Supporting all who care for elders
Can you relate? You open the fridge door and stare inside, searching for a clue. You came in the kitchen for something, and you think it’s in the fridge, but what was it? You look everywhere for your phone, only to find it in the pocket of the jacket you’re wearing. You hear yourself saying, […]
How to Remember When You Are Prone to Forget Read More »
“It takes a village to raise a child.” African proverb Care partners need a village, too. A group of sometimes unrelated people who in ways, big or small, pour into their elder. I can hear you. “Yes, that sounds lovely. But I have no village. There’s only me.” That’s a recipe for disaster. This month,
How to Recognize and Begin to Overcome Caregiver Stress Read More »
Do you remember the song about how all our bones are connected? “The foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone…” Hearing it as a kid was the first time I thought about the concept that everything in our body is connected to everything else. You only have to stub your toe to
How to Make Good Lifestyle Choices for the Rest of Your Life Read More »
Is it playing those word games I love? Solving math puzzles I don’t? Spending regular time with a group of close friends? Good genes? All of these are factors, but the single greatest element of brain health over which you have control is your diet.
The Number One Factor in Maintaining a Healthy Brain Read More »
Greta knew that her kids wanted to talk with her, and it scared her. She had guessed their concerns for her mobility, her safety and the fact that she still lived in the house they’d grown up in would be the topic of conversation. They sat around her kitchen table, and
What 81% of Canadian Elders Want and How Technology Can Help Read More »
Gladys didn’t understand the appeal. Her friends had fancy phones which did all kinds of things besides make phone calls. They did their banking without leaving the building. Was that even safe? They got their groceries and other things delivered and talked to some weird guy called “Siri.” All these things scared and confused her,
5 Ways Technology Can Help the Other 10% Read More »
Sarah couldn’t get the picture of her mom lying on the floor in the kitchen out of her mind. The fall hadn’t been serious; there’d been minimal damage. But Sarah’s mind and even her dreams kept crowding with what ifs. What if she hadn’t come to visit that day? What if Mom had laid there
How to Cope When Bubble Wrap Isn’t an Option Read More »
On Friday, Sarah experienced the nightmare every care partner dreads. She came over to her mom’s apartment to find her on the floor. Fortunately, she’d only slipped down as she tripped over a kitchen mat about ten minutes before Sarah arrived. Her bottom had received most of the impact, and other than a large purple
How to Respectfully Create a Safer Environment Read More »
A fall can change everything. Not a profound statement. Of course it’s true. Broken bones are no picnic, especially for elders who heal slower and have multiple medical issues. But have you considered this: Falls can trigger chronic pain which will change the quality of a person’s life. Head injuries and all their implications as
How to Avoid the Fall That Can Change Everything Read More »
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I’ve always thought, “that song must have been written by a man.” I looked it up. It was. Two men, in fact. Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963. It was first performed and made famous by another man, Andy Williams, the same year. I love Christmas,
How to Give Like Santa to Your Elder this Christmas Read More »