Caregiving

My Mom, who had been diagnosed with dementia, was leaning up against the sink in the bathroom. Her soapy hands were under running water. I was reaching around her trying to gently use a nail brush to clean under her nails…

When a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living, visiting regularly is an important way to stay connected and show how much you care. Spending time with you will brighten their day and knowing when you’ll…

Caring for the caregiver is a key component in long-term caregiving. Without help, you’re more likely to become exhausted and severely stressed. That often leads to serious health problems and limits your ability to care for others…

A stay in the hospital can be confusing, scary and painful. When an older adult is seriously ill, or after a medical emergency, they need extra support during their hospital stay…

Given the critical nature of caregiving and the skills required, can you actually teach someone to be a family caregiver? After all, there are so many learning platforms out there, surely, you can tune in somewhere and get the knowledge you need to succeed, right?

My husband and I are 11 years apart. The first thing he ever asked me was If I would be open to dating an older man. It was not the first marriage for either of us. We hit it off right away, and our life began. Then he started to feel bad. We were only engaged…

Caring for an aging parent or another loved one – near or from afar – can be tricky, especially when a loved one’s needs change more unexpectedly. This can often happen with a sudden injury or illness, cognitive decline, or be the natural result of aging…

My aunt is like my third parent. She taught in schools around the world and spent every summer living with us. Always single and with no children of her own, she has been, in my mind, a part of our immediate – not extended – family. I love and adore her…

Several years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Amy Goyer, family caregiver expert for AARP. We spoke about long-distance caregiving. Amy has extensive experience as a caregiver, having been one for her grandparents and parents…

Women are more likely to get dementia, more likely to be family caregivers, and more likely to be working in one of the facilities that supports families and those affected. It’s a big issue for us. To be honest, worrying will get you nowhere…