Sitting in my home office, with mom’s cat on my lap as I type, brings both a smile and a pain to my heart. It has been two years since her passing at the age of 91. I don’t think we truly heal completely from the loss of a parent – whatever the relationship was Read More
Guilt & Parent Caregiving
View the video blog: Guilt and Parent Caregiving Recently in talking with a caregiver who takes care of her mother, father and mother-in-law, the ever present “guilt work” came into the conversation. “Why”, said the daughter, “do I never feel like I do enough or do the right thing”? Well, it is more complicated Read More
“Slow Medicine” a New Approach for Seniors Over 80
Dr. Dennis McCullough has written a book on Embracing “Slow Medicine,” The Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones called “My Mother Your Mother”. Dr. McCullough’s approach is a gentle, kind common sense approach to extending medical care to the very frail elderly. He calls for a movement in “attending” to seniors changing Read More
Leaving Messages for Seniors
When you are leaving a telephone message for a senior, remember to speak “slowly and distinctly” (those are actually words from my 88 year old mother’s answering machine). Those who have trouble hearing might need you to say your name and phone number slowly at the beginning of the message and then, after you have Read More
I’m too tired today! Quality vs. Quantity!
It is hard, as adult children, to know – Is my Mother tired? Or, is she depressed? Or, is she just not feeling well in general? Viewing our parents objectively is challenging. Parents often shield their children from negative thoughts, feelings, depression or discomfort. In addition, hearing is often diminished and being in a busy Read More
