Supporting all who care for elders
Some memories are all about the emotions. It was 50 years ago, but the anger and indignity I felt still surface. As a kid, I’d loved family reunions. Usually held beside water, I could swim, run around with the three cousins who were close to my age and snack all day […]
How to Plan Summer Family Celebrations Which Include Your Elder Read More »
Take a guess. Of all the activities and trips I planned over the years for the frail elderly population I served, which was the most popular? The garden centre. We rented a bus because it was necessary with wheelchairs, but we didn’t go far. A large garden centre situated
Including Elders in Summer Fun Doesn’t Need to be Complicated Read More »
The meme contained a scowling older man holding a remote and yelling, “What channel is Netflix?” Ha ha. The message is clear: older people can’t figure out technology. I receive many such memes, jokes, cartoons in my inbox. I’m not about to start a war with my
How to Understand Ageism and Why It Should Scare You Read More »
“I can’t stay for dinner. Daddy’s expecting me at home. Momma will miss me. I have to go.” Laura’s agitation escalated as she squirmed in her wheelchair. A deep frown creased her face and she continued wringing her hands. Laura lived in our TLC, an area of our home for
How to Help Your Elder With Dementia Negotiate Anxiety Read More »
“He’s coming again.” The care partner passing my desk said the words as if commenting on the weather, or telling me she was going for lunch. I knew exactly what she meant. George loved to wander in his wheelchair, and if he made it past my desk, he would create havoc
9 Reasons Why Your Elder With Dementia Might Be Struggling Read More »
Have you ever laid awake at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., willing yourself to go back to sleep? Trying to think of meadows of blowing grass or rolling waves–anything to induce slumber? This happens to me frequently. I fall asleep quickly, but during my first bathroom trip, a little switch in my brain trips, and I
Three Practical Ways to Improve Your Health in 2026 Read More »
In her caregiver journey, Sharon discovered that routine was king. In the mornings, she brought her mom a cup of tea in bed after she woke. Then Mom got up, used the washroom, washed herself and brushed her teeth. Once dressed, she ate breakfast, and often had a nap in her chair. Later
How to Maintain an Elder’s Routines While Adding Some Christmas Magic Read More »
As a teenager, cleaning the finished part of our basement fell to me. Dusting the bookcase was my least favourite because it contained old books, an ancient clock, the family Bible and other treasures which took forever to clean. One day, when accomplishing this hated task, I came across a brown folder full
How to Find the Passion that Leads to Purpose After Retirement Read More »
My children refer to it as my “goose phase,” and it’s embarrassing. I’ve always been a fan of the country look. Cozy, lots of wood and crafty decor. In our first house, I had the opportunity to decorate how I liked it. When everyone else went for the straight lines of Scandinavian furniture
Looking Beyond a Dementia Diagnosis to the Person Read More »
Sometimes reciprocal care takes a little work. Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful program of Samaritan’s Purse. Special boxes are packed for children of various ages with items like clothes, school supplies, small toys, books etc. They are then distributed by the organization to children who would otherwise not receive a
Practical Ideas for Elders to Give Care Read More »