Supporting all who care for elders
In the week after my husband died, several milestones occurred, each bringing its own white-hot pain. Meeting with the pastor and the funeral director to plan a service. Entering the casket room and picking out a plain, pine box. Writing out the words to say at the service. Saying those words. Greeting people afterwards. Talking […]
Learning How To Receive Care From Those You Care For 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 »
The 5 Tips Newsletter isn’t just for hands-on caregivers of elderly people. It’s for anyone who has an elder in their family or among their friends, and wants to learn better ways to support and love them. It contains 3 blog posts discussing some aspect of caring, 5 quick tips related to that month’s theme,
Caregivers: Practical Value Found Here Read More »
When moving someone into long-term-care, there’s so much to think about. From finding the right place to preparing your elder to making the move and getting them settled. So many details. Is it any wonder people forget about one of the most important resources until several weeks into the experience? It’s not too late, but
How to Find Your New Best Friends Among the Staff Read More »
Barbara sat in her car in the parking lot of her mother’s new home, staring at her hands and feeling like the worst daughter ever. About a month ago, they’d moved her mom, Hazel, into long-term-care. From the first conversation, through downsizing, the move itself and beyond, they’d worked as a family team with minimal
How to Overcome the Struggle to Let Go Read More »
Hazel smiled, remembering the day she’d had a meltdown in her kitchen. Thank goodness she’d been alone. Her son had called with good news. The place they’d picked for her to live, their top choice of many, had called to say she’d been accepted and was on a waiting list. She knew the stark reality
The Big Move: What Is the Most Essential Ingredient? Read More »
After my husband died, my friends would often take me shopping with them. I’ve always hated shopping, but I needed companionship so I’d follow them around the stores like a lost puppy. On one of these excursions to a craft store, my friend went in search of what she needed and I wandered the aisles
“Not in Kansas Any More!” How to Find Your Way In A Move to Long-Term-Care Read More »
It was time. Hazel knew it and she felt sure her family knew it. No significant conversations about the topic had occurred, but her son had asked her to dinner tonight and the rest of the family would be there. Hazel had a sense she would be the topic of conversation. She knew her kids
Finding Your Way in a Move to Long-Term-Care Read More »
My wedding day. My parents lived an hour’s drive from the church, so the wedding party couldn’t dress at their house. Our small apartment on the third floor didn’t suit either. Enter Nancy Smail, who offered her attractive house, a sumptuous breakfast and the loving care this young bride needed. That nurturing act probably seemed
Hopeful Ideas to Energize Your New Life As A Care Partner Read More »