Sculptor in Chief
One Christmas, my daughter-in-law gave Gene and me our own pens. Before we could ask why, she grinned and said, “I’m tired of hearing “MINE!” from you. We laughed because we knew just what this sibling among seven meant. As … Continue reading →
Adult Child, not Parent
Several years ago, I wrote this article, which was published in Hope for Women Magazine, about how devastating it is for someone to lose control over their lives. It is as true today as it was then. I learned then … Continue reading →
What do you do when one parent needs a nursing home and the other does not?
I want to introduce my guest blogger, Annabelle Harris. Annabelle Harris is a 67-year-old writer, wife, mother, and grandmother. She started blogging nearly a decade ago when she was still facing the prospect of retirement and old age. She … Continue reading →
Family Problem Solving
When I was growing up as an only child, I envied my friends with siblings. “You have built-in playmates,” I would say. Quite a few of them looked at me as if I were crazy. Later, as a caregiver for … Continue reading →
Caregiving With a Small c
“She’s eligible, but there’s a waiting list.” “The program sounded good but wasn’t what it was cracked up to be.” “Don’t go the emergency room. They’re slammed with Covid.” Health Care System Flatlining America spends more for health care than … Continue reading →
From the Trenches
Caregiving is a battle against illness, depression, frustration, worry, and at times deep sorrow. We try to maintain as much wellness as possible for our loved one, yet the truth that we have no control over … Continue reading →
Hospice
Sixteen years ago, I sat in a meeting with physicians, social workers, and regional health care experts to discuss hospice use in the Finger Lakes Region. I recall Dr. Quill lamenting that imminently terminal patients are treated in Intensive Care … Continue reading →
If you want something done right…..
At one time, people expected to receive good care in nursing facilities. Life expectancy after a serious medical crisis is longer now because of the surgical, medical, and pharmaceutical progress we have made over the years. Yet that very progress … Continue reading →
Book Review: Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia
It is rare to find a practicing geriatrician and professor who also has the heart of a pastor, but John Dunlop, MD, blends clinical knowledge and scripture in his book Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia. His insights on … Continue reading →
Taking Care of YOU
One Sunday I heard the shortest sermon in history. It was blistering hot, and the sermon was this: “You think this is hot?” So here’s my shortest blog ever. I’m taking a mini vacation this week but offer this … Continue reading →