Supporting all who care for elders
Gloria flounced into the dining room and announced loudly, “Someone stole my purse!” Like a tightening belt, the agitation among the others in the room increased. We had a thief among us? Was anyone’s belongings safe? Gloria’s care partner assured her she would help look, and they went arm in arm down to her room. […]
How to deal with a stolen purse Read More »
When my dad was in university taking his pharmacy degree, he took an elective in art. I remember years later finding a folder with pencil and charcoal drawings from that time. Astounded, I discovered he had remarkable talent. Talent he never once pursued in all the years of building a business and raising a family.
7 Positive Ways for Elders to Attain A Connection Read More »
“No.” All her life, Maggie had been in the middle of everything. A little raucous and “off the wall,” irreverent and fun, full of life. But life had almost drained from her, and as a widow, blind and in a wheelchair, she didn’t bubble as she used to. She barely simmered most days. So when
How to Find Variety in Community For Your Elder Read More »
We came together to celebrate my Dad’s birthday and to spend a few precious moments before my parents went to visit my sister and her family out west for a few weeks. My husband and I, my parents and my two little girls visited over a meal, and of course, cake. I
How to Find Creative Ways to Give Quality Time Read More »
Have you heard of the 5 love languages? For over 30 years, Gary Chapman has been telling us how to relate to each other by understanding how we best understand giving and receiving love. He talks about “keeping the love tank full” and warns that “isolation is devastating to the human psyche.” 1. Published in
How the 5 Love Languages Can Impact Your Elder Read More »
Doesn’t this dog have guilt written all over his face? I can be easily motivated by guilt. “Grandma, we haven’t come over in so long. I miss you.” Immediately, plans are changed or cancelled. How had I let time slip by without seeing my precious girls? “How long since you’ve had your ducts cleaned?” (Ummm,
Are There Practical Weapons to Attack Feelings of Loneliness in Elders? Read More »
Vera sat in the easy chair in her room and allowed her mind to wander to the many times she’d felt she had no control of her life. Even when her physical body could bounce back, she’d struggled emotionally with the feeling before. Her mind took her back to when her first husband left her
Has Our Solution to Hospital Overcrowding Created Painful Loneliness for Elders? Read More »
During the winter of 2020, I thought I was going to die. Although pandemic hysteria ripped through every news broadcast and social media, I took all the precautions and didn’t think I would die of Covid. Loneliness was the virus that attacked my body, my emotions and my mental health and led me to despair,
The dangers of aching loneliness in elders and how to help Read More »
The first time I held one, it immediately slipped out of my hand. A tube filled with liquid, it slid down the middle of itself and gravity sent it flying to the ground. Afraid I’d broken the thing, I picked it up, only to have it slip out again. Long before fidget toys were invented,
Why Diagnosing Depression in Elders is Like Holding a Wiggly Fidget Toy Read More »
“I’ll never put my mother in a home.” I’ve heard these words many times over the years. My biggest challenge is always to keep silent, or to carefully ask a few gentle questions. Spoken with conviction and often a sanctimonious air, the words don’t usually invite dialogue. Those eight words hold hidden messages and although not all
Why I Think My Care Choices For My Elder Are Better Than Yours Read More »