Supporting all who care for elders
When the pandemic started, we panicked. Each day, the numbers of those getting sick–horribly, devastatingly sick, and dying, were climbing. Messages bombarded us from all sides about how to stay safe and we listened to them all. Wash your hands unceasingly, don’t touch your face, wash your groceries or leave them in the garage for […]
Newsflash! Loneliness More Deadly Than Pneumonia in the Elderly Read More »
“Someone stole my purse!” Barbara pushed her walker into the dining room to make her announcement with as much volume as she could muster. Her eyebrows jumped and her eyes bugged to emphasize the seriousness of the accusation. Several residents peered down the hall, perhaps expecting to see the culprit racing away with the purse
What Happens When Your Purse is Stolen Read More »
If there was one thing Dorothy knew for sure, it was that walking was good. Several years ago, her husband had a heart attack, and when he recovered, the doctor had said walking would change his life. So they walked. Every day, hand in hand, for hours. But now, in the throes of advanced dementia,
How to Help with Wandering, Aggression and Anxiety Read More »
John was a “frequent flyer” in my work area. Able to propel his wheelchair down the hall from where he lived to our neighbourhood, his favourite activity was to create havoc in our dining room. He’d move from table to table, touching dishes and cutlery with hands which had been everywhere. John wasn’t popular–that’s an
How to Triumph Over Toxic Behaviour in Dementia Read More »
I always dread the winter. I’m not exactly a snow hater, and I recognize its beauty as long as I’m not driving or commuting through it. There’s something cozy about a fireplace and a book. But I struggle with two aspects of winter–lack of light and the absence of colour. Each year I stage mini
How To Increase Empathy While Staggering Through Life Read More »
It was time to say good-bye. The activation student had been with us two days a week for several months and on his last day, we took him out to lunch. He had grown, matured and learned so much over the weeks. As we chatted together, my supervisor asked him, “What was the best experience you
Surprising Ways Those with Dementia Can Care For You Read More »
“So my forgetfulness is age-related memory loss and nothing to be overly concerned about. I’m going to look at my lifestyle and try to figure out how I can up my game. But now I’m worried about Great-aunt Margaret…” What other issues should concern you? We talked about the instrumental activities of daily living which
Memory Loss: When Should I Worry? I Read More »
Is there one phrase which is true of every person with dementia and every person who lost their keys, forgot a name or used poor judgement and fears they might be developing dementia? One phrase? Everyone is different. Everyone. Is. Different. Dr. Bill Thomas, the founder of The Eden Alternative, said, “If you’ve met one
I’ve Had Enough of Embarrassing Memory Loss! Read More »
I’ve lived under a cloud all my adult life. Shortly after I was married at 23, and certainly by the time I’d had my first daughter at 25, my mother showed signs of early-onset dementia. Our family knew nothing about the disease, and society at large was far less knowledgeable at the time. It was
How To Stop Worrying When You Lose Your Keys Read More »
Remember my friend from a few weeks ago? A short, gentle man with a soft voice, he’d admitted his wife to our care floor a few weeks ago, and now participated in his first care conference. This meeting, with all the staff who care for his wife giving input, gave him a chance to ask
How To Have Demetia and a Fulfilled Life Read More »