Caregiving Transitions and Life Completion
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe the same holds true when supporting an elder as independence is redefined in a way that is empowering and maintains a sense of freedom, choice, belonging and validation in their lives. A team of supporters is necessary to form a circle of loving care around the elder as …
WHAT CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT YOURSELF
Changing roles, health issues, family dynamics, financial pressures and housing transitions can challenge the ability for caregivers to stay balanced and connected with the seniors they feel responsible to. We all have our own work and family responsibilities, so how do we stay focused on meeting the needs of our aging parents through what can often be a difficult time …
THE STRENGTH OF HOPE
I received an email last week from a loving husband by the name of Cameron, who has gone through a long caregiving journey with his beautiful wife, Heather. Heather was diagnosed with a very rare and deadly cancer called mesothelioma after the birth of their first and only child. They recently participated in a short video about her cancer experience …
ELDERCARE 911
Long distance caregiving can present many challenges for family members when trying to be there for parents who are aging. Last week I received a frantic call at 10:30 pm from the daughter of one of my clients that I provide ongoing senior care monitoring for. She attentively cares for her parents as best she can while living out of …
THE IMPACT OF DEMENTIA
As many families care for an aging Loved One, the impact of dementia can enter the picture. Statistically, the numbers are staggering. In 2011, 747,000 Canadians were living with cognitive impairment, including dementia – which is 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older. By 2031, this figure will increase to 1.4 million. (From: A new way of looking at the impact …
When Driving Becomes A Concern
Hanging up the keys is one of the most difficult decisions to discuss with an elder in the family. Driving is about freedom and independence and it is not something that is easily given up. It symbolizes a passage that many older adults do not want to enter. Who can blame anyone for not wanting to let go of driving …
Stopping To Smell The Roses
I attended a breakfast networking meeting the other day and we were asked to speak about what sets us and our business apart from others. It’s good to have a question posed that makes you stop and reflect on who you believe you are and what the intention is behind your actions. My very first job at the age of …
How to talk to your senior parent about moving
Various reasons present themselves for encouraging a parent to make a move out of their home. Safety concerns probably rank highest, as well as the development of early memory loss. Elders living alone can often experience isolation and making a move to where there are other people their own age to relate to can have positive benefits. Loneliness can have …
What’s your relative EQ (Emotional Quotient)
If you are about to tackle a tough conversation with a family member where conflict may arise, using some emotional quotient (EQ) tips may help the talk go more smoothly. In tough conversations with people you care about, prepare to take the high road, not be defensive, and remain open by practicing the following strategies. Sometimes, you will be surprised …
What to do when frustration gets the better of you
Sometimes a battle of the wills can put added stress on your role as caregiver for an aging parent. Trying to respond instead of react when emotions are high can be difficult. When you feel your defenses rising: Stop…take a long deep breath in and hold your breath, then slowly exhale, blowing out your breath like pushing on the flame …
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