Samantha’s dad, Walter, had always been a proud, hardworking man. In his seventies, dementia began to cloud his memory. One afternoon, he asked where his mother was. Samantha froze; her grandmother had been gone for more than forty years. She gently told him the truth. Walter’s face fell, his eyes filled with tears, and for ... Read More
Travel season is in full swing, and many of us have made plans to enjoy the peak season in the United States. Everyone deserves to take vacations, and that includes family caregivers of people who are experiencing cognitive decline. Traveling with someone who has dementia can be rewarding, meaningful—and, at times, unpredictable. People who have ... Read More
Maria sat quietly by her father’s bedside, watching his breath grow slower with each passing day. Though he was still there, her heart already felt heavy. She found herself mourning moments: the stories they hadn’t yet told, the hugs that might soon be gone, the future memories that would never be made. This experience is ... Read More
Living with dementia can make everyday tasks harder to navigate—and unfortunately, it can also make a person more vulnerable to fraud. Scammers often target people with cognitive impairments, knowing they may have difficulty recognizing a scam or remembering important safety rules. Becoming a victim of financial fraud later in life can be devastating for a ... Read More
Caring for an aging parent is one of the most meaningful responsibilities many of us will face—and we often don’t do it alone. Across the country, millions of adult siblings are stepping up to care for Mom, Dad, or another aging relative together, whether they live in the same city or are spread across the ... Read More
As more Americans age into their 60s, 70s, and beyond, we’re learning that the experience of growing older is not the same for everyone. Pride Month reminds us that for LGBTQ+ elders, aging can come with an extra layer of complexity—shaped by a lifetime of resilience, but also by decades of discrimination, social stigma, and ... Read More
In the world of healthcare and caregiving, one term has become increasingly central to how services are delivered: person-centered care. But what does it really mean? At its heart, person-centered care is about focusing on the individual—not just their diagnosis, condition, or care needs, but their values, preferences, and unique life story. This approach recognizes ... Read More
Being a family caregiver is a rewarding but often stressful role. Balancing the needs of your loved one with your own can be challenging. That’s why caregivers must prioritize self-care. Here are seven practical ways to maintain your mental and physical health with serving as a caregiver. Carve out daily “me time.” Even if it’s ... Read More
Being a family caregiver is a noble and challenging role, often filled with love, dedication, and, unfortunately, legal complexities. People considering becoming a caregiver should know the legal implications. Here are 9 essential tips to help you avoid potential legal problems and understand when to seek professional assistance. Understand the healthcare power of attorney (POA) ... Read More
Researchers from the University of Southern California coined the term “carefluencers” to describe a new generation of family caregivers who are using social media to share the day-to-day realities of caring for an older loved one. Social media can be an excellent venue for caregivers to connect, empathize with each other, and share caregiving tips. ... Read More
Daphni you, and everything you do for Carol, is at the top of my list for things I’m thankful for. Not sure if you realize how much you impact Carol and how much you benefit her, but I do, and I am truly thankful.