There was one word that completely changed the way I cared for my mom. Actually, that's not quite true. Learning the word changed my caregiving in two phases. The first phase was simply learning that the word existed. The second—and much more important—phase was finally understanding what it actually meant. For a long time, I couldn't understand how my mom could forget something she'd done her entire life, like how to open the refrigerator, and then immediately insist there w

Learn why people with dementia refuse medication, including anosognosia, fear, confusion, swallowing difficulties, side effects, and suspicion. Get practical strategies for increasing medication cooperation without arguing, including taking medications together, pairing pills with daily routines, and focusing on comfort rather than compliance. Find out when it may be appropriate to hide medication in food, which foods work best (including why chocolate ice cream is often one

Few experiences are more frustrating for adult children than watching a parent struggle while refusing the very help they clearly need. You notice the missed medications. The unpaid bills. The expired food in the refrigerator. The repeated stories. The forgotten appointments. The increasing confusion. Yet every attempt to help is met with resistance. "I'm fine." "I don't need help." "Stop treating me like a child." "There's nothing wrong with me." For many caregivers, these c

Charlie Day from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia exhibits paranoid behavior similar to a dementia patient FX Networks One of the most hurtful and frustrating experiences many caregivers face is being accused of stealing. A loved one may insist that money is missing, jewelry has been taken, important papers have disappeared, or that someone has entered the home and removed personal belongings. These accusations can be especially painful when they are directed at the very peo

One of the most painful and confusing experiences for many caregivers is watching a loved one become angry, irritable, or even aggressive. A person who was once patient and easygoing may suddenly lash out, accuse others of wrongdoing, refuse help, or become upset over seemingly minor situations. When this happens, many caregivers begin asking: Why is my loved one with dementia so angry? The answer is often more complicated than it appears. In many cases, the anger itself is n