Supporting all who care for elders
“Each person with dementia is a person first. They are the person they were, the person they are and the person they are becoming. They may lose abilities with the disease, but they retain their personhood. This must be at the centre of our understanding, and the foremost thought in every interaction.” Ann Peachman Stewart […]
How to Celebrate the Personhood of the Person with Dementia Read More »
When I started working in eldercare, my work experience included my father’s pharmacy, employment in a library, and 15 years of running a daycare in my home. I loved the elders, was a good listener and had creative ideas, but I didn’t know what I was doing. The timing of my hiring came at the
How to Listen to the Dreams of Elders and Say “What If…” Read More »
Maisie leaned on her tip-toes to peek out the window at the top of the door. A tiny bird of a woman, she clung to her walker for balance. Thin grey hair, heavy brogues and tartan skirt and jacket, she presented the perfect picture of an elderly Scottish lady out for a stroll. She was
What I Learned About Closed Doors From an Elder with Dementia Read More »
Take a guess. Of all the activities and trips I planned over the years for the frail elderly population I served, which was the most popular? The garden centre. We rented a bus because it was necessary with wheelchairs, but we didn’t go far. A large garden centre situated
Including Elders in Summer Fun Doesn’t Need to be Complicated Read More »
Does ageism matter? A few jokes and memes. People poking fun at their own infirmities? Should I lighten up? It matters because ageism is the last “acceptable” prejudice. It occupies our society, our workplaces, our government, and is so invasive that we don’t recognize it a lot of the time. It becomes an
How to Recognize Ageism in Every Part of Your Life Read More »
For 35 years, Theresa got up each day and made her way to school, teaching elementary and high school children history and reading. She loved her job, loved the children, and loved making a difference in their lives. While still working, she volunteered at the nearby Rowan Museum. Dressing in period costumes, she taught children
How to Volunteer Yourself to Purpose After Retirement Read More »
As a teenager, cleaning the finished part of our basement fell to me. Dusting the bookcase was my least favourite because it contained old books, an ancient clock, the family Bible and other treasures which took forever to clean. One day, when accomplishing this hated task, I came across a brown folder full
How to Find the Passion that Leads to Purpose After Retirement Read More »
I had a plan. If I’d had a choice, I would have continued to work. I loved my job, derived great purpose from what I did and wasn’t emotionally ready to give it up. But severe arthritis and chronic pain showed me it was time. I didn’t want my team having to carry the load
How Finding Purpose After Retirement Gives Life Flavour and Sparkle Read More »
It began with a fall. Abby got the call at work and rushed to the hospital to meet the ambulance that brought her mother there. Mom had gone out to take the garbage to the curb and had slipped on some black ice. The kids had all left for school and the street was deserted,
Finding the Care You Need to Stay in Your Home Read More »
Roger’s moods hadn’t gone unnoticed. But help came from an unexpected source. Jenna picked up the call at work. The voice on the other end of the line hesitated. “Hi, This is George McDuff. You don’t know me, but I’m a friend of your dad’s. We play cards together on Wednesdays.” Jenna’s “worry meter” immediately
How to Overcome the Stigma of Mental Health Issues in the Elderly Read More »