An Inside Job… Caring for your aging loved one is an inside job, for the most part. Usually, by the time they need us to care for them, they are dependent on walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs. At this stage, it’s rare that we get to enjoy the pleasure of strolling with them in the park,…
Most caregivers know how much of an issue scams targeting seniors are, but what’s the best way to limit the risk? Sure, you could try to constantly check the phone, internet and email of the person you’re giving care to, but that might be an invasion of their privacy. And no matter how vigilant you…
“My mom/dad is driving me crazy! She gets upset over the tiniest thing. She blames me when anything upsets her schedule.” Sound familiar? As a caregiver, you may have said the same thing on more than one occasion. I know I have. If you’re caring for an elderly parent, it’s important to remember they need routine. You may…
When an older adult loses their hearing, they face the same fears as anyone with a different kind of disability. They worry about being marginalized, or seen as incompetent, or even stupid. Sometimes they lash out at the ones who try to help. Since Mike is semi-retired, he spends more time with my mom on…
Aging and isolation, helping elders cope with seclusion when they start losing loved ones. I met Alene when she lived with her son, Greg and his wife. She is another elderly woman who struggled with loss and loneliness, but her story is different. When Alene became too frail for Greg and his wife to provide…
The friendship between Charleen and Phyllis began at a square dance competition when they literally bumped into each other on the dance floor. The fiery redhead and the hot-headed blond traded barbs over who was at fault. Their insults turned to laughter as they each tried to outdo the other. When they discovered they…
How many times have you been asked “Are you ready for Christmas?” in the past two weeks? A dozen? More? My day job as a branch manager for a bank brings me into contact with many people each day. Seems like I get asked that question at least once a day. I also care for…
What are your plans for Christmas and New Year’s? Do they include a house-bound parent, spouse, or child? Do you dream of going away for the holidays, but can’t because of caregiving responsibilities? My mother’s birthday is Christmas Eve. She’ll be ninety-three this year. Mom expects a big family dinner on her birthday. How…
Martha S. says she was a ‘reluctant’ caregiver of her mother, a recovering alcoholic. Even though her mom had been sober for thirty-five years, Martha still remembered being a young teen cooking dinner while her mom was passed out on her bed. Yet as Martha spent more time caring for her mother, her reluctance melted…