The book Music, Memory, and Meaning by co-authors Meredith Hamons, Tara Jenkins and Cathy Befi-Hensel is my new obsession. Just an FYI, this article will be published in two parts. There was so much great information, I didn’t want to overwhelm you. Music, Memory, and Meaning is designed for everyday people to incorporate music into their caregiving day. It is written for … [Read more...]
What Do Residents of Assisted Living Communities Need That Few Offer?
A sense of purpose. We all need a sense of purpose and we forget that this need does not go away as we age. Yes, the social interaction provided by Assisted Living (AL) communities does on some level, provide a sense of purpose, but it is not enough. Activities like bingo are beloved by many residents, they enjoy afternoons of music and arts and crafts can be a fun way to … [Read more...]
“Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated if you start with self-compassion.” Nicole Smith
I recall my grandpa stretched out on the family room floor. He was snoring. Grandma explained that the hard floor helped ease his back pain. We continued with our coloring books and board games while grandpa snoozed. I added this reclining respite tactic to my repertoire when my kids were young. I birthed five children in the span of ten years. I was usually pregnant or … [Read more...]
Dealing With Grief Relief.
I hated my mother’s wheelchair. It was heavy, cumbersome and crazy difficult to get in and out of my SUV. I was worried that the time was coming when I would not be able to handle it by myself and it would curtail our visits to family, going for a ride or to dinner. Yet, it was this wheelchair that set off my first major meltdown after mom died. I handed off the wheelchair … [Read more...]
A Son Cares for His Mother living with Alzheimer’s.
Bill’s mom was a master intaglio printmaker, an early Mac adopter in her 60s, a savvy investor, a wonderful cook, a beloved wife and sister, mentor to many young women and a feminist (or at least a sympathizer). She was a widely-recognized artist, respected teacher and the owner of the Intaglio Graphics Workshop in Biloxi, MS. However, in the early 2000s, Sheila began … [Read more...]