"Finding a new purpose in life isn’t easy." Ingrid Ingrid and I have known each other for several years, we attend the same caregiver group. Not long after her beloved husband died, she allowed me to share one of her caregiver stories: A Dementia Caregivers’ Journey is Long. What if YOU need help from 911? This is Ingrid's story today, in her own words, two years after her … [Read more...]
Caregiving Changes Relationships.
A Podcast with All Things Seniors." Something a bit different this week. I had the opportunity to chat with Rafiq Punjani of "All Things Seniors" about how caregiving changes relationships. Apple Podcast Link: Episode 16 Spotify Link: Episode 16 Android Podcast Link: Episode 16 'All Things Seniors' focuses on issues that are important to seniors: … [Read more...]
Language Matters in Caregiving.
That includes what we tell ourselves. If you know my work, you know how much I object to the term “Parenting Your Parents.” I object because language carries intent and bias and we don’t even realize it. The words we use to describe caregiving, our care partner and ourselves create our truth as caregivers. When caregiving is about parenting your parents, without even … [Read more...]
Are You Balanced On The Knife Edge Of Caregiving? It Is Exhausting.
Knife Edge: In a difficult or worrying situation of which the result is very uncertain. Cambridge Dictionary Six years into caregiving for my mother and we are fortunate to be in what I call “The In-Between Place.” By that I mean her health (and mine!) and her mobility issues are steady. We have a routine down that is working, and I am grateful. However, I am always watching … [Read more...]
When your elder has full capacity and you don’t agree with their choices.
The good, the bad and the ugly. The good. Your parent has full capacity. This gives you the opportunity to co-create a team approach to caregiving through conversations and setting boundaries. The bad. Over time, confrontational conversations can cause broken relationships. Conversations contribute to the disintegration of the relationship when they are not done using … [Read more...]