Grief is a part of caregiving. Grief is part of the reason that caregiving is so hard. I think it important that we acknowledge that right from the beginning. No matter the diagnosis. No matter if the illness is terminal with end in sight, long term for the rest of life or short term […]
Words for every caregiver – you are enough!
Most Trusted Person
While on vacation with my parents, we decided to walk through a Hobby Lobby one night after dinner. It had been raining lightly all day so we didn’t spend the day walking parks or museums like we had planned. Mom wasn’t feeling well, either. But, the idea of sitting around in a hotel room watching […]
GRAB BARS and OTHER HELPS IN THE TUB OR SHOWER
A general rule of thumb is to be aware of where you naturally reach out for something to hold onto as you step in and leave the shower. You are most vulnerable when you step over the lip of the shower, or over the side of the tub. There is often a stud right at […]
Taking Care of Yourself
Okay – stop laughing. Or laugh-crying. I have to admit my first reaction was to snort “In what universe?” Is it even possible to find time for yourself while you are a caregiver? Yes, it is. It is absolutely crucial to our well-being. How do we do it? By thinking things through ahead of time, […]
Stormy Weather – Part 2 Lessons Learned
Yesterday, we shared the story about our not good idea of going to the basement when the tornado siren sounded. There was more than one lesson that came from this. 1. Don’t discuss plans in front of the person who cannot offer input! Or anyone who is ill and not able to take on decisions. […]