Supporting all who care for elders
Nancy’s father refused to go to the doctor at first, but after a few more weeks of lethargy, he agreed. A full workup followed, including a physical, blood work, and a review of his medications. They returned a few weeks later for follow-up. The doctor peered at the computer screen. “Your heart disease is stable,
Depression in the Elderly Needs More Than Medication Read More »
“Dad, why aren’t you at your art class? Isn’t it on Wednesday?” Nancy’s father shrugged and dropped his hands into his lap. “I don’t know. It seemed like too much effort” Nancy stared at her father with concern. “But you loved that class! You made friends there, and had fun. When did you stop going?”
The Truth About Depression in Elders Read More »
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
How to Fight Loneliness by Making Connections Read More »
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
How to Plan Summer Family Celebrations Which Include Your Elder Read More »
Myperfectresume.com is a website dedicated to helping people looking for a job. They walk them through the process of perfecting their resume and putting their best selves forward in their search. A few years ago, they conducted an “Attitudes in the Workplace” survey in the U.S. of over 1,000 workers regarding ageism.
Some Practical Ideas for Addressing Ageism Read More »
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
How to Recognize Ageism in Every Part of Your Life Read More »
I had a plan. If I’d had a choice, I would have continued to work. I loved my job, derived great purpose from what I did and wasn’t emotionally ready to give it up. But severe arthritis and chronic pain showed me it was time. I didn’t want my team having to carry the load
How Finding Purpose After Retirement Gives Life Flavour and Sparkle Read More »
My children refer to it as my “goose phase,” and it’s embarrassing. I’ve always been a fan of the country look. Cozy, lots of wood and crafty decor. In our first house, I had the opportunity to decorate how I liked it. When everyone else went for the straight lines of Scandinavian furniture
Looking Beyond a Dementia Diagnosis to the Person Read More »
Sometimes reciprocal care takes a little work. Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful program of Samaritan’s Purse. Special boxes are packed for children of various ages with items like clothes, school supplies, small toys, books etc. They are then distributed by the organization to children who would otherwise not receive a
Practical Ideas for Elders to Give Care Read More »
My most poignant story of reciprocal care happened the day I came back to work after the death of my husband. It’s a story I’ve told before, but thinking back on it still brings tears to my eyes. I knew that first day would be gruelling, Part of me wanted to find a place to
Your Elder Has a Gift to Share with Everyone Read More »