Despite trying their best, hospital staff is often overworked and short on numbers. If a family member has ever stayed in a nursing home, you’ve probably seen staffing stretched to the limit. A hospital stay will be just as tough, if not more so. Read more →

Dear TY: Since there are numerous reasons why older adults may experience changes in how they walk (what doctors call our gait), you're right to be concerned. Shuffling can be one of these changes, but so can a drop foot gait, an off-kilter gait or simply a significantly slower than normal gait. Read more →

Dear Stunned: First, let me congratulate you on being such a fine granddaughter. Your compassion would be laudable at any age but from your note, I’m assuming that you are still quite young. Your grandmother was right. You’ve grown up beautifully. Read more →

Dear SU: You’re in a tough spot, and you have my deepest sympathy. Since I’ve been in your shoes, I can understand your need to “fix” this. Sadly, your choices may be limited. Read more →

Dear Stinky's Daughter: How frustrating for you! Does it surprise you to know that this isn't an unusual situation, though? It’s sad that we tend to equate even intermittent issues of incontinence with being a baby when the reality is that many health changes can lead to various degrees of incontinence for adults. Read more →

A bedsore is one type of pressure sore. It is the common non-medical term used by many people for a pressure sore that has occurred due to prolonged time in bed, lying in the same position. Read more →

Judy’s situation is an example of what many of us face. She’s likely right that her mom would be safer if she had someone checking on her regularly. Also, depending on her mom’s personality, Judy’s mom might also be happier with the easy availability of companionship that assisted living offers. Why the resistance? Read more →

Dear DE: I’m glad that your parents are doing well. Contrary to popular opinion, many people in their 80s are capable of handling their own lives with little assistance. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t experiencing ... Read more →

Pressure sores, sometimes called pressure ulcers, are caused by pressure from an object or a firm surface compressing the tissue over a bony prominence which leads to inadequate blood flow to the tissue being compressed. Ultimately, the skin begins to weaken and will... Read more →

Dear LY: You have my sympathy in your battle with both of these potentially disabling diseases. It’s sad that your mother can’t acknowledge your health challenges but that’s who she is and that’s not likely to change. This means that it’s up to you to enforce limits that protect your own health regardless of her attitude. Read more →