What is the real number of decisions you make daily if you are a caregiver? As a caregiver, I’m willing to bet the number is higher than 35,000. Hopefully, most of them are harmless, like “What should I make mom for breakfast?” Or "Should I bring an umbrella when we go to the doctor appointment today?" The truth is, the decisions we make for and with our caree often don’t … [Read more...]
Why Do Institutions Make The Bereavement Process So Painful?
"We need to make the grief process a humane, kind one for everyone who mourns and everywhere they mourn — the bank, the workplace, the community." True and insightful words from colleague and friend, Denise Brown, founder of the Caregiving Years Training Academy. Denise, like many of us, is a caregiver for aging parents. She began helping them after her father’s bladder … [Read more...]
“Forgiveness is a decision, not an emotion.”
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...]
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...]
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...]