Supporting all who care for elders
Grey clouds hovered over the November sky all day, and at 4:00, dusk began to gather. Roger turned away from the window in disgust. He hated this time of year. Bare trees, colder temperatures and never enough light. He eased himself into his recliner. Who was he kidding? He did hate November, but this seemed […]
How to Recognize the Struggle with Depression Among Elders 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 »
George stared out the window at the brilliant fall day. He should go out for a walk. Even a short one would help. He sat in his recliner and raised his feet. Exhaustion seeped into his every pore. He didn’t have the energy. He could hear Sheila’s voice. “You’ll feel better if you do. Come
How Isolation is a Physical, Emotional and Mental Killer Read More »
As a shy introvert, these facts have always been true about me: I need space in my togetherness. Social situations both feed and drain me. Time alone to think, pray, enjoy nature, and pursue creativity nourishes me. When five warm, busy, noisy bodies filled my house, I would long for quiet and a minute alone.
How social isolation can damage your elder in every way Read More »
Is it ever right to challenge a person with dementia to do something they don’t want to do? It took days of cajoling to get Amy to join us on a picnic to the park. The weather was perfect, her daughter would join us and we would watch the children play. Amy loved children. We
How to manage caregiver guilt Read More »
It makes no sense. At a time in your life when you are stretched the most physically, emotionally and mentally, you feel guilty? You try to meet the ever-changing needs of your elder, keep up with your job, meet your family’s needs, keep the house in decent shape, all while feeling more tired than you’ve
How to Identify Three Evil Triplets Which Result in Caregiver Guilt Read More »
Mary’s care partner came to me looking frustrated. “I don’t know what to do. Every drawer and cupboard and extra space is stuffed full, and today Tim came in with more presents for her. She was delighted, but I have no idea where to put them!” I smiled. Although it was a lovely problem to
How to Recognize Caregiver Guilt Read More »
Decisions. More decisions. Agonizing, frightening decisions. Besides the emotional tsunami of losing a love one, end-of-life contains so many difficult choices. I remember panic rolling through me as I thought, “What do I do? I don’t know what to do.” This week, we are going to look at these decisions and try to take the
How to Prepare For End-of-life With Your Elder Read More »
One day, your task as a care partner will end. You know this. Perhaps, on a day full of appointments and crises and decisions, you long for that day. In a secret place in your heart, you might think, “My elder has suffered enough and I’m tired. I’m ready for the end.” Then a nurse
How to Read and Understand When the End is Near Read More »
All their lives, many of our elders loved to give. They volunteered, cooked and baked for the grieving or those in need and supported their children and grandchildren in many ways. It mattered. It gave life purpose to be able to help. When they are less able, and can’t see, hear,
Creative Ways Your Elder Can Give to Others Read More »