Self Care Tidbits
(Adapted from Good Mental Health: Self Care) Self-care is not one thing, it is many things. Here is a simple list that can help you create moments of “escape” from the heaviness of caregiving. Find something positive. Little things like saying thank you to someone for a small gesture such as holding the door, expressing […]
The Blessing of a Wheelchair
Wheelchair (n)…a chair mounted on wheels for those who cannot walk; origin late 1600s. One can go through a whole lifetime without even a thought of its effects, or life can revolve around the existence of a wheelchair. For some of us, it makes a sudden appearance and alters for a while how we “roll” […]
My Grandfather’s Pencil
My grandfather on my mother’s side was a stubborn man. Perhaps it was fleeing Europe in the 1940s. Maybe it was that he had a special needs child. Or, this was just who he was. So growing up with my grandfather living in our home wasn’t always easy. He had a very rigid schedule often […]
Are You Performing These Important Self-Care Practices?
Self-care habits are among the most important habits to develop. They are the habits that teach us to create moments in time where we are the priority. When we are only focused on helping others and not focused enough on our own care, we cannot be our best selves. Being our best selves is what […]
How to Handle Personality Changes in Seniors
Personality changes are frequent in senior citizens, and they can indicate several issues. Common health problems such as dementia and stroke can affect personalities. If your loved one is undergoing a personality change, seek to understand this new side of them. They’re still your loved one – just a bit different from before. Learn […]
The Realities of Senior Care through the Eyes of a Daughter
The Realities of Senior Care Through the Eyes of a Daughter by Melanie Vicker, The Sprightly Life, inspiring women to take care of their health, mentally, physically, and emotionally. When my mother in law began to show signs of aging, I did not recognize it. Or perhaps I didn’t want to. She started to do […]
Time for Some Bold Steps
Recently, a colleague of mine reached out to tell me about an elderly relative and the loneliness this relative was experiencing. “What activities are available?” she asked. It seemed like a good question so I made a post on Facebook in LA Elderly: What in-person activities are available to our elderly? I waited… Then a […]
Managing the Challenges of Long Distance Care Giving
Increased mobility and life spans make long distance caregiving a fact of life for many families. Living far away poses some challenges, but there are ways to make the arrangement work for you and your loved ones. Steps You Can Take From a Distance Take advantage of technology. Use email and social media to […]
A Senior’s Guide to Strong Hands
Are you losing your grip? As you age, you may find yourself dropping more things and wondering why the lid on your peanut butter jar is screwed on so tight. While a few gray hairs are no big deal, having strong hands may be more important than you think. Many studies show that a weak […]