Easing lengthy hospital stays
I’m anticipating a lengthy hospital stay for my husband. Other than doing laundry for him, visiting regularly, and taking gifts, what can I do to make his stay easier?
Ramona Pierson: An unexpected place of healing
When Ramona Pierson was 22, she was hit by a drunk driver and spent 18 months in a coma. At TEDxDU she tells the remarkable story of her recovery — drawing on the collective skills and wisdom of a senior citizens’ home.
Rachel’s Story: Finding a new love
My nana was one of my favourite people ever. She was hilarious, generous and strong-willed.
Medication reminders
Is there a way to remind an elderly person to take their medicine? I’ve noticed that my mom often forgets to take her medication on time.
Guilt Trips
Yesterday I had Christmas with my Dad and my grandmother in her seniors home. It was a nice visit but both my Dad and grandmother spent most of the visit nagging me about how I never come to visit my grandmother. I should visit more often, call and bring the kids around more.
Abby’s Story: My daughter’s angel
When my daughter, Abigail, was five, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Abby was scared and we tried our best to explain to her why she was sick, but it was a difficult time for our family.
Talking about smells
Lately, when I visit my father, I notice he smells odd. I also notice he’s not changing his clothes, and I wonder if he might be wetting himself. How can I broach the subject?
Bert’s Story: SuperWalk for Parkinson’s
Callum hadn’t yet been born when his grandfather, Wilbert, began showing signs of Parkinson’s disease. It wasn’t until the family returned to Canada from Australia that that the youngster began developing a relationship with Grandpa Bert.
Taking Mom Out
Our 92 year mother is in her wheelchair all day long. She often sleeps in it during the day and has to be lifted into bed. She no longer walks. She sleeps most of the time, wears diapers and we hire a caregiver in her nursing home to help feed her.
My sister wants to bring my mother out for a family holiday dinner together. There is a three hour window when she does not have to be changed and will most likely be able to enjoy the family outing.
My son and husband will have to lift her into and out of the car and carry her wheelchair up the front stairs. I am worried that this will be alot of pressure and too much for my Mom to handle. Should we take her out or keep her in for our family event?
Donna
Fighting and yelling … what to do?
Over the past six months, my 75-year-old mother has recently begun yelling at me, and we often get into verbal fights. What’s the problem?