Supporting all who care for elders
George stared out the window at the brilliant fall day. He should go out for a walk. Even a short one would help. He sat in his recliner and raised his feet. Exhaustion seeped into his every pore. He didn’t have the energy. He could hear Sheila’s voice. “You’ll feel better if you do. Come […]
How Isolation is a Physical, Emotional and Mental Killer Read More »
As a shy introvert, these facts have always been true about me: I need space in my togetherness. Social situations both feed and drain me. Time alone to think, pray, enjoy nature, and pursue creativity nourishes me. When five warm, busy, noisy bodies filled my house, I would long for quiet and a minute alone.
How social isolation can damage your elder in every way Read More »
Mary’s care partner came to me looking frustrated. “I don’t know what to do. Every drawer and cupboard and extra space is stuffed full, and today Tim came in with more presents for her. She was delighted, but I have no idea where to put them!” I smiled. Although it was a lovely problem to
How to Recognize Caregiver Guilt Read More »
Decisions. More decisions. Agonizing, frightening decisions. Besides the emotional tsunami of losing a love one, end-of-life contains so many difficult choices. I remember panic rolling through me as I thought, “What do I do? I don’t know what to do.” This week, we are going to look at these decisions and try to take the
How to Prepare For End-of-life With Your Elder Read More »
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 »