Supporting all who care for elders
“So my forgetfulness is age-related memory loss and nothing to be overly concerned about. I’m going to look at my lifestyle and try to figure out how I can up my game. But now I’m worried about Great-aunt Margaret…” What other issues should concern you? We talked about the instrumental activities of daily living which […]
Memory Loss: When Should I Worry? I Read More »
Is there one phrase which is true of every person with dementia and every person who lost their keys, forgot a name or used poor judgement and fears they might be developing dementia? One phrase? Everyone is different. Everyone. Is. Different. Dr. Bill Thomas, the founder of The Eden Alternative, said, “If you’ve met one
I’ve Had Enough of Embarrassing Memory Loss! Read More »
I’ve lived under a cloud all my adult life. Shortly after I was married at 23, and certainly by the time I’d had my first daughter at 25, my mother showed signs of early-onset dementia. Our family knew nothing about the disease, and society at large was far less knowledgeable at the time. It was
How To Stop Worrying When You Lose Your Keys Read More »
The 5 Tips Newsletter isn’t just for hands-on caregivers of elderly people. It’s for anyone who has an elder in their family or among their friends, and wants to learn better ways to support and love them. It contains 3 blog posts discussing some aspect of caring, 5 quick tips related to that month’s theme,
Caregivers: Practical Value Found Here Read More »
When moving someone into long-term-care, there’s so much to think about. From finding the right place to preparing your elder to making the move and getting them settled. So many details. Is it any wonder people forget about one of the most important resources until several weeks into the experience? It’s not too late, but
How to Find Your New Best Friends Among the Staff Read More »
Barbara sat in her car in the parking lot of her mother’s new home, staring at her hands and feeling like the worst daughter ever. About a month ago, they’d moved her mom, Hazel, into long-term-care. From the first conversation, through downsizing, the move itself and beyond, they’d worked as a family team with minimal
How to Overcome the Struggle to Let Go Read More »
Hazel looked around her bedroom from the proximity of her pillow. Bins and boxes lay piled in one corner, and the knowledge that she’d just had her last sleep in this room sat heavily on her chest. Not that she had strong ties to the room, but today she moved to long-term-care and she knew
Practical Tips to Prepare for the Big Move Read More »
Hazel smiled, remembering the day she’d had a meltdown in her kitchen. Thank goodness she’d been alone. Her son had called with good news. The place they’d picked for her to live, their top choice of many, had called to say she’d been accepted and was on a waiting list. She knew the stark reality
The Big Move: What Is the Most Essential Ingredient? Read More »
After my husband died, my friends would often take me shopping with them. I’ve always hated shopping, but I needed companionship so I’d follow them around the stores like a lost puppy. On one of these excursions to a craft store, my friend went in search of what she needed and I wandered the aisles
“Not in Kansas Any More!” How to Find Your Way In A Move to Long-Term-Care Read More »
It was time. Hazel knew it and she felt sure her family knew it. No significant conversations about the topic had occurred, but her son had asked her to dinner tonight and the rest of the family would be there. Hazel had a sense she would be the topic of conversation. She knew her kids
Finding Your Way in a Move to Long-Term-Care Read More »