Filtered tag: Caregivers

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…

Join me and the fantastic Jodie McDonald, Executive Director for the Cowichan Valley Caregivers Support Society, for our final live Coach Caregiver session of the year, next Thursday, Dec. 15th at 6:30pm. Wearing my Family Caregivers of BC hat, Jodie and I will answer your caregiving questions drawing on tips learned from recent webinars –… Read more…

I wrote this article for Inspired Senior Living as part of my ongoing work with the Family Caregivers of British Columbia. I can’t encourage readers enough to use this amazing provincial resource on family caregiving, as well as being able to talk to someone about how best to care for someone without losing yourself and… Read more…

Did you know that family caregivers provide upwards of 80% of care and support for aging parents or spouses? Phew! That’s a lot of time and energy. When I was seven months pregnant, my father had a massive stroke. The next few months were like a rollercoaster as our family struggled with the many difficult… Read more…

Today was a very hard day for me as a gerontologist and case manager. I have a client who has Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s been five years since her diagnosis. She is on the highest dosage of Aricept and is well supported in Assistive Living. She is very functional and maintains a high level of independence… Read more…

As part of my work as a Gerontologist, I have several opportunities to work with non-profit agencies in BC and in Canada. Many of you may be aware of the work I’m doing with Family Caregivers of BC which is a nonprofit organization dedicated 100% to supporting family caregivers – the first organization of its… Read more…

As we approach Father’s Day, I can’t help but think of Dad and my two brothers, who are such exceptional fathers.   I’ll be away in France and I’m planning ahead with Carly to make sure her dad feels appreciated for the positive role he plays in her life. The love she has for him… Read more…

Mr. Jones is an 83-year-old widower living in his own home. When asked, he’ll tell you he is doing “fair to middling.” He’ll go on to tell you his legs are tired and wobbly and he doesn’t get out as much as he’d used to. He has a scooter, which gets him to town and… Read more…

I was speaking to my friend, Robert, who I would describe as a “reluctant caregiver” and I was struck by the internal struggle he faces with his aging parents. It is clear there is a long history of conflict and hurt between him and his father. There isn’t much affection between them and his visits… Read more…

In my business, the services we provide affect both the aging person and their family members. Conflict between adult children and their parents if probably the most common situation we come across. Children typically feel Mom and Dad need more help. Mom or Dad, on the other hand, disagree and are willing to take numerous… Read more…