In an effort to assist residents, staff and leaders at Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care are requesting donations of used iPads to provide families and friends the opportunity to video chat. To be used exclusively for digitally connecting residents to their loved ones during these difficult times of required separation, donated iPads and tablets may be dropped off at Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care’s offices, where they will be sanitized thoroughly before use. Read more →

Dear Readers: We had some nightmarish situations before the Covid-19 pandemic, but this has created scenarios in our caregiving life we’d never considered. Physical distance from those we want to help. Isolation when they – and we – need each other more than ever. Fear of death as we’ve never known it. However, if we are to survive, we must continue to have hope. Read more →

Despite trying their best, hospital staff is often overworked and short on numbers. If a family member has ever stayed in a nursing home, you’ve probably seen staffing stretched to the limit. A hospital stay will be just as tough, if not more so. Read more →

But did someone actually steal Victoria's sweater, or is dementia stealing her mind? Victoria, the lady ranting about her sweater, was sitting in her wheelchair. I had offered to take her down to the nursing home's main dining room on my way to sit with my mother-in-law. I was familiar with Victoria, a resident at my mother-in-law's facility. Read more →

Care decisions are hard enough as it is, but how do you know when you’re enabling an elderly loved one to slide by the easy way as opposed to helping them out with something they truly need? The truth is, it’s rarely an easy call, and the answer may differ on any given day. Read more →

I set up a personal alarm system for Joe, and I was beyond grateful for that device. He would fall often due to his deafness, balance issues, and, of course, his alcohol consumption. When he fell, he’d activate his personal alarm, which would notify a dispatch center and they would call me to check on him. Read more →

If you and your parents have frequent, casual conversations about options as they age, you’ll have an easier time with the transition than if you leave the topic until there’s a crisis. When you begin the talks, Read more →

While occasionally you’ll meet an elder who willingly turns over all decisions to others, most will continue to want their autonomy. They want to make the decisions that rule their lives. So, when they need help, what do you do? Read more →

Dear SU: You’re in a tough spot, and you have my deepest sympathy. Since I’ve been in your shoes, I can understand your need to “fix” this. Sadly, your choices may be limited. Read more →

It’s human nature not to look carefully at people or things that we see often, so we shouldn’t be surprised when our parents’ aging comes as a shock. Your silly teenage business of anyone older than you being “old” resolved itself as you matured, so you know that isn’t the cause. This truly is wear and tear that you’re seeing on your parents and it’s scary. Read more →