Supporting all who care for elders
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 »
Sarah couldn’t get the picture of her mom lying on the floor in the kitchen out of her mind. The fall hadn’t been serious; there’d been minimal damage. But Sarah’s mind and even her dreams kept crowding with what ifs. What if she hadn’t come to visit that day? What if Mom had laid there
How to Cope When Bubble Wrap Isn’t an Option Read More »
On Friday, Sarah experienced the nightmare every care partner dreads. She came over to her mom’s apartment to find her on the floor. Fortunately, she’d only slipped down as she tripped over a kitchen mat about ten minutes before Sarah arrived. Her bottom had received most of the impact, and other than a large purple
How to Respectfully Create a Safer Environment Read More »
A fall can change everything. Not a profound statement. Of course it’s true. Broken bones are no picnic, especially for elders who heal slower and have multiple medical issues. But have you considered this: Falls can trigger chronic pain which will change the quality of a person’s life. Head injuries and all their implications as
How to Avoid the Fall That Can Change Everything Read More »
As a little girl of no more than five, my mother wanted to bless an older lady at Christmas. She lived around the corner, and we were going to visit. To me, Mrs. McIntyre was tottering with one foot in the grave. She may have been 70 or approaching 90. My “little girl”
How a Cup of Christmas Tea Can Change Your Perspective Forever Read More »
Everyone anticipated the staff Christmas party. Every year, staff gathered from all shifts in the auditorium. The event was catered so that kitchen staff could enjoy as well, and long tables were heaped with delicious goodies of all kinds. A Photo Booth, staff presentations, door prizes to drool over and lots
How “party moments” can make Christmas special Read More »
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I’ve always thought, “that song must have been written by a man.” I looked it up. It was. Two men, in fact. Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963. It was first performed and made famous by another man, Andy Williams, the same year. I love Christmas,
How to Give Like Santa to Your Elder this Christmas Read More »
Roger had been taking the anti-depressant for two months now. The doctor had warned him that they were starting with a small dose and would raise it slowly as needed. He said he would monitor closely, and that it often took some time to find the correct drug and dosage for each person. “Covering his
Finding Practical Ways for Elders to Emerge From Depression Read More »
Roger’s moods hadn’t gone unnoticed. But help came from an unexpected source. Jenna picked up the call at work. The voice on the other end of the line hesitated. “Hi, This is George McDuff. You don’t know me, but I’m a friend of your dad’s. We play cards together on Wednesdays.” Jenna’s “worry meter” immediately
How to Overcome the Stigma of Mental Health Issues in the Elderly Read More »
Grey clouds hovered over the November sky all day, and at 4:00, dusk began to gather. Roger turned away from the window in disgust. He hated this time of year. Bare trees, colder temperatures and never enough light. He eased himself into his recliner. Who was he kidding? He did hate November, but this seemed
How to Recognize the Struggle with Depression Among Elders Read More »
Wanda had watched her father sink into the abyss of loneliness over the last few months, and she felt desperate to help. Nothing she did seemed to make a difference. When Dad’s best friend had died suddenly several months ago, it had seemed to knock him off his feet emotionally. Then it happened
Practical Ideas to Combat Loneliness in Elders Read More »