t seems natural to ask your dad who is living with Alzheimer’s about events from his past. However, doing so directly can be a problem. Why? Because he may not remember the event, but the expectation that he should remember could make him anxious. Instead, when you want to engage him in conversation... Read more →

One seemingly normal day, Don, healthy and energetic, had just bounded up the stairs of the couple’s historic home to tell Kathi that he was on board with the remodeling project they’d discussed, when he suffered a life-altering stroke. Kathi would become Don’s caregiver for the next six years before his death... Read more →

Emergency room doctor Kevin Haselhorst had an epiphany while he tried valiantly to save an elderly man who’d been through one too many traumas. His book, “Wishes To Die For: A Caregiver’s Guide to Advance Care Directives,” was the first step toward a new advocacy. Dr. Haselhorst continues to work toward helping people understand the importance of healthcare directives and the ability to make their own decisions about end-of-life care. Curious about more of Dr. Haselhorst’s views, the Candid Caregiver contacted him through email for the following interview. Read more →

Mention a wonderful new assisted living that your friend’s mother just moved into. Mention some exciting new upgrades to in-home bathrooms that are actually good for everyone’s safety. Then, turn the conversation elsewhere... Read more →

The lack of the ability to articulate pain has been the reason that false conclusions have been drawn through the years. My own experience with people who have had cognitive impairment has shown me that caregivers and medical provides need to pay attention to the body language of the person... Read more →

My next thought was of Mom, in the bed next to Dad’s in the nursing home who simply couldn’t bear to watch. She had been unable to fully participate in Dad’s last hours due to her heavy pain medication, and she needed me with her. A curtain blocked Dad’s body from where I sat with Mom. I tried... Read more →

When my dad died, my mother had dementia. She didn't have Alzheimer's, but she was in a stage of dementia where her short-term memory was not good. Being human, she was also good at denial... Read more →

It’s vital to be aware of any type of side effect, especially when taking multiple medications. If a new medication is introduced, new side effects may occur. Seniors may be tempted to dismiss a feeling of sleepiness, stomach upsets, or other issues, as related to something else... Read more →

I first came across the term care partner in conjunction with Alzheimer’s disease. This, at first glance, would seem to be the last place where this term fits. People with Alzheimer’s need someone to take over their lives, right? The answer, of course, is nothing could be farther from the truth... Read more →

Scientists from the University of South Florida, together with researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai, conducted a 40-week randomized controlled trial with 120 community-based seniors who do not have dementia... Read more →