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 →
Ready, Set, Go
There’s “hump day” (Wednesday) and TGIF (Thank Goodness it’s Friday). Like millions of Americans, Monday through Friday, week after week, I had my morning routine before going to work. We all have a pre-work routine. We do certain things to … Continue reading →
Good Samaritan in a Life Boat
In my last Caregiving blog, I portrayed three sets of caregivers soon to be in crisis. Although we want to avoid them, when dire situations attack suddenly, we need help yesterday. Overall, it’s best to provide the safest, most effective … Continue reading →
What Do these caregivers Have in Common?
Caregiving has many facets. It can range from helping with grocery shopping and taking a loved to doctor’s appointments to full-time 24 hour care. In a way, it’s a journey and the landscape gradually changes. But sometimes a sudden drop-off … Continue reading →
Strength in Weakness
Have you ever read or heard something that turned on the lightbulb in your head? Or maybe it was an “aha” experience that shed new light on your situation. While I say, and believe, Jesus holds me, loves, and … Continue reading →
Help!
When I worked in the Monroe County Home Care Unit, I visited an elderly woman in an extremely dangerous part of town. I wanted to discuss if her plan of care was meeting her needs. Part of her plan was … Continue reading →
Gizmos Galore
Any project goes better with the right tools. But first, a person needs to know what tools are available and how to use them. Caregivers constantly prove how creative they are, often with everyday objects. We called my petite Grandmother … Continue reading →