Supporting all who care for elders
Do you ever feel like life’s out of control? Situations are spiralling and you have no choice, or perhaps no good choice? One morning, I faced time pressure to get out the door and make the train. My inner clock ticked and I knew as I blew my hair dry that less than 10 minutes […]
Powerless Elders Devastated by Lack of Choice Read More »
The thought never occurred to me to sponsor a fundraiser. But God had other plans. In the two years since I’d last visited my niece, Jenn, she and her family had walked a perilous journey. She’d begun her course to take Early Childhood Educator, Level 2, but almost immediately experienced disturbing symptoms. While continuing her
The Amazing Small Miracle of Awe-Inspiring People Read More »
What I learned about me The day my car died, I learned an important lesson about myself. And about the elders I serve. In fact, about life in general. My car began to reach that unfortunate stage where it was costing me money. You’ve all been there. You pay for “one last repair” and make
The Agony and Inspiration of Elders Losing Independence Read More »
My wedding day. My parents lived an hour’s drive from the church, so the wedding party couldn’t dress at their house. Our small apartment on the third floor didn’t suit either. Enter Nancy Smail, who offered her attractive house, a sumptuous breakfast and the loving care this young bride needed. That nurturing act probably seemed
Hopeful Ideas to Energize Your New Life As A Care Partner Read More »
I’m writing to you because it’s so much more personal than a blog post, and the diagnosis your received last week is as personal as it gets. Alzheimer’s. I bet you’re still in a fog, trying to assimilate what this means for the rest of your life. Can I give you some advice? (You know
How to Begin Your Alzheimer’s Journey in 3 (Not So) Easy Steps Read More »
“You have dementia, probably Alzheimer’s type.” Time stops. None of the rest of the world exists. At this moment, only you, the doctor and this room matter. The walls seem to close in and there is a strange whistling in your ears. Alzheimer’s? It’s Alzheimer’s? You already strongly suspected, but the seed of hope still
How To Thrive After A Diagnosis of Dementia Read More »
Welcome to your flight care partner journey. Fasten your seat belts because it’s going to be quite a ride. There are many instructions, but here’s the most important one. Put your own oxygen mask on first. We’ve all watched or tried not to watch, the boring movie about seat belts, exits by wings and washrooms. The
5 Simple Strategies To Care For Yourself When You Don’t Know How Read More »
Two flights of stairs stretched below me as I juggled my immense black suitcase, a purse and my lunch bag. So far I’d stuffed the suitcase in my car, drove to the station and hauled my bags on and off the train. But now the staircase loomed. Half my journey still awaited me, my shoulders
The Shocking Truth About Care Partner Trauma Read More »
Have you signed up for the newsletter? Click here–it’s easy! https://mailchi.mp/ac4036fba65b/f7avdbea9h I grabbed the buzzing phone when I saw the words Credit Valley Hospital. The nurse explained my seriously ill husband rode in an ambulance heading to another hospital in the city which could better deal with his failing heart. My bus headed in the
Warning: Care Partner Guilt Can Destroy You Read More »
Jenny was in a bad way. Her body stiffened as a spasm overtook her. Her legs flailed straight out, unable to bend at the knee. Her hands clutched the arms of her wheelchair with white-knuckled strength. Eyes bugging out, whatever was happening to her body obviously terrified her. With slow, measured steps, Alice approached her. Usually
How to Accept Care From Elders in 3 Easy Steps Read More »