Interventions

Six Reasons To Say “No” To A Hospital Visit

“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 »

How to Triumph Over Toxic Behaviour in Dementia

John was a “frequent flyer” in my work area. Able to propel his wheelchair down the hall from where he lived to our neighbourhood, his favourite activity was to create havoc in our dining room. He’d move from table to table, touching dishes and cutlery with hands which had been everywhere. John wasn’t popular–that’s an

How to Triumph Over Toxic Behaviour in Dementia Read More »

Did You Know Effective Music Can Make Magic?

From the day he moved in, everyone knew three things about Harry. He loved plants, he had a killer smile, and he never went anywhere without his harmonica. Dementia had stolen his huge repertoire but he still retained six or seven songs he played from memory. While passing in the hall you would hear them

Did You Know Effective Music Can Make Magic? Read More »

Social Isolation, Elders and the Joy of Technology

The world grinds to a standstill. Roads remain empty, transit systems echo, churches provide online services only. Stores which are still open display hand sanitizers at every corner and mask-wearing customers lurk and disappear. Our present reality. Confined to quarters, staying home, forcing this virus to die the death of having no host. Isolated, we

Social Isolation, Elders and the Joy of Technology Read More »

4 Ways to Find Joy in the Garden With Your Elder

Try my fun quiz! Do you think winter should end December 26th? Do you live in a place where winter ends June 1 (maybe)? Do you start looking at seed packets and garden magazines when there’s still snow on the ground? Does growing things give you a rush like a whole cup of sugar? Do

4 Ways to Find Joy in the Garden With Your Elder Read More »

This Brilliant Visitor is the Best!

My name is Scrappy and I have a job. I make smiles. Now, I know that everyone doesn’t like dogs. To tell you the truth, there are some people I’m not too crazy about. If elders don’t want a visit or are afraid, I just pass them by. I wish the people I’m thinking about

This Brilliant Visitor is the Best! Read More »