Why I’m fine with 59

“Age ain’t nothin’ but a number ” has never been my favorite quote of the day. For me, age is a virtual big box filled with a collection of dreams, memories, aches, pains, laughter, hope, and sometimes regret. Favorite ages of mine have included thus far: 18, 21, 28, 31, 54 and 55, times of… Continue reading Why I’m fine with 59

Sibling rivalry, aging parents and running the emotional gauntlet

Sibling rivalry, also known as competition between sisters and brothers for a parent’s attention, may change over time. Unique relationships can strengthen or weaken on the road from childhood to adulthood. Physical and emotional distances offer adult siblings new opportunities to develop respectful, loving, caring relationships. Sometimes though, a few embers of competitiveness or jealousy… Continue reading Sibling rivalry, aging parents and running the emotional gauntlet

5 handy gadgets for boomers and beyond

One of the rewards I enjoy as a geriatric care manager is the opportunity to pass along helpful tips to make the day-to-day job of growing older a bit easier, safer and sometimes, more fun! I regularly accompany my dear clients to medical appointments, on routine errands like grocery shopping, and everyone’s favorite – going… Continue reading 5 handy gadgets for boomers and beyond

(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

The weight of guilt

Guilt is a 4-letter word in disguise. It is a bad feeling that can tear us down and leave us in a soggy mess, mired down by the weight of it. Family caregivers wrestle with feelings of guilt frequently. Sometimes guilt is like jet lag from a non-stop cross country flight, depriving us of rest,… Continue reading The weight of guilt

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