A Blog Indeed

It seems like my loved one is losing her zest for life. What activities are beneficial? What a big question that is! Have you pondered it...

Now that you've decided to reach out and ask for help (not only for your loved one but for you indirectly as well), isn’t it interesting how you go about your day to day business and until you are placed into the role of family Caregiver for your aging parents/loved one, you don’t realize that there is a whole world of information and resources available to tap into. It wasn’t in your radar before and now it is. First of all, how do you know what supports you need now and wha

I participated in a workshop held by Bethany Care in Calgary a few years ago. They discussed their philosophy of care which is called  Supportive Pathways . The instructor spoke of how to look to one's own personal beliefs and how they relate to care for an individual with dementia. She emphasized the importance of providing meaningful activities for the individual, even if that individual wouldn't remember the activity later. She challenged a common question that I have hear

I participated in a workshop held by Bethany Care in Calgary a few years ago. They discussed their philosophy of care which is called  Supportive Pathways . The instructor spoke of how to look to one's own personal beliefs and how they relate to care for an individual with dementia. She emphasized the importance of providing meaningful activities for the individual, even if that individual wouldn't remember the activity later. She challenged a common question that I have hear

As a family member who is now becoming a Caregiver, you have a lifetime of family history and dynamics with your loved one and you may wonder, how it will all work?  Your loved one may have been a difficult individual who has had the same behaviours, attitudes and outlook their whole life. They might not even realize or not want to acknowledge any past consequences from their behaviour or actions. Also, if there is cognitive impairment or delirium present, then that adds to t

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It's important we revisit this topic every once in a while to remind ourselves it's ok to make time for YOU and it's NOT being selfish. The bottom line is you can't pour from an empty cup! You are a family Caregiver. You love your loved one- there is no denying that. The fact is, Caregiving, in all capacities, takes a lot of time, effort and physical and emotional energy. It is easy to become overwhelmed and anxious when you feel like it is all

If a dark cloud comes. Dark clouds. We see them almost any time of the year. They usually signify a change coming. Wet weather, perhaps...

What the heck? Invest in Play? When I think of the word “Invest”, I think of a well-researched, thought out plan, weighing the pros and...

Last month , we mentioned how using strategic little cues for a loved one with memory impairment can make a big difference in keeping a...

Part 1 Have you ever traveled and checked into a hotel? I had to go to Toronto for a seminar years ago. I got off the plane and followed...

Building a healthy relationship with your aging loved one. Life Story Part 2: "Knowing who I am means a lot to me" Last month we spoke...

Building a healthy relationship with your aging loved one. Life Story Part 1: "Meet me where I am" What sums up a life? What makes it...

Needs. We all have needs. They may change at different times of our life given circumstances, but there always seems to be a few core...

Empowering Another Without Interfering I recall visiting a lady living in a care facility years ago. I met her in the hall and we sat to...

Avoiding Burnout I titled this article after that song by The Beatles. It is an uplifting tune and injects hope through the lyrics to the...

Caring for your Parents AND your Children You wake up to another day much like the one before, thinking about your career or business and...

Hello everyone! Welcome to our new mobile-friendly website and new blog! A Friend Indeed helps families with elderly parents who are so...