Supporting all who care for elders
George stared out the window at the brilliant fall day. He should go out for a walk. Even a short one would help. He sat in his recliner and raised his feet. Exhaustion seeped into his every pore. He didn’t have the energy. He could hear Sheila’s voice. “You’ll feel better if you do. Come […]
How Isolation is a Physical, Emotional and Mental Killer 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 »
Is it ever right to challenge a person with dementia to do something they don’t want to do? It took days of cajoling to get Amy to join us on a picnic to the park. The weather was perfect, her daughter would join us and we would watch the children play. Amy loved children. We
How to manage caregiver guilt Read More »
Jean looked out her kitchen window to see her mother striding down the sidewalk. Although her mom had dementia, she remained physically strong and she was making tracks. She dropped her dish towel and raced out the door. “Mom!” she called. “Where are you going?” “To New Brunswick.” Her mother had grown up in that
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 »