Supporting all who care for elders
“She’s getting older. I guess some fuzzy thinking can be expected.” Did you use these or similar words to rationalize the changes you saw in your loved one? It’s common to believe that someone whose age is advancing would naturally experience cognitive changes. We call them “senior moments” and laugh them off until they become […]
How To Have Dementia Without Letting It Have You Read More »
A short, gentle man with a soft voice, he’d admitted his wife to our care floor a few weeks ago, and now participated in the first care conference. This meeting, with all the staff who care for his wife giving input, gave him a chance to ask questions. Many questions. An intelligent man, he had
How To Break Through the Agony of a Dementia Diagnosis Read More »
I’m not a doctor. Or a nurse. I come to the topic of the use of medications from a purely social standpoint. Even though I worked in a medical environment for over 20 years, I need to start with that disclaimer, and be careful that I don’t come across as an “expert opinion.” From a
The Truth About Interventions for Anxiety Read More »
Immediately after lunch finished, it began. “Who’s looking after me tonight?” I told her the name of her full-time, regular care partner who would arrive at 3:00 p.m. “What’s she going to do?” The same things she does every night. Get you ready for bed. “What if she won’t look after me?” It’s her job
Unlock the Mystery of Anxiety and Find Hope Read More »
“You had one job…” Did you know there are whole web sites of people’s blunders? We relish each other’s mistakes, although I’ll admit most are hilarious, or embarrassing. A bag labelled “ice” that’s full of popcorn a cup with its handle on the inside a sign which says OEPN a clock hung upside down (how
4 Smarter Ways to Conquer Care Partner Anxiety Read More »
“Next stop, Melita Avenue.” For just short of twenty-one years, I’ve heard those words as the bus pulled up to Christie Gardens and I crossed Christie Street in Toronto to go to work. Usually, the bus came late and all of us who stood shivering in the bus stop, or roasting in the summer, complained
The Small Miracle of the Next Stop Read More »
Imagine a keyring containing many keys of various sizes. Some you may not even be sure what they open. One key dominates. Large, old fashioned and gold, it obviously opens something important. Each key has its purpose, but this one is more significant than all the rest. This is the key to a great Christmas.
The Key to a Fulfilled, Guilt-Free Christmas Read More »
Brenda worked full time, cared for her family and spent most weekends with her mom, who lived in a local care home. She would bring her to her home, where she could play with her three-year-old great-granddaughter and visit with Brenda. Sometimes they would do a few errands, Brenda would do mom’s laundry and make
How to Manage Without Meltdown Read More »
A conversation over coffee “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I used to fall asleep easily. I’d hit the pillow and be gone. Each day is crazy busy and I can barely drag myself up the stairs. That hasn’t changed, but now I get into bed, and it’s like a switch goes off. I
Frustrated, Anxious, Angry–Care Partner Stress is Real Read More »
I tucked the carefully crafted letter in backpacks and diaper bags. When I met the parents at the door to pick up their children from my daycare, I didn’t say a word. In a few hours, the phone started to ring as my monumental decision reached its tentacles into the lives it would affect. I
Surprising, Little Known Ways To Find Your Tribe Read More »