When we become caregivers, so much of our life is put on hold. Then when it ends, we realize how profoundly the experience of caregiving changes us. The question I’ve been struggling with lately is how do I want to live my life now? How do I renew my life in a way that honors who I am today? Do I want to take back the pieces I put on hold or try something different? I am … [Read more...]
You Can Create A Caregiver Safe Space Through Mindfulness.
Julie, you won! You will receive several years of Caregiving for your father after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. On top of that, you will begin to provide care and oversight for your mother as she slowly declines with physical issues, as well as a different form of dementia! Seriously, it exhausts me if I allow myself to be transported to the thick of those days. To say I was … [Read more...]
Incontinence: One of the last taboo subjects.
The medical implications of incontinence are the worst part of this condition. When I sneeze, I sneeze at least eight times in a row. I can remember my Aunt Mary Ellen saying to me, “Oh good, you sneeze just like me, get ready, cause when you get older, you’re gonna start peeing when you sneeze.” She was right. Why is incontinence still such a taboo subject, despite all … [Read more...]
Why is Occupational and Physical Therapy in Assisted Living Communities a Standard Practice?
One of the things I did not expect when Mom moved into her AL community was that she would start physical therapy and occupational therapy almost immediately. At first, I thought it was ‘event based’ and the change in her living situation was the event. I learned, however, the reason is for the safety and comfort of new residents as well as to serve as a baseline for the … [Read more...]
Part 2: Music Has Superpowers That Can Help Caregivers.
In last week’s post, I introduced you to Tara Jenkins, co-author of the book, Music, Memory, and Meaning and how music can help in caregiving tasks. This week Tara gives us more tips on how to use her book in your life as a caregiver. Let me assure you, the authors of Music, Memory, and Meaning are not expecting you to sing or create the music on your own, something I … [Read more...]