And won’t wear hearing aids “For those of us who are gradually losing our hearing, it is often too much effort to keep up with a conversation, so we self-isolate. I find that most people mumble, speak too rapidly and use words without consonants. If people spoke with clarity, they would not feel like they had to shout – which makes what they are shouting distracting and even … [Read more...]
Caregivers: Don’t underestimate your elder’s ability to grow and change.
But you must be willing to grow and change as well. Can I tell you how proud I am of my mother? At 86, she is still learning and growing. Early one day I got a call from my cousin inviting us to an impromptu birthday celebration that night. The family was meeting at a restaurant right by mom (I live an hour away), so she offered to pick up my mother. I immediately went into … [Read more...]
Tips on Caregiving for Survivors – Flexibility and knowing their story is key.
Once again, we can learn from our Holocaust Survivors. Fay Ross, Holocaust Survivor Services Coordinator for Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County NJ, helped me understand the caregiving needs of Holocaust survivors. That got me thinking about the vast number of veterans and survivors of other traumatic events, who at some point will need caregiving. Yes, every … [Read more...]
Caregiver Guilt: Let Me Count the Ways
Then learn how to say no to it. In a previous blog I talked about the guilt I feel when I’m in a bad mood and take it out on mom. She feels like I snapped her head off and this takes away from the time we have together. Full disclosure: that’s not the only time I feel guilty. Here’s the thing about being a caregiver. Guilt is a never-ending niggle in your brain. Am I … [Read more...]
Caregiving, you choose it time and time again.
It's not always easy to say yes. I had friends stay with me recently. On their last day I left them at my house, heading out to care for mom over the 4th of July. When I got home there was an amazing thank you note. Let me share part of it with you. It is how this article came to life. “Running your own business is hard, running a business that is so personal is a … [Read more...]