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 →

Dear SN: You have my sympathy and understanding. I believe that your situation isn't all that rare. I hear about it often from readers, and it happened to me, as well. My timeframe was similar to yours but... Read more →

During the last few years of my caregiving, while my mother-in-law and my parents were still alive, my son was still having major health issues, and I was working full time, I read about the term “sandwich generation.” I remember thinking it was a clever concept... Read more →

Within those conversations, you’ll likely see opportunities to discuss their ideal wishes. Even if they are already at a stage where they probably should make adjustments in how they are living, approach it by asking how they see their future. Read more →

Dear Fuming: You are entirely right to feel left out of the incontinence discussions. I’m glad that you’ve found some support through groups, but we’d like you to know that we’ll also do our best to support you. With that in mind, I’m briefing readers... Read more →

Sometimes inhibitions and filters that previously held people back diminish with the disease. Read more →