More than once we have been told by the staff in hospital or nursing home that a client has stopped eating. The staff’s interpretation is that it is a choice by the client who has decided that they wished to die. We need to be very careful about the interpretations we make about the behaviour [read more…]
Caregiving
Hiring Private Home Support
One of the most critical choices Caregivers make is the hiring of someone to help their loved ones at home. The person or people hired can be responsible for their loved one’s safety, health, and mood, and can be what makes the difference between someone being able to stay in ther own home or move [read more…]
Grief and Caregivers
A client of ours once told us about the three years he spent careing for his father, who had recently died at age 93. “My father and I had never been very close.” he said. “When he first moved in with me and it was incredibly hard, but now I wouldn’t change it for the [read more…]
Listening and the Elderly
90 year old Mary has lived in her assisted living residence for two years. She was admitted directly from hospital, after having fractured her hip. Despite the time that has lapsed, her house sits empty; her art studio is dark, the yellows and greens of dripped paint still mark the floor where she fell. She [read more…]
Getting Good Care In Nursing Homes
There is a wide variation in the quality of care that people can find in Nursing Homes. Even within the same Home, there can be a difference. Homes that have terrible reputations can be turned around, and good ones can go downhill. Quality of care is dependent on many factors. Key is the Administrator and [read more…]
Supporting One Parent Caregiving the Other
Adult children who are trying to support either a mother or father who is caregiving for the other parent are in a situation which has some unique aspects. They may become upset at the caregiver parent’s actions, but not know what it means or how to help. Sometimes it seems like there are conflicting demands–who [read more…]
Hiring Caregivers
At some point in the caregiving journey, most caregivers will arrive at a time when they feel they need help in providing care. There are three reasons for hiring caregivers: 1.Help with what are called the ” Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL).” These include shopping, housekeeping, laundry, and and meal preparation. 2. Help with [read more…]
