Supporting all who care for elders
John was a “frequent flyer” in my work area. Able to propel his wheelchair down the hall from where he lived to our neighbourhood, his favourite activity was to create havoc in our dining room. He’d move from table to table, touching dishes and cutlery with hands which had been everywhere. John wasn’t popular–that’s an […]
How to Triumph Over Toxic Behaviour in Dementia Read More »
It’s time to get specific! As I plan for a mentally healthy winter, I need to do some introspection. What I discover won’t be the same for you, but the process is similar. Look at what matters to you, large and small, and what you can and can’t control. Then fill your life with what
How to Keep From Emotionally Drowning This Pandemic Winter Read More »
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 »