SAMUEL’S STORY: It’s the little things that count
One winter night I was walking down the street when I noticed an elderly woman struggling with two heavy grocery bags. The sidewalk was icy, and snow was falling heavily.
Finding the Homecare worker that “fits”
My father has dementia and can be very picky about who he gets along with and allows to care for him. Is it all right to ask to
Life without a car: Helping seniors adjust
Currently, 2.7 million seniors in Canada are licensed to drive. While the majority of these drivers are safe, an unfortunate reality is that driving can become more dangerous as we age. In fact, the 85+ group has the highest reported crash rate.
Cassells Street
It is very hard to accept, much less celebrate, endings. At a time when this congregation is coming to terms with the closing of this parish, I thought I would tell you how my own history is linked with this parish. The land, where the church is located, used to belong to my great- grandfather.…
Stupid Death Rituals
My Mom’s funeral is in 4 days. I feel so sad, so lost and overwhelmed by the details. I have told my family that most of the arrangements seem excessive, a huge waste of money and make me very uncomfortable. What else can I do?
Len
PATRICIA’S STORY: The uninvited guest
I always knew I would care for my mother in her senior years. She would be moving into my home. Moving day arrived and, much to my surprise, it did not go smoothly.
Travelling with Health Concerns
I have type II diabetes and a foot ulcer. Am I taking unnecessary risks by travelling with my wife to the USA?
Palliative Care and a Dignified Death
Palliative care, by definition, is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of the disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay or reverse progression of the disease itself or to provide a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious complex illnesses.
Independence and Driving
Driving has become increasingly unsafe for my older sister. But if she gives up her car, she’ll be stuck at home. Is there a solution?
When your loved one has had a stroke
A stroke can be very traumatic. It often occurs suddenly, and the resulting damage can range from mild to severe. A person who has had a stroke will most often be admitted to a hospital for assessment and possible rehab; after which, the person will be discharged. So how can you prepare for your loved one’s return home?