Supporting all who care for elders
“It takes a village to raise a child.” African proverb Care partners need a village, too. A group of sometimes unrelated people who in ways, big or small, pour into their elder. I can hear you. “Yes, that sounds lovely. But I have no village. There’s only me.” That’s a recipe for disaster. This month, […]
How to Recognize and Begin to Overcome Caregiver Stress Read More »
Do you remember the song about how all our bones are connected? “The foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone…” Hearing it as a kid was the first time I thought about the concept that everything in our body is connected to everything else. You only have to stub your toe to
How to Make Good Lifestyle Choices for the Rest of Your Life Read More »
Is it playing those word games I love? Solving math puzzles I don’t? Spending regular time with a group of close friends? Good genes? All of these are factors, but the single greatest element of brain health over which you have control is your diet.
The Number One Factor in Maintaining a Healthy Brain 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 »
Wanda had watched her father sink into the abyss of loneliness over the last few months, and she felt desperate to help. Nothing she did seemed to make a difference. When Dad’s best friend had died suddenly several months ago, it had seemed to knock him off his feet emotionally. Then it happened
Practical Ideas to Combat Loneliness in Elders 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 »
Edith woke with a start. The children needed her. She had to get them dressed for school, and make sure Jeremy washed his face and brushed his teeth after breakfast. Alice didn’t usually need reminding, but Jeremy tried to sneak out without cleaning up. She needed to make their lunches, and after they left, she
Dealing with Behaviours: When All You Want Is Sleep 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 »