Supporting all who care for elders
This blog is special. It contains an interview with an elder who receives care with input from one of her daughters. First-hand experiences and wisdom are gold, and I feel excited to share with you. What are some important qualities of a good caregiver? Personality “Friendly, personable. It’s important to me that they chat while […]
One Family’s First-hand Experiences with Finding and Receiving Care 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 »
On a hectic trip to the local drug store, I picked up several items and headed to the checkout. I also needed stamps, which I knew can be obtained at the cash register. While I am placing my items on the desk, the cashier begins to fire questions at me. Do I want a bag?
How to offer respect to people with dementia Read More »
I drove to my friend’s house for a visit and to deliver some homemade jam she was buying from me. As I started to make my exit from the car, I did my normal “dance.” I got my body out, reached back for the bag of jams, my purse and my cane and got everything
How Ageism Affects You and Your Elder and What To Do About It Read More »
It’s hot and muggy and I am dripping sweat with the smallest exertion. I’d like to deep-dive into my favourite lake on Manitoulin Island. I’ll be doing that soon, but in the meantime, I’m going to deep-dive in the topic of respect. What is respect? What is ageism and why is it so harmful? How
A Deep-Dive Into How To Give the Gift of Respect to Your Elder Read More »
Purpose in an elder’s life may be the most important aspect.
How to Bring Your Elder Purpose as Part of their Care 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 »
I want to be an elder with a cape. You know the ones I mean? The man in his 90s who completed a marathon. The woman in her 80s with the hot, incredible body who moves with grace on the balance beam. She’s more flexible than I was at, well, ever. The nurse who works
Are We Getting Elderhood Wrong? How To Turn It Around Read More »
Raise your hand if you’ve ever experienced “mommy guilt.” Every hand of every mother reading this should be raised. It’s that common. Some of us experienced it every day. Consider this scenerio: It’s your 5-year-old’s birthday, and although you were up several times in the night with a teething baby, you got up early to
How To Be An Amazing Care Partner–Even When You Fail Read More »
“Others have it worse than you.” I’m aware of this. People who struggle with diseases that may kill them, and which debilitate them along the way, carry a heavier load. Who am I to whine about pain and disability, especially when it may be temporary? We need to be careful with statements like this. Although
A Behind the Scenes Look at Walking with Chronic Pain Read More »