Recently my friend Mary helped her elderly mother move from a neighboring state to an independent living community located near where Mary and her husband live. In an e-mail exchange about the challenges of caregiving, Mary noted, “I worried very much about taking on this responsibility, but I have to say I am glad we did, for many... Read more
My friend Anna and I grabbed lunch recently to catch up. My time with Anna always proves to be thought-provoking, not only because she is a wonderful, caring person, but also because Anna and her husband, Bob, are experienced caregivers. They helped Anna’s mother and two neighbors, one named Lorraine, through end-of-life issues... Read more
This AP news story reports on a new dementia-oriented prison unit serving men, mostly in their sixties. The average age of the prisoners with dementia is 62, 26 years older than the average age of a prisoner.Read New York prison creates dementia unit.
My cell phone rang during a business trip last fall; although an unknown phone number flashed on the screen, the area code reflected that the call came from the city where I live. I braced myself to answer, inhaling deeply and anticipating bad news. Upon hearing my voice... Read more
In writing about the agonizing decisions that our family has faced as Mom has succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease (and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), I’ve tried to reflect on the decisions my family and I have made, both good and bad. Obviously people can take issue with what we decide, but ultimately, it’s our family’s decision... Read more