Dear Sad and Bewildered: I'm so sorry that after all you’ve been doing your dad is still asking this painful question. It's enough to bring the strongest caregiver to tears. Yet, your dad can't help it, which you seem to understand. Whether a person living with Alzheimer's has lived in a home for a lifetime or makes a transition to a new home Read more →

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. Even though early on-set Alzheimer’s disease... Read more →

Dear Gloomy Suz: I’m sorry for what’s happened to your parents and for your own understandable struggle. Two parents who need care at the same time is difficult, and your mom’s poor prognosis must color each day that you have together. Nearly anyone in your situation... Read more →

I'm so sorry that after all you’ve been doing your dad is still asking this painful question. It's enough to bring the strongest caregiver to tears. Yet, your dad can't help it, which you seem to understand. Whether a person living with Alzheimer's has lived in a home for a lifetime or makes a transition to a new home or a care home isn’t likely to make much difference when it comes to this question... Read more →

When we do this, we don’t argue if they say that they haven’t eaten all day even though lunch was an hour ago. We just say, “Really? Then we’d better get you a snack.”... Read more →

Dear KO: I can understand your alarm and would be as angry as you are if I felt this was simply a money-saving step, or worse, active ageism. However, this has been the prevailing policy for many thoughtful clinicians over the last few years and is, in fact, one that I like. Read more →

I... may not always understand the meaning of your words, but I know what you are saying. I can read your jerky body language, the impatient tone of your voice, and your irritated facial expressions. Although you may tell me nice things, Read more →

The unwarranted guilt that can lead caregivers to abuse themselves is not good for anyone, including the care receiver... Read more →

Balance with food is much like balance with exercise. Try to find a reasonably healthy diet that you can stay with and again, consider this a gift to your body. Read more →

No matter where we live, I hope that adult children will be alert to signs of loneliness in their elderly loved ones while respecting their independence as much as possible. Being alone and being lonely aren't at all the same, so knowledge of the elder's personality is necessary when care choices are considered. Read more →