I knocked on the door - no answer. I called - no answer. His newspaper was still by the door. I asked if the neighbors had seen him. No. I was checking in on a new 90-year-old client while his family was away for the weekend. On Saturday everything went as planned - he greeted me warmly at the door. I saw him take his medications and stayed a while to be sure he got breakfast and was … [Read more...]
Joy with Our Mothers Now
I spoke on Jennifer Till's radio show about how we can miss the joy of "now" with our mothers by relating to them based on past experiences. (Click here to listen to a recording of that episode of "Real Life with Jennfer Till.") Perhaps we had difficult childhood experiences with our mothers that we haven't fully forgotten. It can even be positive memories from the past that distract of from … [Read more...]
How a Trip to the Hairdresser Can Change Everything
Today I took a client to the hairdresser. That was a giant victory because this very frail and very proud lady rarely lets anyone do anything for her. Then we had lunch (something she rarely does anymore) and picked up light bulbs for her nightlights and a battery for the radio beside her bed. So what? So EVERYTHING! At the end of this visit, my client held my hand in her arthritically … [Read more...]
It Takes a Neighborhood of Care
I have a client who is frail of body but not of heart. Well, her physical heart is frail (pacemaker) but her spirit-heart is as strong as they come. Let's call her "G" "G" worries about me instead of herself. She glosses over her own health problems except to periodically threaten to have a heart attack over some of the things I do (driving in the snow, going to 6:00am exercise class.) Despite … [Read more...]
Cell Phone Designed for Senior Citizens Includes an Emergency Response System!
"Just Five" is the next generation in cell phones for seniors. See the Independent Lifestyles Newsletter for a description and how to learn more. In order to age in place with excellence and maintain our independent living as long as possible, it make sense to leverage technology in addition to all the love and care we can muster! … [Read more...]
Senior Citizens and Driving: Dementia – What if My Parent Forgets They Can’t Drive?
Are you worried that your elderly parent can no longer drive safely? This series of articles tells you what you can do, including: What the law says about elderly drivers. The process and implications of reporting an unsafe elderly driver. How driving skills are assessed for senior citizens. Can my loved one improve their skills and regain their driver’s license? How to talk to your elderly … [Read more...]
Senior Citizens and Driving: What To Do When Your Elderly Parent Needs to Stop Driving
Are you worried that your elderly parent can no longer drive safely? This series of articles tells you what you can do, including: What the law says about elderly drivers. The process and implications of reporting an unsafe elderly driver. How driving skills are assessed for senior citizens. Can my loved one improve their skills and regain their driver’s license? How to talk to … [Read more...]
Senior Citizens and Technology: Eldercare Locator Publishes “Staying Connected: Technology Options for Older Adults”
Eldercare Locator’s “Staying Connected: Technology Options for Older Adults” guide takes users through the basic facts about how to use tools like Facebook, email and texting, including privacy and safety information. The guide also introduces YouTube, Twitter, Skype, Instant Messaging and blogging – all tools that older adults can use to stay connected. You can download the PDF for "Staying … [Read more...]