by admin | Dec 14, 2020 | Joy's Blog
Dear Kim, I mean Governor Polis, My apologies, but I seem to be mixing up my dictators. As I write this on the first day of November, I am angry. I work with memory-impaired older adults, people that are especially dependent on regular visits and interactions with...
by admin | Sep 4, 2017 | Joy's Blog
The old house had no bedroom or bathroom on the first floor so the eight-three-year-old woman, despite one hip having been replaced and the other causing her a great deal of pain, climbed a full flight of stairs to use the bathroom or to go to bed. The kitchen was a...
by admin | Jun 22, 2017 | Joy's Blog
How many of you drive your car forward down the road while looking almost exclusively in the rearview mirror? I’m guessing that you are all raising your hands and saying, “Not me!” Thank God! Now I don’t have to ask all of you to stay off the road until I get home...
by admin | Apr 23, 2017 | Joy's Blog
According to the World Federation for Mental Health, “Caregiving affects us all. Regardless of culture or country, all people have been – currently are – or will need a caregiver during the course of their lifetime.” What is a caregiver? I prefer the Merriam-Webster...
by admin | Mar 23, 2017 | Joy's Blog
I’m not talking about that interesting moment when you hear your mouth say those things that your mother used to say, those things that you SWORE your mouth would never say. Nor am I talking about that other interesting moment when you are talking on the phone with...
by admin | Feb 22, 2017 | Joy's Blog
At the time of her stroke, my mother had done all those things people say we should do – made her wishes clear, her will was done, all powers-of-attorney were signed, she had long-term care insurance, and she had planned her funeral. When the stroke happened, I...
by admin | Jan 22, 2017 | Joy's Blog
As I cared for my mother on her dementia journey, I discovered a new approach to life. Live Well: To Live well is to accept the “new normal” and make it the best it can be. Laugh Well: “Love Well” is to grieve the loss, but, at the same time, honor, love, and respect...
by admin | Dec 22, 2016 | Joy's Blog
In my previous blog, I said “I believe there is an answer that helps many” deal with the stress, exhaustion, and health impact of caregiving. During my time as a family caregiver and now as a professional caregiver, I came to realize the role of caregiver is actually...
by admin | Nov 22, 2016 | Joy's Blog
August 23, 2010: I’m on my way home from work and my cell phone rings. Seeing my aunt’s phone number, I answer while driving (as most good Americans do-smile), expecting one of our usual friendly chats. Instead, she says, “I just had a phone call! Your mother has had...
