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Keys to communicating and making connections I captured this photo of a client last week during a visit with her in long-term care. She absolutely loves her interactive pup (see link near the end of blog). And with some additional cueing and support, it provides us with a wonderful and meaningful way to share a… Read more…

Tips for conversing without conflict As a caregiver to an aging loved one, conversations can range from the mundane, “Did you enjoy your lunch today?” to the messy, “I think it’s time you had help bathing.” And the trickier conversations, particularly emotionally loaded ones, can lead to conflict if not handled correctly. Good communication builds… Read more…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Chronic pain is difficult for the person affected and the person caring for them.  As part of my work with Family Caregivers of BC, I write for Senior Living INSPIRED and recently had the experience to write on self-care for someone caring for a loved one with chronic pain. Chronic pain can be overwhelming. Chronic… Read more…