Supporting all who care for elders
It may be one of those weird 2020 things, but where I live and throughout Southern Ontario and some states in the northern U.S., we are experiencing the warmest November in history. Yesterday, I wore a sundress and sandals–clothes I had sadly put away for the season. It’s only supposed to last a few more […]
How to Plan for a Mentally Healthy Winter Read More »
I always dread the winter. I’m not exactly a snow hater, and I recognize its beauty as long as I’m not driving or commuting through it. There’s something cozy about a fireplace and a book. But I struggle with two aspects of winter–lack of light and the absence of colour. Each year I stage mini
How To Increase Empathy While Staggering Through Life Read More »
It was time to say good-bye. The activation student had been with us two days a week for several months and on his last day, we took him out to lunch. He had grown, matured and learned so much over the weeks. As we chatted together, my supervisor asked him, “What was the best experience you
Surprising Ways Those with Dementia Can Care For You Read More »
I watched my favourite show with a sinking heart. Rebecca, a widow and the mother of grown triplets, lost her phone and became unreasonably flustered. She mentioned that Miguel, her second husband, had just replaced this phone as she’d lost its predecessor. In the next scene, she goes shopping and can’t find her way home.
Why Is It So Hard To Think Of Receiving Care From My Loved One? Read More »
In the week after my husband died, several milestones occurred, each bringing its own white-hot pain. Meeting with the pastor and the funeral director to plan a service. Entering the casket room and picking out a plain, pine box. Writing out the words to say at the service. Saying those words. Greeting people afterwards. Talking
Learning How To Receive Care From Those You Care For Read More »
At 46, Jenn has a unique perspective on caregiver stress. She is the one receiving care. Only a few years ago, she rose before dawn and slipped into the frigid Manitoba winter to run, training for one of the many marathons in which she competed. She’d started to take classes to put her in a
A Poignant Focus on the Heart of One Receiving Care Read More »
You’re learning something new, something you’ve never tried before. Let’s say it’s French. What’s more, it wasn’t your idea. Your job requires it and although it wouldn’t be your choice, feeding your family isn’t an option, so you need to acquire this new skill. You gather every piece of support you can find in order
Stress: How to Survive the Pandemic With Your Sanity Intact Read More »
Everyone knows the illustration of the frog in the pot, right? The frog lounges in water in the pot and the heat is increased ever-so-slowly until the frog boils to death. A sad end to Freddie Frog. Have you ever wondered what was going through the frog’s mind (assuming frogs can think–I haven’t actually researched
Like the Frog in the Pot, Are You About to Vaporize? Read More »
Ann Peachman Stewart’s writing passion sparked by caring for the elderly SEPTEMBER 1, 2020JUBILEEWRITER Today I welcome writer Ann Peachman Stewart. She used her passion for the elderly and their families to find her writing niche. Welcome, Ann. let’s start out with a bit about your writing journey. In 2007, my world turned upside down. Although
I was featured as a guest blogger! Read More »
Who could use some stress relief? 2020 has been over the top in the stress department. In September, Small Miracles is going to look at caregiver stress– what it is and how to help. You could win a Stress Reliever Gift Box! ($20+ value) Just sign up to receive The 5 Tips Newsletter once a
Win a Stress Reliever Box in September! Read More »