Supporting all who care for elders
I always dread the winter. I’m not exactly a snow hater, and I recognize its beauty as long as I’m not driving or commuting through it. There’s something cozy about a fireplace and a book. But I struggle with two aspects of winter–lack of light and the absence of colour. Each year I stage mini […]
How To Increase Empathy While Staggering Through Life Read More »
You’re learning something new, something you’ve never tried before. Let’s say it’s French. What’s more, it wasn’t your idea. Your job requires it and although it wouldn’t be your choice, feeding your family isn’t an option, so you need to acquire this new skill. You gather every piece of support you can find in order
Stress: How to Survive the Pandemic With Your Sanity Intact Read More »
Everyone knows the illustration of the frog in the pot, right? The frog lounges in water in the pot and the heat is increased ever-so-slowly until the frog boils to death. A sad end to Freddie Frog. Have you ever wondered what was going through the frog’s mind (assuming frogs can think–I haven’t actually researched
Like the Frog in the Pot, Are You About to Vaporize? 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 »
I’m not good at the dripping tap. Have you ever been cosied into your couch with a riveting book, until your attention is drawn to the kitchen? Drip. Drip. Drip. You’re already disturbed, so you get up to turn the darn thing off. You just get back to the couch when you hear Drip. Drip.
There’s a rhythm to the day in my neighbourhood. Today, I was in at 6:30 to make a special breakfast. Even though my body isn’t a big fan of getting up at 4:00 a.m., there’s something magical about the hush of the dining room when the only sound is one care partner making breakfast. I
Sundowning–Why Life Gets Crazy in the Afternoon Read More »
“I should be able to do this.” What this well-dressed, beautiful senior lady was referring to was moving herself and her husband from the home they had lived in for most of their married years. The initial decision to move was one she had to make alone. He was no longer able to participate. All
Care Partners: The Magic of Not Trying to Do It All Read More »
We often associate anxiety with dementia, and that’s legitimate. There’s nothing like an impaired memory to cause fear, especially if everything and everyone is new to you every day–that’s scary. But that’s a topic for another day. Elders who don’t suffer from cognitive decline, but have an anxiety disorder, have an especially poignant struggle. I
The Crippling Force of Anxiety Read More »