstruction is being honest about your resentment... Read more →

...Let’s start with the fact that it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be a positive caregiver every minute. You are trying to help your dad live well with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis as well as looking at the fact that your mom may not survive her cancer for any length of time. Give yourself credit for persevering Read more →

Dear GW: You’re being an attentive adult child and your suggestion that your dad see his doctor is a good one. I’d give the doctor credit for taking the request seriously, though, and recognizing the fact ... Read more →

This is because her brain has left her unable to process information correctly, therefore her reality is most likely going to be different than your reality. For this reason, telling her that her incontinence pad is leaking and she needs to change will likely... Read more →

Dear AR: Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate hearing from people of all ages. I’ve covered end-of-life documents before, of course, but here I’m adding information about another form ... Read more →