Category filter: Caregiver Resources > Holidays & Travelling with Seniors > Life/Eldercare Balance

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…

I was in a gift shop yesterday and, as I am often noted for, spoke out loud to no one in particular, “Wow, this holiday season has really snuck up again on me this year.” In a shocking turn of events, someone answered, “Tell me about it! I wish I could get into a time… Read more…

It’s that time again – summer holidays – and for myself, that meant a 6-day solo excursion to Oregon tackling some road cycling, enjoying some great new sights and recharging my batteries.   You can skip down to the end for some photos. Before I left, I had several calls from caregivers wanting to take a… Read more…

I was about six years old when I remember visiting a nursing home. That’s what my parents called Long Term Care in the 70s. Our family drove on Christmas day to visit with our elderly neighbours, the Coppers, who had move into a nursing home in North Toronto the year before. I remember consciously trying… Read more…

“Just as a puppy can be more of a challenge than a gift, so too can the holidays”. ~ John Clayton When I first read this quote, I laughed out loud. Our beloved puppy (who is now a year old), Buddy, was a Christmas gift to our daughter last year. I truly forgot how much… Read more…

It’s that time again – summer holidays – and for Carly and myself that means a pilgrimage to Toronto. Yes, this week’s column on caregivers taking holidays is a bit of a “re-run” from last summer. In my defence, I would argue some information is worth repeating annually! The timing for this column couldn’t be… Read more…

  “I read your columns all the time, Wendy, but why haven’t you written about someone in a similar situation to mine? Surely there are others like me that need the same type of help I receive.” Mrs. Emerson is a 92-year-old widow who lives in her own home. She’s had her share of hurdles… Read more…

I’m in the final preparation stage of taking time off for a much-needed summer vacation. I’ve noticed there seems to be an increase in the number of calls for our services in the days leading up to holiday time. I must emit some type of “going on holiday soon” scent picked up only by family… Read more…

As I’m desperately trying to meet deadline, my Mom is happily sitting on my couch reading my previous columns on her new iPad. What she doesn’t know is that I’m currently writing about her physical challenges (she is in denial about her own aging, which she would deny if you asked her!) and holiday travelling.… Read more…

  Several of our clients have enjoyed travelling this summer, and we’ve had the privilege of assisting them with their planning. Along the way, we’ve learned a few new things about seniors travelling on their own and with a family member. It seems like a good time to share them. Whether you are taking a… Read more…