Supporting all who care for elders
I love babies. I have a new granddaughter, and watching her grow is a delight. When she was just a week old, she melted into my shoulder, and I revelled in the feel and smell of her. Now she is two months old and smiling and it’s a whole new kind of wonderful. (p.s. I
How to Become a Detective When Communicating with an Elder With Dementia Read More »
Troy and his dad enjoyed many activities together. Walking in the garden, watching fishing shows, looking at old photo albums and reminiscing. But Dad’s favourite was when they did puzzles together. Even with dementia, Dad enjoyed complex puzzles with 1,000 pieces. He’d done them all his life, and each time he found a piece that
How to Listen to Improve Communication With Someone With Dementia Read More »
The visit had been a disaster. Grace had brought her grandchildren to see her mother after she moved to long-term-care. They were excited, and raced in the room calling, “Hi, Grandma! Remember me?” It was obvious that she didn’t. She looked confused and then covered her ears at their eager voices.
How to Make Me Feel Heard. Communicating With People With Dementia Read More »
This is the third in a series about a man who didn’t prepare with his father for his caregiving journey, and how he navigated it. Read the first blog here: https://smallmiracles.online/how-to-ask-the-right-questions-before-becoming-a-caregiver/ and the second blog here: https://smallmiracles.online/a-caregivers-journey-finding-a-way-when-you-dont-make-a-plan/ Eric and his dad developed a routine when he returned from rehab. Because Dad came home to familiar territory, his
How to Find Your Way When It’s Time to Move to Long-Term-Care Read More »
From last week: Eric’s caregiver journey began when his elderly father, who lived alone, fell and broke a hip and wrist. The doctor tells Eric he thinks his dad may suffer from mild dementia and suggests he gets tested. Read last week’s blog here: https://smallmiracles.online/how-to-ask-the-right-questions-before-becoming-a-caregiver/ After meeting with the
A Caregiver’s Journey: Finding a Way When You Don’t Make a Plan Read More »
Eric thought he cared for his elderly Dad. Since Eric’s mother had died, he visited once a week, got him groceries, made sure his prescriptions were refilled and took him for appointments. Once in a while, they’d go to a sporting event together. If you asked him how his dad was
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“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 »
When I started working in eldercare, my work experience included my father’s pharmacy, employment in a library, and 15 years of running a daycare in my home. I loved the elders, was a good listener and had creative ideas, but I didn’t know what I was doing. The timing of my hiring came at the
How to Listen to the Dreams of Elders and Say “What If…” 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 »