Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to hire professionals to help you care for an aging parent? Being Chinese, my parents taught me the cultural value of caring for elders. My grandparents were treated as part of our immediate family unit and I had the opportunity to live with them for over twenty years.…
Dementia Resources for Caregivers – Parenting your Parents
Do you carry the tough challenge of caring for a parent as their health and memory deteriorates? What are the key signs to know when my fears are justified or just paranoia? Is her forgetfulness normal? What is the difference between regular ole’ dementia vs. Alzheimers? Learn more about Alzheimer’s vs Dementia with the resources…
Boundaries…What Boundaries?
When Mike and I first talked about moving in with my mom after her stroke, my sister in law gave us some advice. “Talk to a counselor. You need to make sure all of you understand boundaries.” At the time, I thought she was making something out of nothing. I could handle Mom and her…
10 Essential Steps in Creating a Safer Bathroom
According to the National Council on Aging, one in four seniors (aged 65 and up) falls each year, making it the leading cause of fatal injury in America. And when considering the wet conditions of the bathroom, it isn’t much surprise that this area has been called the most dangerous room of them all. Of…
Caring for an aging loved one
Have you ever flipped through old photos? Many times I don’t recognize the people whose picture I captured years ago. People pass in and out of our lives. We move. We change jobs or churches. We no longer have common interests. Sometimes a death occurs. With the result that a photo taken years ago no…
Hospital Hack for Caregivers
Maria cared for my dad when he needed more help than my mom, Mike, and I could give. She was a nursing student with a huge heart in a tiny body. Fast forward eight years. Maria was getting married and our entire family was to attend the wedding. It’s all my mom talked about for…
Caregiving Season – A Time For Hope
I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Freda Crews of Time For Hope. Her television program inspires and informs Christians who struggle with physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Dr. Freda V. Crews, D. Min., Ph.D., is the Director of Time for Hope Ministries and the host of Time for Hope, the internationally syndicated television…
I’m Afraid to Die
In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:12 “I’m afraid to die.” I’ve heard this comment from more than one older person. And all are professing Christians. What is going on? Christians have an abiding belief…
I Can’t Hear You – Part 2
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…
Everyone I know Is Dead – Part 2
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…