Supporting all who care for elders
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 »
Think of these scenarios: George was a great husband and father. He took his boys to innumerable hockey practices and provided for his family. He and his wife went out dancing and the family enjoyed many vacations together. He was a great dad and husband. Now George is elderly. He describes the working of his mind
Finding A Sense of Purpose Read More »
She’s poised on the high bar, her toes pointed, She moves her body gracefully and slowly unfolds to stand on the narrow piece of wood. Walking its length, she bends, grabs the bar and swings her body to the ground. Her white hair glistens as she lands. Wait, what? That’s right, this gymnast is 82
Have We Got Ageing Wrong? Read More »
⇩⇩⇩ https://mailchi.mp/ac4036fba65b/f7avdbea9h It’s new, practical and full of ideas you can use as you navigate the tricky world of the care partner. Click the link above and sign up for my new monthly newsletter. Each newsletter will contain links to three blog posts, five quick tips for some aspect of your care partner journey, and
Sign Up for the Newsletter Read More »
“She’s dehydrated.” The hospital nurse’s tone spoke volumes and her message was clear. The resident we sent to the hospital was suffering from dehydration on our watch, so obviously we gave terrible care. The judgement was in her voice, the look on her face and the stance of her body. I wanted to punch her.
Care Partner Wednesday–“But I Don’t Drink Water!” Read More »