Blog

Having “The Talk” about Eldercare

AND, NO, DENIAL ISN’T A STRATEGY! Opening up and talking honestly to an aging parent or spouse about future care needs and options can be awkward. However, initiating a conversation prior to a health-care crisis indicates concern about your parent’s well-being. It shows you respect their choices about how they want to live in their… Read more…

An eldercare story – Mary & Rick

Shining a light on the uniqueness all caregiving situations share Meet Mary and her son, Rick. Mary is a 92-year-old client of ours. She is a senior wanting to remain independent and in her own home. Rick is a new caregiver to an aging parent. Theirs is a story of learning and understanding, respect and dignity.… Read more…

Getting older is natural but aging is for the birds!

Coping with loved ones’ losses as they age The many, often cumulative, changes that occur with age mean that seniors and their family caregivers are continually dealing with losses. From reflecting on past abilities that no longer exist to feelings of dependence and discomfort in acceptance of the changes ahead, loss comes in many forms.… Read more…

How to support an aging loved one during a pandemic

Caregiving with compassion in COVID times Like the rest of the world, our business had to make several shifts in 2020 with likely more to come in the next few months. The words “shift” and “lessons learned” have taken on whole new meanings since the pandemic and inspired this month’s blog on caring for our… Read more…

Family Caregiving – it’s only a matter of time…

Did you know that by 2030, seniors are projected to account for close to one in four people?[i]This will represent almost a 10% increase from 2013.  The senior population will increase in the next 10 years and those seniors will be living longer.  As seniors age (and by this, I typically mean over 75 years), their need… Read more…

Strategies for Resiliency

I have the honour to write a monthly column in Inspire Senior Living for my work with Family Caregivers of BC. This month we talked about Strategies to Build Resiliency.  Marilyn is 55 years old, works part-time in retail and has two teens at home. She currently cares for her partner who has chronic pain… Read more…

Know Your Holiday Hot Buttons

For many of us, December marks the start of holiday gatherings and festivities, making it feel like “the most wonderful time of the year.” Some family caregivers, however, may find themselves singing a different tune (think: “He’s a mean one, Mr.Grinch”). While holidays bring opportunities for joy, traditions and new experiences, they can also bring… Read more…

Accessing Community Resources

If you are unsure about what kind of help you can access in the community when caring for someone, you are among the many British Columbians who find navigating the healthcare system overwhelming and confusing. Many caregivers find the co-ordination role (like that of a case manager) the most stressful part of caregiving, even though… Read more…

Are You a Healthy Caregiver?

Last week, my phone was ringing off its hook with family caregivers. Their caregiving needs all varied. One caregiver was calling for a parent who couldn’t recall the specialist’s name from their last appointment. There was a key follow up needed pertaining to a continued driver’s license. Another family member called who was thrown into… Read more…

Creating Space to Heal

Late last year I worked with a woman who was struggling to cope with her partner’s attitudes towards his Parkinson’s disease. She felt worried, frustrated, resentful and guilty; she didn’t know what else she could do. This is a story that is far too common in my counselling practice. As a carepartner, you may also… Read more…