Dementia does not care who you are. From President Ronald Reagan to your Aunt Tillie, anyone can fall prey to this insidious disease. Alzheimer’s gradually overrides memory, personality, and emotions. In his book, The Soul of Care – The … Continue reading →
Caregiving is an expression of love, a way of “giving back,” or simply part of the circle of life. “My parents took care of me. Now it’s my turn,” says about every adult child caregiver in the world. Sunshine … Continue reading →
Ella had been fiercely independent, until at age 89 time caught up to her. She could no longer live alone, despite family help. She adjusted to her new home in the assisted living care facility. Staff were kind, food was … Continue reading →
It happens all the time. You or your loved one was hospitalized and it’s now time to return home, but with assistance. Suddenly diapers, bed protectors, urinals become part of your shopping list. (And by the way, you can buy … Continue reading →
Caregivers wear short leashes. As our loved ones’ conditions deteriorate, we caregivers find it more and more difficult to leave home for any length of time. Hiring a companion or aide helps, but the cost may limit our “free” hours; … Continue reading →
Experiencing her mother’s failing health made Debra Kostiw realize how important it is for frail elders to have supportive, caring companions. Friends and family can do only so much, as Kostiw painfully learned. Now, owner of the Rochester office of … Continue reading →
Sometimes a little help here and there makes it possible for the elderly to remain at home rather than move into a facility. I spoke with Mary Terwilliger, Executive Director of Living Well Companion Care, about this service line of … Continue reading →
I raised my voice, as if I my friend could understand me better if I turned up the volume. Turns out, there are far better ways to communicate with the confused and demented, as I learned from a presentation sponsored … Continue reading →
Hearing the first two lines of “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas and Papas takes me back to the Poor House, a popular watering hole when I was a nursing student in Syracuse. The song’s beginning phrases about brown leaves floating … Continue reading →
This blog continues the discussion about elder services provided by Catholic Family Center. Again, I am indebted to Virginia Clark, Associate Director, Aging and Adult Services, and for the photos provided by CFC’s Katherine Grant for their help. STAR PROGRAM … Continue reading →