Supporting all who care for elders
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 »
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
We sat on our swing on the deck. At mid-afternoon it looked like dusk. Our solar lights sprung to life and an eerie stillness descended. We wore our special glasses and watched with awe as the eclipse of 2024 slipped across the sky. As awed as I was by the whole event, something else struck
How Loneliness and Isolation Are Toxic for Elders Read More »
I received a call at work. My husband, at home on disability with cardiac myopathy (severe heart disease) had told the visiting nurse to leave. She saw his swollen ankles and his general frail state and was concerned he was moving quickly toward cardiac failure. I worked hours away, but rushed home as fast as
How to Help Manage the Many Pills Your Elder Needs Read More »
Everyone in the family knew that Grandpa couldn’t hear well. The television roared when he listened to it, and the radio sounded at levels that rivalled his teenage grandchildren. In conversation, he growled about family members “muttering.” Why couldn’t anyone speak up these days? Conversations addressing the problem never went well. Grandpa would go off
How to Have Difficult Conversations With Your Elder Read More »
You’ve been dreading today for weeks. Since you first noticed signs which disturbed you, since you brought your elder to their GP, since you went to a specialist for testing. Today you are sitting in the office waiting for results, and your stomach is doing that grinding thing. Then the doctor tells you your elder
“We Got a Dementia Diagnosis. What now?” Read More »
I made a valiant effort to keep the horror off my face. It was the yearly care conference for this resident and her four children sat in our meeting room with the doctor, physio, dietary staff and others. The purpose was to review her care plan and tweak it if needed. I had just explained
How Do Social and Medical Care Get Married? Read More »
An apple a day.. “Eat your vegetables!” Love at first bite. Life is uncertain, eat dessert first. You are what you eat. Ever think about how much of our life is obsessed with food? That’s not a bad thing, as obviously we need to eat to live, and proper nutrition is important. Beyond that, food
Everything You Know About Food Changes at End-of-Life Read More »
End-of-life decisions are gut-wrenching. That’s why it’s important to have current information and communicate. Knowing your elder’s wishes makes difficult choices possible. If you are in the position of making a decision for someone who isn’t able to tell you their wishes, having clear, up-to-date information gives you the best tools. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
How to Navigate Agonizing End-of-Life Decisions Read More »
In September, my life changed. In September, I became disabled. Arthritis has been my constant companion for about ten years. I always tried to give it as little attention as possible, only acknowledging it when its twinges and aches caused me to limp or grimace. A pill, a rub, perhaps some heat or cold and I
“But I Don’t Like This New Normal!” Read More »