Supporting all who care for elders
In 1957, the Paul Smith Quartet sang those words, and they’ve been picked up and sung by so many artists since then. And although for elders, it may not be easy in any season, summer does offer more possibilities. This month we’re going to look at what benefits the great outdoors offers, a few cautions, […]
Making the Livin’ Easy for Elders this Summer 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 »
I hate my walker. When I had my first hip replacement five years ago, I was able to leave my walker behind after about six weeks and use only my cane. But time and arthritis creeping into other parts of my body made it different this time. At five months in, I am still using
When Unexpected Support Brings Joy to Caregivers Read More »
“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 »
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
How to Identify Three Evil Triplets Which Result in Caregiver Guilt Read More »
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
How to Recognize Caregiver Guilt Read More »
“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
How to Find Nutritious Meals for Elders Living Alone Read More »
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 »
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
How to Train Your Mind to Handle Chronic Pain Read More »
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
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Dementia Gave to Me… Read More »