In the end, long life is the reward, strength, and beauty. — Grace Paley In the end, long life is the reward, strength, and beauty. — Grace Paley If presented with the choice between having a shorter or longer life, most of us would probably choose the latter — assuming that the quality of life […]
Continue ReadingWhen my grandfather died, my grandmother was understandably devastated. They had been married for almost fifty years; she lost her the love of her life and her best friend. Needless to say, she wasn’t up to much socializing for a while, or inviting anyone into her home. However, we convinced her that she might benefit […]
Continue Reading[By using] the symbolic language of art, an alternative channel for communication is opened. This is a vital gift when words have lost their meaning. — Ruth Abraham One of the major obstacles facing us as we age is the increased possibility of dementia. Anyone who has experienced seeing a loved one suffer from one […]
Continue ReadingNo one wants to admit they’re less independent than they used to be. When I was a social services professional, the seniors in my care were always very reluctant to ask for help. Whether it was getting a glass or water or telling a nurse or aide they were in pain, many people would rather […]
Continue ReadingThousands of seniors need home care every day in the United States, and if that time ever comes for our loved ones, we would do well to follow the example of my grandmother. When she saw an elderly friend of hers grow less independent and hire a home health aide, she made it clear to […]
Continue ReadingMy grandfather passed away from cancer in his eighties, leaving behind my grandmother who went on to live a few years longer. After his death, I remember my grandmother repeatedly saying, “I wish I had gone first. I don’t want to be around without him.” And that was before her health had deteriorated to the […]
Continue ReadingThe most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. — Coco Chanel Creativity has many outlets. Some people love to paint, while others go crazy for pottery-making, dance, or photography. And then there’s the art of fashion — ready and waiting to be embraced by bold souls brave enough to wear their creativity […]
Continue ReadingGrowing old means letting go — and that’s a beautiful thing. Our Western world encourages control and independence under the guise of individualism: being financially self-sufficient and living alone are seen as desirable for both men and women; people are marrying less and embracing singlehood longer; we have technology available at our fingertips that entertains […]
Continue ReadingThere can be no doubt that hiring professional caregivers is a task that takes time and energy. In the nursing home where I worked, our aftercare agencies were highly scrutinized for staff with experience, training, and criminal records to ensure that patients received only the best services available. If your elderly loved one lives at […]
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to looking after the well-being of elders, there is a whole spectrum of options available. They range from having the elder live independently at home (maybe with a few check-ins a week), to full-time care within a nursing home. One middle-of-the-road option is signing your elder up for an adult day care program. […]
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