by Joy Loverde I received an email from a caregiver who complained that her elderly mother expected to be waited on hand and foot. She explained that what started out as small acts of kindness have become daily struggles for attention. After having interacted with thousands of caregivers in my family caregiving workshops I know…
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Eldercare Questions and Insights
by Joy Loverde As the author of The Complete Eldercare Planner and online elder care columnist geared toward people who are caring for aging parents, I’ve been asked some interesting questions. The depth of where our caregiving journeys will lead us never ceases to amaze me. This blog offers insights into the complex elder care…
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Medical History in a Flash Blog by Joy Loverde
by Joy Loverde What would you do if your aging parent landed in the hospital and the emergency room staff started shooting critical questions at you? When was the last time your mom was in the hospital? What prescription drugs does she take? What is she allergic to? Who is her primary doctor? Who is…
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Forgiveness and Practicing Peace on Earth Part II
by Joy Loverde Everyday life offers myriad opportunities to practice the art of forgiveness. For example, next time the store clerk shoots you a dirty look or a driver cuts you off in traffic, forgive her and him on the spot. You might say to yourself, “She’s having a bad day, let it go,” or…
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Forgiveness and Creating Peace on Earth Part 1
by Joy Loverde What’s the fewest number of people I can make mad at me today? This question used to occupy my thoughts most days when I was caring for my elderly father. Every time I turned around, somebody was angry at me for something. From people who loved me dearly (including my father) to…
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Eldercare Memory Bank Load Up Now
What's better? Inheriting money from a rich relative or doing something special today with someone you love. Personally, I pick the "doing" every time. Money can't buy happiness; but memories can. Don't believe me? Open up a photo album right now and you'll be flooded with memories - good and bad -- of elderly people…
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Caregivers do you hear what I hear?
Each time I dial my elderly friend's telephone number, I take a deep breath in anticipation of what will predictably turn into a thirty-minute one-sided conversation - her side. Having lived 86 years, Bess has a lot on her mind and much to say. From neighborhood gossip and leaky faucets to graphic descriptions of her…
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Fitnesss Forever
There’s so much to love about working out and being physically fit. There’s so much to hate about those 24-hour fitness clubs with all those young, beautiful bodies, not to mention complicated machinery and triathlon-level workouts. No wonder Moms and Dads refuse to step inside the neighborhood gym. They can’t relate. According to International Health…
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I’m still standing
I know myself well enough to know that when I blog on a topic that is somewhat related in nature to the blog I just published, it means I’m not finished expressing myself or thinking things through to completion. That’s the case with the blog you are about to read. My recent blog on the…
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Where’s Your Caregiving Self-Respect?
It is beyond my comprehension why people who care for elderly parents and others would allow anyone to say something badly about them to someone else or to their face. Senior elder care is hard work, and NO ONE deserves to be treated unkindly by anyone, at anytime. As an elder care consultant and caregiver…
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