Stress

A Caregiver’s Journey: Finding a Way When You Don’t Make a Plan

Leave a Comment / Age-Related Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, Care Partners, Community, Dementia, Elderhood, Exercise, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Respect, Stress /

     From last week: Eric’s caregiver journey began when his elderly father, who lived alone, fell and broke a hip and wrist. The doctor tells Eric he thinks his dad may suffer from mild dementia and suggests he gets tested.      Read last week’s blog here: https://smallmiracles.online/how-to-ask-the-right-questions-before-becoming-a-caregiver/      After meeting with the […]

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How to Ask the Right Questions Before Becoming A Caregiver

Leave a Comment / Alzheimer's Disease, Care Partners, Dementia, End of Life, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Long-Term-Care, Stress /

    Eric thought he cared for his elderly Dad.      Since Eric’s mother had died, he visited once a week, got him groceries, made sure his prescriptions were refilled and took him for appointments. Once in a while, they’d go to a sporting event together. If you asked him how his dad was

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How to Fight Loneliness by Making Connections

Leave a Comment / Anxiety, Care Partners, Community, Depression, Elderhood, Exercise, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Loneliness, Mental Health, Purpose, Respect, Stress, Support /

    Libby had taught the junior grades for 30 years, and she’d loved it. Certainly, she saw problems today which had been unknown when her career began, but she’s done her research and had learned new approaches. Kids were kids, after all, and they needed encouragement and for someone to believe in them. And

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What I Learned About Closed Doors From an Elder with Dementia

Age-Related Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, Care Partners, Community, Dementia, Elderhood, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Mental Health, Purpose, Respect, Stress /

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

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How to Plan Summer Family Celebrations Which Include Your Elder

Age-Related Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety, Behavioural Disturbances, Care Partners, Celebration, Community, Dementia, Elderhood, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Interventions, Love, Respect, Stress, Support /

    Some memories are all about the emotions. It was 50 years ago, but the anger and indignity I felt still surface.      As a kid, I’d loved family reunions. Usually held beside water, I could swim, run around with the three cousins who were close to my age and snack all day

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How to Recognize Ageism in Every Part of Your Life

2 Comments / Ageism, Care Partners, Culture Change, Depression, Elderhood, Independence/Choice, Mental Health, Purpose, Respect, Stress, Support, Technology /

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

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9 Reasons Why Your Elder With Dementia Might Be Struggling

Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety, Behavioural Disturbances, Care Partners, Community, Dementia, Depression, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Interventions, Respect, Stress /

     “He’s coming again.” The care partner passing my desk said the words as if commenting on the weather, or telling me she was going for lunch. I knew exactly what she meant.      George loved to wander in his wheelchair, and if he made it past my desk, he would create havoc

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How a Simple Christmas Can Be Special For Your Elder

Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety, Care Partners, Celebration, Christmas, Dementia, Elderhood, Independence/Choice, Respect, Stress /

    Sharon looked at the bins of Christmas decorations and already felt overwhelmed. “Christmas ornaments.” “Front Porch Decorations.” “Christmas Village.” She loved it all, but wished the Christmas fairies would come in the night and put it all up for her. Caring for her mother took a lot of her time and energy, and

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How to Find the Passion that Leads to Purpose After Retirement

Community, Depression, Elderhood, Family and Care, Independence/Choice, Mental Health, Purpose, Stress /

    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

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How to Receive Care As Well As Give It

Anxiety, Care Partners, Family and Care, Reciprocal Care, Stress, Support /

I came out of my supervisor’s office feeling battered and bruised.       I hadn’t been chastised or done anything wrong. In the midst of a major change, I experienced the messy and overwhelming emotions that go along with that. We were starting a new neighbourhood, training new staff and learning a radical way to

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