Tough Issues Articles

• When a Serious Diagnosis Causes a Senior to Consider Suicide
  Could being diagnosed with cancer cause someone to want to end their life? Research says that dire news may cause a senior to consider suicide, but caregiver intervention and the development of productive coping techniques can help.
  How do they manage stress? »
• What to Say When a Senior Says, “I Just Want to Die.”
  The heart-wrenching senior lament, "I just want to die," can be difficult for caregivers to handle. In this situation, it's important to address your loved one's feelings while also taking care of your own.
  Balancing acknowledgement with limits »
• Ageism: Discrimination Against the Elderly
  The "old geezer" stereotype is a prejudicial generalization that assumes all older adults naturally become weak, sick and forgetful. Its not only younger people -- the medical community, including doctors and nurses, are guilty too.
  Have you experienced ageism? »
• How Businesses Use Aging Sensitivity Training
  Businesses in nearly every industry, from finance and insurance to senior housing, can benefit from making it mandatory for employees to participate in aging sensitivity training.
  How training impacts business practices »
• When Adult Grandchildren Become the Primary Caregiver
  Many young people barely out of their teens, have become caregivers for their grandparents. How do these grandchildren-turned-caregiver handle the stress that comes along with caring for an elder?
  Forced to grow up too fast? »
• Valentine's Day: When a Loved One Can't Understand the Holidays
  How do we celebrate special occasions when one or more of the people involved can't participate? Do we follow through, or do we pretend the special day doesn't exist?
  Do holidays count for dementia patients? »
• Helping Aging Parents: Taking Charge Without Taking Over
  As your parents age and need assistance with life's tasks – from balancing a checkbook to dealing with insurance claims – its hard to know how to take charge, without taking over. How do you help without it turning into an argument?
  5 tactics to reduce their resistance »
• Why Your Ill Parent Fools the Doctor and What to do About It
  At home, your elderly parent complains of pain and exhibits memory problems. But take them to the doctor, and like an actor on stage, they become animated, charming, and completely lucid. Why do elders "act" healthy at the doctor?
  6 tips to help doctors see the truth »
• Grieving for a Dying Loved One During the Holidays
  It can be difficult to get in the holiday spirit when an elderly loved one is terminally ill. But, the extra family time could be a blessing in disguise if you accept the impending loss and use the time afforded to you by the holidays wisely.
  Create lasting memories, learn to let go »
• Is Alzheimer's Behavior the Patient’s Problem…or the Caregiver's?
  5 common Alzheimer’s behaviors that aren't necessarily dangerous, but baffle and frustrate caregivers: How to handle them and keep your sanity. The problem could be you…not your parent! Coping with the new normalcy when you are an Alzheimer’s caregiver.
  Who is most impacted by bad behaviors? »
• Can Hospitalization Lead to Dementia?
  Hospitalized elders sometimes experience trauma that may trip the dementia trigger. "Hospital delirium" occurs when an elderly person suffers extreme cognitive decline after a hospitalization.
  Can a Hospitalization Cause Dementia? »
• What To Do When You're Unhappy with Your Loved One's Care
  You shouldn't expect another caregiver to give as much immediate attention to your elderly relative as you do. But if you see signs of neglect or abuse, act quickly.
  7 ways to take action »
• When Alzheimer's Steals Your Loved One's Personality
  When Alzheimer's disease robs loved ones of their personalities, how to caregivers keep loving and caring?
  Loving despite Alzheimer's »
• The 4 Most Embarrassing Caregiver Moments
  Not only have we identified the most embarrassing moments you'll face as a caregiver, but we've got the best strategies for handling those oh-so-awkward situations.
  Really awkward caregiver situations »
• 10 Caregiver Confessions: Secrets We Aren’t Proud Of
  Wouldn't it be nice to be a caregiver who had only loving thoughts every moment of the caregiving day? Reality is, you can probably relate to these 10 true and "not-so-nice" confessions from other caregivers.
  Confession #10: "Can't mom just die?" »
• Detaching With Love: Setting Boundaries in Toxic Relationships
  Caring for a loved one who is critical, abusive or just downright impossible to please is damaging to your health. Here is how to "detach with love" to establish healthy boundaries and a more positive relationship.
  Break free from a parent who drains you »
• How to Deal With An Elder Who Complains Too Much
  Does it ever seem like, in your parent's eyes, you can't do anything right? Why do your elderly parents complain about everything you do?
  Why elders feel the need to complain »
• My mother with dementia is "my shadow." How do I get her to stop following me all day long?
  If your parent is following you around the house all day, the dementia could be progressing, or they need more social interaction with other people.
  Read More »
• "I Secretly Wish My Elderly Mother Would Die"
  Watching a once-vibrant parent deteriorate before your eyes is never easy. And sometimes, you may even wish they would just die.
  Does it make you a terrible person? »
• I can't bring myself to visit mom in the nursing home. How can I move past my anxiety?
  Your reaction to visiting your elderly mother in the nursing home is normal. Fear can make us physically ill, but there are steps you can take.
  Read More »