Elderhood

I was featured as a guest blogger!

Ann Peachman Stewart’s writing passion sparked by caring for the elderly SEPTEMBER 1, 2020JUBILEEWRITER Today I welcome writer Ann Peachman Stewart. She used her passion for the elderly and their families to find her writing niche. Welcome, Ann. let’s start out with a bit about your writing journey. In 2007, my world turned upside down. Although […]

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Have We Got Ageing Wrong?

She’s poised on the high bar, her toes pointed, She moves her body gracefully and slowly unfolds to stand on the narrow piece of wood. Walking its length, she bends, grabs the bar and swings her body to the ground. Her white hair glistens as she lands. Wait, what? That’s right, this gymnast is 82

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When I Grow Up…

Today, I had to write an end-of-life notice for someone who is dear to me. I struggled, deleted, started over and re-wrote. This notice is an email we send when a resident has been declared end-of-life by their doctor. The purpose is to let people know, so they can visit and say good-bye. We tell

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What Does Respect Mean, Anyway?

Maybe it’s rare these days, but I grew up with “respect your elders.” I called everyone “Mrs. Smyth” and “Mrs. Ruse,” and even when I grew up and these ladies invited me to use their first names, I couldn’t. My mother, who passed away in my mid- twenties, seemed to sit on my shoulder and

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How to Really Know Your Elders

“Do you know Mr. Sully?” “Of course I do. I talk to him every day. He uses a cane and always wears a suit. He’s such a kind gentleman.” “But do you know him?” “I told you I do. His wife lived with us until she passed away. He was such a devoted husband. Spent

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How To Use the Right Words in Eldercare

“I just changed his diaper. You grab a bib for me, and I will feed him.” Is this a conversation between two parents holding their newborn infant? Or perhaps two Early Childhood educators in a daycare situation? No, it’s a conversation held between two care partners over the head of a non-verbal elder in a

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Maintaining Independence When You Need More Help

My car has reached that unfortunate state where the repairs and anticipated repairs mean I need to replace it. Ugh. I am leaving for vacation in less than a week. I wasn’t planning on taking my car, but the multitude of decisions necessary to get a new one will have to wait until I get

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A New Look at Deterioration

As words go, it’s not one of my favourites. Deterioration. “The process of becoming progressively worse.” 1 Eww. Sounds like mouldy bread. The reality of life is, deterioration happens to all of us adults. I used to be able to walk farther and run up a set of stairs. At one point in my life, I

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