Supporting all who care for elders
One Sunday in church an odd thing happened. Instead of hugging or shaking hands to greet people, they asked us to just wave, or to bump elbows. Embarrassed, I shook hands anyway. What was this foolishness? A few weeks later, I was watching church online. I learned a new language which included social distancing, hand […]
What Do Care Partners Need? They Need to be Touched. Read More »
“It’s okay to talk to yourself…and okay to answer yourself. But sad when you have to repeat what you said because you weren’t listening.” seen on Facebook It had been the first “fabric shopping trip” since COVID began. My friend and I often travelled along country roads to a wonderful fabric warehouse because we are
What do Care Partners Need? They Need to be Heard. Read More »
In celebration of National Caregiver’s Month in Canada, we are going to explore what care partners need. Have you ever felt invisible? As a shy introvert, it happens to me all the time. And truthfully, I’m not comfortable in groups and I’m usually happy to listen to the rest of you. But once in a
What do Care Partners Need? They Need to be Seen. Read More »
When dementia makes the outcome of celebrations unsure, how do you cope?
How to Celebrate When a Disaster is Possible Read More »
An apple a day.. “Eat your vegetables!” Love at first bite. Life is uncertain, eat dessert first. You are what you eat. Ever think about how much of our life is obsessed with food? That’s not a bad thing, as obviously we need to eat to live, and proper nutrition is important. Beyond that, food
Everything You Know About Food Changes at End-of-Life Read More »
End-of-life decisions are gut-wrenching. That’s why it’s important to have current information and communicate. Knowing your elder’s wishes makes difficult choices possible. If you are in the position of making a decision for someone who isn’t able to tell you their wishes, having clear, up-to-date information gives you the best tools. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
How to Navigate Agonizing End-of-Life Decisions Read More »
“We can’t deal with this problem here. She needs to go to hospital.” They are all looking at you. The doctor, the nurses, the care staff, your family. As your mother’s care partner and power of attorney, the next decision is yours. Maybe she has pneumonia which isn’t responding to the antibiotics she’s been given,
Six Reasons To Say “No” To A Hospital Visit Read More »
We all have our own version of comfort food. For me it’s rich Greek yogurt almost anytime, or homemade soup with almond bread, toasted, on a cold night. Maybe an herbal tea, but only the fruity kind. None of the green stuff. Or comfort clothes. In this hot weather it’s shorts and a loose top
How to face your elder’s last days with courage Read More »
One day, your task as a care partner will end. Of course, 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
When the End is Near, What Does it Look Like? Read More »
My favourite times at work were when I could step away from the computer, the meetings and all the other responsibilities and sit and chat with the ladies. We were doing just that one afternoon when the conversation turned to Christmas cake. A long-ago memory bubbled to the surface for me, of a time as
How to Honour Your Elders With Dementia With a Sense of Purpose Read More »