Supporting all who care for elders
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 »
I’m writing to you because it’s so much more personal than a blog post, and the diagnosis your received last week is as personal as it gets. Alzheimer’s. I bet you’re still in a fog, trying to assimilate what this means for the rest of your life. Can I give you some advice? (You know
How to Begin Your Alzheimer’s Journey in 3 (Not So) Easy Steps Read More »
“You have dementia, probably Alzheimer’s type.” Time stops. None of the rest of the world exists. At this moment, only you, the doctor and this room matter. The walls seem to close in and there is a strange whistling in your ears. Alzheimer’s? It’s Alzheimer’s? You already strongly suspected, but the seed of hope still
How To Thrive After A Diagnosis of Dementia Read More »
Welcome to your flight care partner journey. Fasten your seat belts because it’s going to be quite a ride. There are many instructions, but here’s the most important one. Put your own oxygen mask on first. We’ve all watched or tried not to watch, the boring movie about seat belts, exits by wings and washrooms. The
5 Simple Strategies To Care For Yourself When You Don’t Know How Read More »
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
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“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 »