Supporting all who care for elders
Everyone knows the illustration of the frog in the pot, right? The frog lounges in water in the pot and the heat is increased ever-so-slowly until the frog boils to death. A sad end to Freddie Frog. Have you ever wondered what was going through the frog’s mind (assuming frogs can think–I haven’t actually researched […]
Like the Frog in the Pot, Are You About to Vaporize? Read More »
Barbara sat in her car in the parking lot of her mother’s new home, staring at her hands and feeling like the worst daughter ever. About a month ago, they’d moved her mom, Hazel, into long-term-care. From the first conversation, through downsizing, the move itself and beyond, they’d worked as a family team with minimal
How to Overcome the Struggle to Let Go Read More »
Brenda worked full time, cared for her family and spent most weekends with her mom, who lived in a local care home. She would bring her to her home, where she could play with her three-year-old great-granddaughter and visit with Brenda. Sometimes they would do a few errands, Brenda would do mom’s laundry and make
How to Manage Without Meltdown Read More »
A conversation over coffee “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I used to fall asleep easily. I’d hit the pillow and be gone. Each day is crazy busy and I can barely drag myself up the stairs. That hasn’t changed, but now I get into bed, and it’s like a switch goes off. I
Frustrated, Anxious, Angry–Care Partner Stress is Real Read More »
I’m writing to you because it’s so much more personal than a blog post, and the diagnosis your received last week is as personal as it gets. Alzheimer’s. I bet you’re still in a fog, trying to assimilate what this means for the rest of your life. Can I give you some advice? (You know
How to Begin Your Alzheimer’s Journey in 3 (Not So) Easy Steps Read More »
“You have dementia, probably Alzheimer’s type.” Time stops. None of the rest of the world exists. At this moment, only you, the doctor and this room matter. The walls seem to close in and there is a strange whistling in your ears. Alzheimer’s? It’s Alzheimer’s? You already strongly suspected, but the seed of hope still
How To Thrive After A Diagnosis of Dementia Read More »
Welcome to your flight care partner journey. Fasten your seat belts because it’s going to be quite a ride. There are many instructions, but here’s the most important one. Put your own oxygen mask on first. We’ve all watched or tried not to watch, the boring movie about seat belts, exits by wings and washrooms. The
5 Simple Strategies To Care For Yourself When You Don’t Know How Read More »
Two flights of stairs stretched below me as I juggled my immense black suitcase, a purse and my lunch bag. So far I’d stuffed the suitcase in my car, drove to the station and hauled my bags on and off the train. But now the staircase loomed. Half my journey still awaited me, my shoulders
The Shocking Truth About Care Partner Trauma Read More »
“Who’s looking after me tonight?” “Amelia” “I don’t know Amelia. Where’s Tracy?” (her regular care partner) “Tracy’s on vacation, but Amelia has looked after you many times. She knows what to do.” “But I don’t know what to do.” “You don’t have to know. Amelia will look after you. She knows what to do.” “Is it
5 Tips to Retain Your Sanity Read More »
If you talk to anyone living in Southern Ontario this week, there is only one topic. The weather. Friday ‘s grey skies turned to snow Friday night, ice pellets on Saturday, freezing rain on Sunday and torrential rain on Monday. Everything was coated in ice, including my car, driveway and the roads. I remained glued
How to Cope When You Feel Overwhelmed Read More »