Supporting all who care for elders
Two flights of stairs stretched below me as I juggled my immense black suitcase, a purse and my lunch bag. So far I’d stuffed the suitcase in my car, drove to the station and hauled my bags on and off the train. But now the staircase loomed. Half my journey still awaited me, my shoulders […]
The Shocking Truth About Care Partner Trauma Read More »
Have you signed up for the newsletter? Click here–it’s easy! https://mailchi.mp/ac4036fba65b/f7avdbea9h I grabbed the buzzing phone when I saw the words Credit Valley Hospital. The nurse explained my seriously ill husband rode in an ambulance heading to another hospital in the city which could better deal with his failing heart. My bus headed in the
Warning: Care Partner Guilt Can Destroy You Read More »
Jenny was in a bad way. Her body stiffened as a spasm overtook her. Her legs flailed straight out, unable to bend at the knee. Her hands clutched the arms of her wheelchair with white-knuckled strength. Eyes bugging out, whatever was happening to her body obviously terrified her. With slow, measured steps, Alice approached her. Usually
How to Accept Care From Elders in 3 Easy Steps Read More »
⇩⇩⇩ https://mailchi.mp/ac4036fba65b/f7avdbea9h It’s new, practical and full of ideas you can use as you navigate the tricky world of the care partner. Click the link above and sign up for my new monthly newsletter. Each newsletter will contain links to three blog posts, five quick tips for some aspect of your care partner journey, and
Sign Up for the Newsletter Read More »
“She’s dehydrated.” The hospital nurse’s tone spoke volumes and her message was clear. The resident we sent to the hospital was suffering from dehydration on our watch, so obviously we gave terrible care. The judgement was in her voice, the look on her face and the stance of her body. I wanted to punch her.
Care Partner Wednesday–“But I Don’t Drink Water!” Read More »
“Who’s looking after me tonight?” “Amelia” “I don’t know Amelia. Where’s Tracy?” (her regular care partner) “Tracy’s on vacation, but Amelia has looked after you many times. She knows what to do.” “But I don’t know what to do.” “You don’t have to know. Amelia will look after you. She knows what to do.” “Is it
5 Tips to Retain Your Sanity Read More »
I wandered from room to room this morning, looking for an unused over-the-bed table for a resident moving in next week. In one of the rooms, I stopped, sat on the bed and let the experience wash over me. On the bureau sat a vase of grocery store flowers. Nothing spectacular about that. Propped against it sat a
I watched him travel down the long hallway to our dining room, his halting gait reminiscent of the wedding march. Craig had taken the bus provided to the local grocery story that morning and was now returning to enjoy lunch with his wife. As he drew nearer, I saw a plastic grocery bag in his
Care Partner Essentials Read More »
They started today, all shiny and new. Twelve eager PSW students coming to learn among us. All of them completed their schooling, and now they learn the practical aspects of becoming a care partner. Each of our care partners functions as a preceptor and takes a student under their wing to mentor them. We invest
Becoming a Care Partner Read More »
Many times I’ve remarked that everyone who walks the journey with an elder can be called a care partner. I’ve talked about the roles of professional care partners, those who serve the meals, family members, those who visit occasionally and volunteers. What about the advocate? What’s an advocate? There’s not a question I get asked
Care Partner Wednesday–The Advocate as Care Partner Read More »