Supporting all who care for elders
Gladys continually tried to escape her facility. Even though she lived in a pleasant environment with caring staff, good food and a variety of activities, she used every opportunity she could find to get away. Staff were at their wit’s end, and her family worried that she would hurt herself or get lost […]
Looking for the Unmet Need in Supporting Elders With Dementia 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 »
Sharon looked at the bins of Christmas decorations and already felt overwhelmed. “Christmas ornaments.” “Front Porch Decorations.” “Christmas Village.” She loved it all, but wished the Christmas fairies would come in the night and put it all up for her. Caring for her mother took a lot of her time and energy, and
How a Simple Christmas Can Be Special For Your Elder 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 »
Sharon looked through her recipes and sighed. She’s made Christmas cookies with her mom since she had stood on a stool to reach the counter and the apron she wore dusted her feet. They’d laughed and told stories and the kitchen had filled with the amazing smells of gingerbread and shortbread cookies. But
How to Follow Your Senses to a Meaningful Christmas Read More »
My parents both had many siblings, so when we got together for a family picnic, the aunts, uncles and cousins were everywhere. We’d gathered at a local park, and plates of salads and desserts filled the wooden picnic tables. One of the uncles stood barbecuing hot dogs nearby. Happy chaos ensued. Until it
How to Find and Celebrate the Person Behind a Dementia Diagnosis 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 »
I recently saw the pilot of a TV show that made me want to stand up and cheer. A mostly non-verbal elderly man with dementia sits in his darkened room. An aid with a cart asks him if he wants some water. Without pausing for more than a beat, she says,
How To Change How the World Sees People With Dementia Read More »