Supporting all who care for elders
Jack, Nancy’s father, had come a long way in the last few months in his journey of struggling with depression. From lethargy and loss of interest in life, he had made several changes in his routine. Although he didn’t like to admit it, he knew Nancy’s efforts had given him the push
It Takes a Village to Fight Depression in the Elderly Read More »
“Dad, why aren’t you at your art class? Isn’t it on Wednesday?” Nancy’s father shrugged and dropped his hands into his lap. “I don’t know. It seemed like too much effort” Nancy stared at her father with concern. “But you loved that class! You made friends there, and had fun. When did you stop going?”
The Truth About Depression in Elders Read More »
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 »
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 »