When we let go of old beliefs and thoughts, the past no longer controls us. Research shows that forgiveness helps heal anger and relieves depression and anxiety. Hmm… these are common emotions for caregivers, me included. Just what role does forgiveness play in our caregiving journey? Forgiveness plays a bigger role in caregiving than I suspect most of us realize. If you … [Read more...]
A Living Will for Future Treatments. Is It Possible and Does It Make Sense?
I’d like to know what my loved one wants before a life changing diagnosis which does not allow them to state their opinion. I am an advocate of individuals determining how they want to live out the their lives. I took such comfort in knowing that we honored dad's wishes. His gift to me was peace when he passed because I knew we were doing what he wanted. It is why I … [Read more...]
Puzzles can help an elder with increased dexterity, memory, socialization and meditation skills.
Which in turn helps the caregiver. Beverly Nance is a mom, caregiver to her autistic daughter, an entrepreneur and a born puzzler. She has been doing jigsaw puzzles since her 20’s and loves big puzzles of 1000 pieces. Frames come first and then the middle. With space dedicated to puzzles, she can come back and finish one the next day. For Beverly, it is a form of meditation … [Read more...]
Senior Placement Services Can Help Take The Stress Out Of Moving A Loved To A Community.
It Takes the Research Our of Your Hands. If you follow this blog, you know mom is living in our family home with the help of a live-in aide, a support network of family and friends, and of course me, her primary caregiver. She will be 90 soon and I worry that at some point she will need to move out of her home and into a community. Frankly, the logistics of that kind of … [Read more...]
Lessons From An 89-Year-Old – how to sit quietly and just think.
Lately, I’ve noticed mom just sitting for long periods of time. I may have to call her more than once to get her attention and it scares me. This learned behavior comes from the couple of times when her blood sugar had dropped dangerously low. When I do get her attention, she seems confused and my mind immediately goes to, “Is this the start of dementia?” Jumping to … [Read more...]