Supporting all who care for elders
Some days are life changing. I was scheduled for my first hip replacement, and would have six sessions of physio after to help with my recovery. But I suffered from bone spurs on that hip–nasty little gremlins which jabbed me with hot pokers when I moved–and my doctor had sent me for a […]
How to Prevent Falls through a Healthy Lifestyle Read More »
Helen hadn’t felt well for several days. She’d been to her doctor, who told her she had a mild flu. She’d had her flu shot, and that’s why it was mild. He told her the normal things to do to recover, and she started to feel better, although still weak. On the fifth
A Fall May Change Your Life in Surprising Ways Read More »
Gladys continually tried to escape her facility. Even though she lived in a pleasant environment with caring staff, good food and a variety of activities, she used every opportunity she could find to get away. Staff were at their wit’s end, and her family worried that she would hurt herself or get lost
Looking for the Unmet Need in Supporting Elders With Dementia Read More »
“He’s coming again.” The care partner passing my desk said the words as if commenting on the weather, or telling me she was going for lunch. I knew exactly what she meant. George loved to wander in his wheelchair, and if he made it past my desk, he would create havoc
9 Reasons Why Your Elder With Dementia Might Be Struggling Read More »
When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her mid-fifties, the disease and all that went with it was a huge cloud of doubt to me. It was 1975, and not as much was known about the disease. There weren’t the supports for family, and we didn’t have the internet to do research.
How to Lower Your Risk of an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis. Read More »
There are words whose spelling trips me up every single time. It’s like I have a mental block about them, and it drives me nuts. Why can’t I learn them and put this behind me? Diarrhea. Nutrition.
When Should I Worry? When Forgetfulness Becomes a Problem 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 »
On Friday, Sarah experienced the nightmare every care partner dreads. She came over to her mom’s apartment to find her on the floor. Fortunately, she’d only slipped down as she tripped over a kitchen mat about ten minutes before Sarah arrived. Her bottom had received most of the impact, and other than a large purple
How to Respectfully Create a Safer Environment Read More »
Roger had been taking the anti-depressant for two months now. The doctor had warned him that they were starting with a small dose and would raise it slowly as needed. He said he would monitor closely, and that it often took some time to find the correct drug and dosage for each person. “Covering his
Finding Practical Ways for Elders to Emerge From Depression Read More »