Minding Our Elders

Minding Our Elders Blog

Two younger adults facing each other arguing and pointing fingers. Both the man and woman are likely Asian descent. The man wears a dark gray tee shirt and the woman wear a dark gray elbow length top

Siblings Who Care More About Their Inheritance Than Mom and Dad’s Care

“We don’t want strangers taking care of Mom!” “We promised Dad he would never have to go to a nursing home!” “If...

An indoor image of Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH. She stands against a gray background wearing a dark dress jacket open over a dark top with black beads and dainty earrings. She looks into the camera with a soft smile.

Free Caregiver Training with Support from a Geriatrician and More

Caregivers are often thrown into an unknown world of medication management and handling cognitive challenges. With little or no medical training, this...

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Balancing Elder Care With Other Relationships

Becoming a family caregiver is often something that either happens very suddenly or slowly sneaks up on a person. When a loved...

This extremely closeup image shows an old woman's face with only a peek of her white hair showing. She has very light skin, intense blue eyes, and mutiple age spots.

Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia, or Forgetfulness?

The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, and depression are all part...

An older woman lies contentedly on her back with her arms and hands supporting her head on the grass. She's got long gray hair and is wearing a beige fisherman's sweater. A younger woman has her had lying against the older woman's chest and shoulder. She has long brown hair and is wearing a barely visible cream top. Both women have their eyes closed and look content to be together.

Humor Can Protect Caregivers’ Hearts from Their Deepest Sorrows

One of the positive parts of being a family caregiver is the opportunity for emotional growth. We can develop increased compassion, patience,...

this is a very close image of an older woman with whispy white hair, medium framed plastic rimmed glasses and a serious expression. Her white top is barely visible.

Dementia and Inappropriate Behavior: How to Respond

Dementia can cause people to say and do some pretty odd things. Family caregivers may be caught off guard at first, but...

A younger woman strolls in a garden with an older woman who uses a rollator. They are enjoying each other's company.

Consider Palliative Care for Parent with Multiple Health Challenges

Dear Carol: I want so badly to help my mom have as good a life as possible during her last years, yet...

Image shows an older couple sitting near a window through which we see the trunk of a large tree. The man has a receding hairline with gray hair brushed back. He wears glasses and a pink plaid shirt as he holds an infant with a bow in her hair. The woman gently touches the infant's cheek as she holds a toddler boy in a blue jacket. She has short, iron-gray hair and wears glasses and a maroon sweater.

Should You Convince Your Aging Parents to Move Closer to You?

As a columnist for a newspaper on the High Plains, I often have readers write me that they are begging their parents...

An older man wearing a plaind shirt and glasses sits at an open laptop, coffee cup at hand. Behind him, an older woman wearing a pink sweater, turns her had to talk with him.

Ways to Help Older Adults Stay Active and Engaged

As family caregivers, we strive to meet all our loved ones’ needs. We give medication reminders, cook meals, manage doctors’ appointments, and...

this indoor image shows a gray-haired woman with dark skin waring a dressy violet pull-over knit sweater. She sits in a wheelchair and is smiling at the camera.

Adult Day Services Can Fill a Gap for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Most seniors are keen on staying in their homes as they age, but family caregivers often struggle to meet their loved ones’...

Caring for Aging Parents Who Didn’t Care for You

Years ago, a journalist (we’ll call her Nancy) requested an interview with me to discuss common caregiving issues for an article she...

How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Aging Parents

The first call of the day from your mom, you can handle. “Oh, hi, Mom. Yes, it’s a very pretty day. Maybe...