September 8, 2026 by
Watching your parent with dementia sleep more and more is surprisingly unsettling. They fall asleep in the recliner after breakfast. They nap through the afternoon. They head to bed earlier than they used to. Is this excessive sleeping with dementia something to worry about, or is it normal?
It’s natural to wonder if something is wrong. And sometimes it is. But more often, the question isn’t how many hours they’re sleeping. It’s whether their sleep has changed. (more…)
September 1, 2026 by
“How are you doing?”
It’s a simple question, but if you’re caring for a parent with dementia, you may answer it without even thinking.
“We’re doing okay.”
“We’re hanging in there.”
“Everything’s fine.”
Sometimes it’s easier than explaining what life is really like. The reality is far more complicated. So you smile, change the subject, reassure everyone that things are under control. The problem is that living with and caring for dementia are hard enough. Pretending everything is fine can make it even harder. (more…)
August 18, 2026 by
This is still my story.
Every time Dad tells you about meeting your mom, his first job, a favorite family vacation, or the house where you grew up, he’s reconnecting with the experiences, relationships, and milestones that helped shape who he is. He’s reinforcing his identity and his role in life, despite the changes of aging. (more…)
August 11, 2026 by
Have you ever noticed that five minutes can feel completely different depending on the situation? Five minutes chatting with a friend passes quickly. Five minutes waiting for important news can feel interminable. (more…)
August 4, 2026 by
Imagine waking up and feeling unsure about where you’re supposed to be, what’s happening next, or whether everything is okay. Now imagine that feeling returning every few minutes. (more…)
July 15, 2026 by
If your parent is grieving the loss of a spouse, you’ve probably learned to expect certain times of year to be difficult. The winter holidays, in particular, have a reputation for bringing emotions to the surface because they’re so closely tied to family traditions and memories. What may come as more of a surprise is the impact summertime grief for seniors can have. (more…)
July 8, 2026 by
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
Caregiving has a way of turning every spare moment into productive time. If you’re sitting down, you’re returning a phone call. If you’re waiting for an appointment, you’re answering emails. If you have ten free minutes, you’re crossing something off your to-do list. But what if those few minutes were spent taking a real break from senior care and recharging instead? (more…)
July 1, 2026 by
If your parent was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s tomorrow, who would you want advice from? A doctor might explain the disease. A caregiver could share practical tips. But some of the most helpful Alzheimer’s coping strategies often come from people who are navigating the disease themselves. (more…)
June 15, 2026 by
You’re helping Mom get ready for the day when you notice something: a spot on her neck that you don’t remember seeing before. It’s probably nothing, but it catches your attention. Do you say something? Keep an eye on it? Or let it go? (more…)
June 8, 2026 by
You didn’t mean to upset him. In fact, you were trying to help. You brought up something simple—a reminder about the new medication his doctor prescribed—and the irritated response you received felt like a slap in the face. And now you’re left frustrated, hurt, and angry. You’re trying to stay patient, but it’s hard not to react when you’re being treated unfairly. (more…)