Stress

How to Identify Three Evil Triplets Which Result in Caregiver Guilt

It makes no sense. At a time in your life when you are stretched the most physically, emotionally and mentally, you feel guilty? You try to meet the ever-changing needs of your elder, keep up with your job, meet your family’s needs, keep the house in decent shape, all while feeling more tired than you’ve […]

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How to Recognize Caregiver Guilt

Mary’s care partner came to me looking frustrated. “I don’t know what to do. Every drawer and cupboard and extra space is stuffed full, and today Tim came in with more presents for her. She was delighted, but I have no idea where to put them!”  I smiled. Although it was a lovely problem to

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How to Find Nutritious Meals for Elders Living Alone

“Hey, Dad.” Megan stepped into her father’s apartment with a fresh load of clean laundry in her arms. Since her mother’s death several months ago, her dad had slowly found his way through the process of living alone. He’d always been a fairly tidy person, so he kept his apartment clean and picked up. Megan

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How to deal with a stolen purse

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.

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How to Train Your Mind to Handle Chronic Pain

I felt like a bug on the wall, hearing a private conversation which took me into the hearts and mind of people struggling with dementia. It wasn’t private, but a podcast featuring several people sharing. One elderly British lady stole my heart as she explained how she took her caring children aside. “Please don’t help

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On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Dementia Gave to Me…

It’s almost here, and I’d better share quickly so you can use these ideas for the big event. Or pass them on. Or maybe next year. On the Ninth Day of Christmas, Dementia Gave to Me…Christmas Cards I can’t remember the last time I sent physical Christmas cards. Many years ago, I switched to a

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On the Fifth Day of Christmas, Dementia Gave to Me…

They had planned well for Annie’s 100th birthday. Her sister and nieces had flown in from the other end of the country. The table looked festive with balloons and a table centre resembling fireworks. They’d ordered a chocolate cake (her favourite) big enough to feed the entire dining room. Everyone was poised to sing. They

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The One Where We Lost Someone, And Christmas Came Anyway

The answer to today’s Wordle puzzle was “ninja.” Immediately, tears pricked my eyes and a thousand memories flooded my brain.  I miss my favourite ninja. You may have read about the passing of my lovely niece, Jenn, this last August. https://smallmiracles.online/the-not-so-small-miracle-of-jenn-a-life-well-lived/  As a marathon runner, she would get up before sunrise during Manitoba winters to

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My Secret Recipe For Successful Elderhood

My mother-in-law had a secret recipe for plum pudding. Every Christmas it would be served with a choice of hard sauce or rum sauce, and my husband loved it. I wasn’t a fan, but understood that it remained a family favourite. My sister-in-law begged her mother for the recipe, but the reply always came that

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