Supporting all who care for elders
One day, your task as a care partner will end. You know this. Perhaps, on a day full of appointments and crises and decisions, you long for that day. In a secret place in your heart, you might think, “My elder has suffered enough and I’m tired. I’m ready for the end.” Then a nurse […]
How to Read and Understand When the End is Near Read More »
All their lives, many of our elders loved to give. They volunteered, cooked and baked for the grieving or those in need and supported their children and grandchildren in many ways. It mattered. It gave life purpose to be able to help. When they are less able, and can’t see, hear,
Creative Ways Your Elder Can Give to Others Read More »
Elders caring for others is a radical idea. I know, because I had difficulty researching the topic. No matter what words I put in the search engine, it took me to ways to care for elders. Elders contributing, caring, volunteering and giving is unheard of. Let’s change that. Elders already care for others in many
How to Improve Your Elder’s Life With This Radical Idea Read More »
I killed my tomato plant. I’m a decent gardener and puttering in my garden brings me great joy. I don’t often kill plants. When I saw my tomato plant withering, I took it personally. The plant had come home from the garden centre looking healthy and already growing a few tomatoes. I planted it in
Finding Ways for Your Elder to Give Read More »
Are you feeling thirsty? Do you realize that as soon as you are aware of thirst, dehydration begins, and you need to hydrate immediately? This is true for all of us, but elders are often more reluctant to drink and their frail bodies are more subject to dehydration. Because of this, hydration is crucial for
The Answer May Be In A Glass of Water Read More »
Megan decided she needed to start with a list. She invited her dad over to dinner one night, and after he’d enjoyed a hearty barbecue, she told him what she proposed. “I have some ideas of what you like, but some things may have changed, and I don’t know what to do about vegetables. Then
How to Plan for Healthy Meals for Your Elder Read More »
Edith woke with a start. The children needed her. She had to get them dressed for school, and make sure Jeremy washed his face and brushed his teeth after breakfast. Alice didn’t usually need reminding, but Jeremy tried to sneak out without cleaning up. She needed to make their lunches, and after they left, she
Dealing with Behaviours: When All You Want Is Sleep Read More »
“No.” All her life, Maggie had been in the middle of everything. A little raucous and “off the wall,” irreverent and fun, full of life. But life had almost drained from her, and as a widow, blind and in a wheelchair, she didn’t bubble as she used to. She barely simmered most days. So when
How to Find Variety in Community For Your Elder Read More »
We sat on our swing on the deck. At mid-afternoon it looked like dusk. Our solar lights sprung to life and an eerie stillness descended. We wore our special glasses and watched with awe as the eclipse of 2024 slipped across the sky. As awed as I was by the whole event, something else struck
How Loneliness and Isolation Are Toxic for Elders Read More »
Have you ever been in a room with a loudmouth? Maybe at work, or a party? I met one in a bus shelter once. A loudmouth has opinions and loves to expound them. They have no interest in listening, little agenda for hearing or understanding your opinion, and they are “full of themselves.” Their opinion
How to Outsmart Chronic Pain so it Sits in the Back Read More »