Supporting all who care for elders
Sheryl had read about caregiver stress. She knew the signs–feeling overwhelmed, tired all the time, sad, no interest in activities she used to like, and more. She’d experienced them all at some point. Dan had good days when life seemed almost normal, but their number had shrunk, and she struggled to transition from her role […]
Care Partner Stress–How to Crush it During the Pandemic Read More »
Sometimes the best laid plans fail. This is true in life in general, but reaches a whole new dimension when working with elders. Even when dementia isn’t a factor, sometimes it falls flatter than a busted balloon. Speaking of balloons…even though Muriel was the grumpiest person I knew with no family and only one friend,
An Epic Care Partner Fail–How to Survive and Learn Read More »
At 46, Jenn has a unique perspective on caregiver stress. She is the one receiving care. Only a few years ago, she rose before dawn and slipped into the frigid Manitoba winter to run, training for one of the many marathons in which she competed. She’d started to take classes to put her in a
A Poignant Focus on the Heart of One Receiving Care Read More »
You’re learning something new, something you’ve never tried before. Let’s say it’s French. What’s more, it wasn’t your idea. Your job requires it and although it wouldn’t be your choice, feeding your family isn’t an option, so you need to acquire this new skill. You gather every piece of support you can find in order
Stress: How to Survive the Pandemic With Your Sanity Intact Read More »
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 »