Supporting all who care for elders
Libby had taught the junior grades for 30 years, and she’d loved it. Certainly, she saw problems today which had been unknown when her career began, but she’s done her research and had learned new approaches. Kids were kids, after all, and they needed encouragement and for someone to believe in them. And […]
How to Fight Loneliness by Making Connections Read More »
Unlike most of the female population, I hate shopping. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say I hate going into stores, because Amazon and I have an “up close and personal” relationship. But there is one store that will get me out of the house in a minute–my local garden centre. As
Practical Ways to Turn Helplessness into Independence Read More »
“Each person with dementia is a person first. They are the person they were, the person they are and the person they are becoming. They may lose abilities with the disease, but they retain their personhood. This must be at the centre of our understanding, and the foremost thought in every interaction.” Ann Peachman Stewart
How to Celebrate the Personhood of the Person with Dementia Read More »
Maisie leaned on her tip-toes to peek out the window at the top of the door. A tiny bird of a woman, she clung to her walker for balance. Thin grey hair, heavy brogues and tartan skirt and jacket, she presented the perfect picture of an elderly Scottish lady out for a stroll. She was
What I Learned About Closed Doors From an Elder with Dementia Read More »
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 »