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?
Delia’s Story: My Glamorous Grandma
My Grandma Delia always seemed so fascinating to me. She had sparkling brown eyes and a charming laugh. She lived in a huge old house in Chatham, Ontario, and always dressed in pretty skirts and wore jewellery, no matter the occasion.
Exercise and osteoporosis
My mom was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. Is it safe for her to exercise?
Caregiver Fights
Dear Mary
My mother-in-law is 88 and has recently had cataract surgery. She requires someone to help put the drops in her eyes and to help her around her home – virtually 247 for the next month or so. My husband and his 5 siblings (and their spouses) are all constantly fighting about who is doing what, who does not help enough, etc. The fighting over the phones and in person is getting worse every day. Everyone is already tired of this post-surgery help and is not doing a good job of anything at this point. It is tearing the family apart. What should I do?
Cath
Grandpa’s Story: Dancing king
I’ve taken ballet since I was a little kid and nobody was a bigger supporter than my grandpa. He used to take me to my lessons and he was always front and centre at my rehearsals, cheering me on.
How do I deal with incontinence?
My father has recently been soiling himself in his bed. How can I get the smell out and prevent future accidents?
I’m Still Here
Hello, I’m still here! But this time here means I am home! And I will be here for almost three months!