Supporting all who care for elders
“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 »
They are everywhere but you may not know them. It might be the person in the next office at work, ahead of you in the grocery line-up or living on your street. They might be your friends or your parents. They are living with chronic pain, and you may not be aware. If you are,
How I Learned Authentic Lessons From Being in Chronic Pain Read More »
“Others have it worse than you.” I’m aware of this. People who struggle with diseases that may kill them, and which debilitate them along the way, carry a heavier load. Who am I to whine about pain and disability, especially when it may be temporary? We need to be careful with statements like this. Although
A Behind the Scenes Look at Walking with Chronic Pain Read More »
Offering choice to elders presents many problems. Is it worth it? You decide. Choice is expensive In our dining room at lunch there are two choices of soup, several options of main course, including one bland and one vegetarian and a whole cart full of desserts. Don’t like the soup options? We can make you
Three Practical Reasons Which Inspire Me To Deny Choice Read More »
Do you ever feel like life’s out of control? Situations are spiralling and you have no choice, or perhaps no good choice? One morning, I faced time pressure to get out the door and make the train. My inner clock ticked and I knew as I blew my hair dry that less than 10 minutes
Powerless Elders Devastated by Lack of Choice Read More »
What I learned about me The day my car died, I learned an important lesson about myself. And about the elders I serve. In fact, about life in general. My car began to reach that unfortunate stage where it was costing me money. You’ve all been there. You pay for “one last repair” and make
The Agony and Inspiration of Elders Losing Independence Read More »
“We’ve got a problem.” Megan’s delightful British accent and belly laugh were my favourites, but she wasn’t laughing today. She pulled me aside with a frown and confided to me in a low tone the seriousness of what they were facing. Someone at their table for four was wasting milk. She asked for a full
How is this day unlike any other day? Those famous words were applicable to us as we celebrated Shrove Tuesday in our neighbourhood. The menu at lunch was, of course, pancakes, with sausage, bacon, peach and/or strawberry sauce and maple syrup. Resident’s eyes widened as this amazing plateful of goodies was brought to them. If
How to Offer Maximum Choice and Why Read More »
I probably make a thousand choices in a day. Most of them are insignificant and don’t even hit my radar. Which of my flavoured coffees will I have this morning? What will I wear? Will I have a salad or a sandwich for lunch? After dinner, will I read a book, watch a movie or knit?
How To Offer Choice and Provoke Respect Read More »
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
Maintaining Independence When You Need More Help Read More »