A couple of weeks ago, I shared parts of a letter my dad wrote to me when I was in college. In it, he told the story of mom breaking a jar of spaghetti sauce while in the grocery store. At first she walked away from it, but then she went back to pull the coupon off the jar. Why she did that will make sense when dad tells the story about "The Coupon Volley." Enjoy! … [Read more...]
How to Keep Your Aging Parents Safe From Afar
As parents get older, their mobility and physical capabilities weaken. Given these issues, it can be difficult to ensure their safety when you live a long distance away. Fortunately, there are ways to be proactive and protect them. Stay in Touch Frequent contact with your parents is vital when living far apart. Set up a consistent schedule for phone calls and don’t be put … [Read more...]
Caregivers Are Advocates, Champions And Activists For Our Caree. We must do the same for ourselves.
It is our time now. I don’t know about you, but I did not spend my time at home during the pandemic learning a new language, craft or getting fit. I’m a caregiver. I was just trying to keep my head above water. On top of the isolation and loneliness, mom had two wounds that needed to be cleared up, a severe eye infection and the pièce de resistance, a five-day hospital … [Read more...]
Letters To Our Daughter – Family Stories Keep us connected.
Happy 4th of July weekend! Mom and I have been reminiscing and retelling family stories this weekend. My favorites come from the letters my dad sent to me my freshman year of college - 45 years ago- and still one of my most treasure possessions. … [Read more...]
The Conversation Caregivers Dread the Most – Convincing an Elder to Stop Driving.
An objective third party can help. Giving up driving is a tangible loss of independence for your elder. It’s no wonder they resist the topic. If you are truly worried about not only the safety of your elder, but everyone else on the road, then understanding what motivates them can help initiate the conversation. If finances motivate them, talking about how much you pay for … [Read more...]