Supporting all who care for elders
I love babies. I have a new granddaughter, and watching her grow is a delight. When she was just a week old, she melted into my shoulder, and I revelled in the feel and smell of her. Now she is two months old and smiling and it’s a whole new kind of wonderful. (p.s. I
How to Become a Detective When Communicating with an Elder With Dementia Read More »
Troy and his dad enjoyed many activities together. Walking in the garden, watching fishing shows, looking at old photo albums and reminiscing. But Dad’s favourite was when they did puzzles together. Even with dementia, Dad enjoyed complex puzzles with 1,000 pieces. He’d done them all his life, and each time he found a piece that
How to Listen to Improve Communication With Someone With Dementia Read More »
The visit had been a disaster. Grace had brought her grandchildren to see her mother after she moved to long-term-care. They were excited, and raced in the room calling, “Hi, Grandma! Remember me?” It was obvious that she didn’t. She looked confused and then covered her ears at their eager voices.
How to Make Me Feel Heard. Communicating With People With Dementia Read More »
Some memories are all about the emotions. It was 50 years ago, but the anger and indignity I felt still surface. As a kid, I’d loved family reunions. Usually held beside water, I could swim, run around with the three cousins who were close to my age and snack all day
How to Plan Summer Family Celebrations Which Include Your Elder Read More »
Gladys continually tried to escape her facility. Even though she lived in a pleasant environment with caring staff, good food and a variety of activities, she used every opportunity she could find to get away. Staff were at their wit’s end, and her family worried that she would hurt herself or get lost
Looking for the Unmet Need in Supporting Elders With Dementia Read More »
“I can’t stay for dinner. Daddy’s expecting me at home. Momma will miss me. I have to go.” Laura’s agitation escalated as she squirmed in her wheelchair. A deep frown creased her face and she continued wringing her hands. Laura lived in our TLC, an area of our home for
How to Help Your Elder With Dementia Negotiate Anxiety Read More »
“He’s coming again.” The care partner passing my desk said the words as if commenting on the weather, or telling me she was going for lunch. I knew exactly what she meant. George loved to wander in his wheelchair, and if he made it past my desk, he would create havoc
9 Reasons Why Your Elder With Dementia Might Be Struggling 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 »
Edith woke with a start. The children needed her. She had to get them dressed for school, and make sure Jeremy washed his face and brushed his teeth after breakfast. Alice didn’t usually need reminding, but Jeremy tried to sneak out without cleaning up. She needed to make their lunches, and after they left, she
Dealing with Behaviours: When All You Want Is Sleep Read More »
Jean looked out her kitchen window to see her mother striding down the sidewalk. Although her mom had dementia, she remained physically strong and she was making tracks. She dropped her dish towel and raced out the door. “Mom!” she called. “Where are you going?” “To New Brunswick.” Her mother had grown up in that