Supporting all who care for elders
My mom loved to play games in an evening with guests and the family. Normally serious and strict, she morphed into a silly kid who could act a charade with the best of them. When Alzheimer’s crept through her brain, this didn’t change. She still loved to play, but her ability to participate waned every […]
Loving Advice to All Caregivers Everywhere: Don’t Miss the Party! Read More »
Curiosity overcame me. My desk sat across the hall from this resident’s room, and it sounded like a party in there. She was new and had moved from the community, so I didn’t know a lot about her. I’d met her three daughters, who seemed lovely and supportive, and Mom smiled every time I went
Important Lessons From a Party and Heartfelt Gifts for Family Caregivers Read More »
Superman, move over. Wonder Woman, hand over your cape. There’s another group of heroes in town, and no matter how many times you’ve saved the nation, they deserve it more. Family members of elders. Of course, they are care partners, although they may not feel like it if their elder lives in a care situation
How Families of Elders Struggle and Become Superheroes Read More »
This blog is special. It contains an interview with an elder who receives care with input from one of her daughters. First-hand experiences and wisdom are gold, and I feel excited to share with you. What are some important qualities of a good caregiver? Personality “Friendly, personable. It’s important to me that they chat while
One Family’s First-hand Experiences with Finding and Receiving Care Read More »
Things aren’t always as they seem. Neither are people. You’d think by this point in my life I’d know that, and I do in theory, but I need to learn certain lessons over and over when they present themselves in a different context. Maybe you’ve found that, too. My job as an advocate mainly involved
What is the Most Important Aspect When Looking for a Caregiver? Read More »
My dad asked me to take mom shopping. They planned a road trip out west to visit my sister and family, and mom needed new camisoles. He’d become a reluctant caregiver when she developed Alzheimer’s, but that kind of shopping gave him chills. I looked forward to a fun time with mom, who loved to
How do I navigate the struggle to find good care? Read More »
I can’t stand it when I read about how I should get more sleep. That lack of sleep is dangerous to my physical, mental and emotional health. I might actually be sending myself to an early grave with my sleeping habits. “Thanks,” I want to retort. “That’s helpful.” (Insert sarcastic tone here.) “I’ll be sure to
Why is Caregiver Stress Scary and What Should You Do? Read More »
This time of year I work hard on my mental health. In spring, everything is bursting with life and the promise of so much fun in the garden. In the summer, family visits and new adventures abound, and I usually get to go fishing. And although the colours this time of year stun and amaze me,
How to Recognize the Plague of Caregiver Stress Before it Kills You Read More »
Doesn’t this dog have guilt written all over his face? I can be easily motivated by guilt. “Grandma, we haven’t come over in so long. I miss you.” Immediately, plans are changed or cancelled. How had I let time slip by without seeing my precious girls? “How long since you’ve had your ducts cleaned?” (Ummm,
Are There Practical Weapons to Attack Feelings of Loneliness in Elders? Read More »
