Supporting all who care for elders
My most poignant story of reciprocal care happened the day I came back to work after the death of my husband. It’s a story I’ve told before, but thinking back on it still brings tears to my eyes. I knew that first day would be gruelling, Part of me wanted to find a place to […]
Your Elder Has a Gift to Share with Everyone Read More »
In 1957, the Paul Smith Quartet sang those words, and they’ve been picked up and sung by so many artists since then. And although for elders, it may not be easy in any season, summer does offer more possibilities. This month we’re going to look at what benefits the great outdoors offers, a few cautions,
Making the Livin’ Easy for Elders this Summer Read More »
“I feel like I’m looking for an angel with a halo and wings. Or maybe a whole chorus of angels, because one definitely won’t do.” A week earlier… Abby felt overwhelmed as she looked at the many notes she had spread across the dining room table. Mom would be returning home from
Advice About What to Look For in a Caregiver Read More »
As a fiction writer, one of the skills I’ve developed is to get inside my characters’ heads and hearts. I need to feel what they are feeling and then spill that onto the page in ways that draw my reader in. That’s what makes today’s blog so difficult to write.
How to Deal with a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia Read More »
Greta knew that her kids wanted to talk with her, and it scared her. She had guessed their concerns for her mobility, her safety and the fact that she still lived in the house they’d grown up in would be the topic of conversation. They sat around her kitchen table, and
What 81% of Canadian Elders Want and How Technology Can Help Read More »
Sarah couldn’t get the picture of her mom lying on the floor in the kitchen out of her mind. The fall hadn’t been serious; there’d been minimal damage. But Sarah’s mind and even her dreams kept crowding with what ifs. What if she hadn’t come to visit that day? What if Mom had laid there
How to Cope When Bubble Wrap Isn’t an Option Read More »
Roger’s moods hadn’t gone unnoticed. But help came from an unexpected source. Jenna picked up the call at work. The voice on the other end of the line hesitated. “Hi, This is George McDuff. You don’t know me, but I’m a friend of your dad’s. We play cards together on Wednesdays.” Jenna’s “worry meter” immediately
How to Overcome the Stigma of Mental Health Issues in the Elderly Read More »
Grey clouds hovered over the November sky all day, and at 4:00, dusk began to gather. Roger turned away from the window in disgust. He hated this time of year. Bare trees, colder temperatures and never enough light. He eased himself into his recliner. Who was he kidding? He did hate November, but this seemed
How to Recognize the Struggle with Depression Among Elders Read More »
Wanda had watched her father sink into the abyss of loneliness over the last few months, and she felt desperate to help. Nothing she did seemed to make a difference. When Dad’s best friend had died suddenly several months ago, it had seemed to knock him off his feet emotionally. Then it happened
Practical Ideas to Combat Loneliness in Elders 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 »