Teachers step into our lives in so many forms and circumstances and sometimes they exit before we are ready. The anniversary of my father’s passing, an invisible entry on my calendar that is impossible to forget, is upon us again. Nine years gone, both an eternity and the blink of an eye. He was my… Continue reading He was my very best teacher
Category: Aging
Dear dementia
Dear dementia, today I add to my list of things that care partners (caregivers + people with dementia) need right now. It has been less than one month since I pressed my first list. Long story short, we need to improve the medical appointment experience for healthcare providers and their patients with dementia. In the spirit of relentlessly… Continue reading Dear dementia
(Wo)Man Plans, God Laughs
Nothing in life humbles me as much as a child or a puppy. I may be semi-retired but the project manager in me lives on. I’m a driven woman, visiting my calendar multiple times a day. Be on time. Have an efficient, effective meeting/appointment/visit/errand. Write succinct, timely messages. Follow up. Keep a list. And above… Continue reading (Wo)Man Plans, God Laughs
5 things caregivers and their loved ones need right now
Last Friday, mid-morning, I took a client to a department store and to lunch. My client lives in a memory care facility. She has dementia. She also is an 80 year retired English Literature professor, a mom, an aunt, a sister, a friend. She had a career before career women were common. My client likes… Continue reading 5 things caregivers and their loved ones need right now
Miss Assumption
Cynics and skeptics have their places in the world. I am neither one. I tend to hang out in a happy zone, leaning in with an optimistic outlook. Glass half full is a good perspective to begin and end a day. That perspective isn’t without its challenges though. Looking at the world through rose-colored glasses sometimes leads to misassumptions which lead to disappointment and frustration. … Continue reading Miss Assumption
Love Story
When I was in my early teens a song, “Pass It On”, was popular. The first line is “in only takes a spark to get a fire going”… I am honored to serve two older adult clients and their daughter in my “encore” career. Once a week I have the privilege of visiting a husband… Continue reading Love Story
Grateful
This week I completed my internship to fulfill requirements of my geriatric care management coursework. The time I’ve spent with my preceptor and care manager mentors has flown by and I’m grateful for the time and wisdom they have shared with me. I’m most grateful to their clients and family members who agreed to share… Continue reading Grateful
The Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you This seems like such a no brainer rule of life. Sadly, imperfect human beings that we are, none of us always treats others as kindly as we wish to be treated. I had the extremely good fortune to hear Melanie Bunn, RN, MS, GNP,… Continue reading The Golden Rule
Sit Up Straight
I ran across this short video while surfing the Web this morning. Disclaimer: I don’t know Dr. Frank Wildman nor have I read his book (yet). The video is fascinating though. I’ll be checking my posture today! http://www.changeyouragenetwork.com/index.php/en/articles/general-articles/123-habits-that-change-your-age
