Filtered tag: Long-distance Caregivers

  In my last column, I discussed the common pitfalls of family dynamics and conflict. How can we “share the care” without creating unnecessary conflict? It all comes down to family members being able to make key decisions together; reaching consensus on dividing the caregiving tasks and how well they work as a team. Here… Read more…

As part of my consulting work with non-profit organizations, I am currently working on a provincial program for family caregivers in BC.  I was featured as a speaker for a Work & Care video as part of Carers Canada in April 2015.  You can learn more about important tips and strategies for being a caregiver… Read more…

It’s hard to believe our family is a week away from a mini-holiday getaway. That’s right, it’s summertime in the Comox Valley. For my business, it’s often a time when long distance family members make the trek up to the Island to spend time with their aging loved ones. In fact, 22 per cent of… Read more…

I returned from holidays to learn we had several new clients, many of which were initiated by out-of-town family caregivers. Statistically, 22 per cent of family caregivers provide care to aging loved ones long distance. Many out-of-town adult children are taken aback to see how much a parent has declined mentally, physically or emotionally from… Read more…

Last week, my dear friend Melissa from Toronto called me with some distressing news about her parents. Her Mom, who is but 70 years old, is showing early signs of dementia. Her Dad, who is 10 years older, is facing some major mobility issues due to chronic back pain. Needless to say, Melissa is, as… Read more…

I’m getting the Back to School Jitters. My little girl begins full day kindergarten next week and a week later, I go back to school for the first time in 10 years. I’m enrolled in a Case Management program through McMaster University. Despite the 35-year age gap, daughter and Mom are experiencing similar emotions. We’re… Read more…

There are days where being in denial is better than coming face to face with reality. Like when your child is so misbehaved in the grocery store, you actually believe this small evil person is not your next of kin and you start looking for the mother with the rest of the passersby. Or when… Read more…

Are you among the one million family caregivers in B.C.? May 8 to May 14 is Family Caregiver Week this year. Raising awareness of this societal phenomenon is crucial. The latest statistics show that at least one in four Canadians are caring for someone they love. Of those family caregivers, over a third are also… Read more…