One view is that pet names such as Sweetie are demeaning. This attitude comes from a woman whose family wasn’t used to terms of endearment. Read more →

As a forceful proponent of elder dignity, I was at first a little put off by the irreverent title though I eventually came down on the side of your book title’s irreverent brilliance. Read more →

...No matter what a person’s position on religion or spirituality is, most people will appreciate an offer to listen to them talk about their loved one. Read more →

I told her what has formed, over a period of time, my personal rule on this very common problem. Read more →

I clearly remember him lying back in his recliner as I sat on the couch asking him questions about his unusual childhood. He told me interesting stories about events that I'd had no idea were a part of his history. Read more →

...As with all celebrations at the time, we were pretty much going through the motions. We were not going to stop celebrating this day for fathers just because Dad didn't really understand the significance of it anymore. Mom would ask me to order yellow roses for his room. Read more →

..."Although you may tell me nice things, your words are hard to believe when your body and voice indicate that you are annoyed, angry, or resentful." Read more →

...He’s even started us with some helpful online groups that are focusing on living well with dementia. As you can imagine, though, even with that type of support, staying in the right frame of mind takes resolution and constant work. Read more →

Dad’s decided that he likes the idea of moving to the same assisted living facility where some friends live. I think that’s a great idea but my brother, who has Power of Attorney for Dad and lives 900 miles away, insists that because Dad has memory problems Read more →

“What it means to me for Matt to have Alzheimer's and need my care is, it is the most heartbreaking journey to watch your spouse deteriorate and I'm helpless to stop it! Read more →