Category Archives: Blog

Put the Music On – Let’s Dance!

Put the Music On – Let’s Dance!

I come from a family that doesn’t really use the word “exercise” in their vocabulary. For my family, there’s work and then there’s play. One great way to play and avoid the dreaded “e” word is to put the music on and just get to moving. My mother still talks about putting on a Marty […]

The Healing Power of Dirt and Memories

Elder man working in garden

Our life passions come from somewhere deep inside us, but often they are sparked by someone we love deeply, someone who took the time to share their own passions. For me the love of gardening came from my grannies and my own mother. My sweet memory of walking through my granny’s tiger lily patch is […]

Helping Loved Ones Remember Who They Are

An older woman and a younger woman looking in the mirror

As our older loved ones experience the changes of later life, it is easy for them to become discouraged about their ability to stay independent and productive. Most of us will experience health issues that make doing what we enjoy harder and the fear of losing our independence can be a blow to our sense […]

Time to Forgive and Heal

Time to Forgive and Heal

Are old family wounds making your caregiving a huge chore and a daily reminder of old hurts? Taking care of an older loved one is a challenge in the best of situations. Chances are they are struggling with health issues and a loss of independence. We all know that just the thoughts of having to […]

For the Love of Buddy – Why Granny Needs a Dog

For the Love of Buddy – Why Granny Needs a Dog

Marilyn is a more than vigorous 80-plus. She teaches a history class for seniors, exercises regularly, takes writing courses and has a manuscript ready for submission, is an active member of a local women’s group and a new resident of a retirement community near her former home. She also has a dog, one that requires […]

Keeping Seniors Home Longer with Technology

a senior woman at home with her dog

It is conventional wisdom that most seniors would rather live out their lives in their own homes. Quality of life is generally higher at home; and moving out at later stages of life can be impactful on health and longevity. Nonetheless, as people age real problems emerge while living independently at home. There are challenges that […]

Getting a Stubborn Loved One to Make Healthier Choices

Getting a Stubborn Loved One to Make Healthier Choices

At any given time, I’m typically involved in planning training for healthcare staff on one topic or another. One of the projects I’m currently working on is teaching staff some of the basics of motivational interviewing (MI). MI is considered a form of nondirective psychotherapy, originally conceptualized and piloted for use with problem drinkers, and […]