“You have to be able to set boundaries, otherwise the rest of the world is telling you who you are and what you should be doing. You can still be a nice person and set boundaries.” – Oprah Winfrey One of the most common challenges that we hear from caregivers is how difficult it is […]
Celebrating our Mother Caregivers: Lycia’s Story
A personal story of how Lycia’s mother became her primary caregiver during her own initiation into motherhood. Six months after becoming a mother, my own mother visited me from Brazil in May 2019. My husband and I were thrilled to have her helping hands so tirelessly available while we were still learning how to […]
Caregiver’s Voice: Part 3 in a 3-Part Series of Taking Stock
Caregiving is now a common experience, however roles and activities can be very different from one caregiver to the next. Caregiving is dynamic, and it can move in different directions at any given time. Encouraging caregivers to use their voice, especially astheir role expands, can improve their own situation and the care team’s ability to […]
Strategies and Resources for Decision-Making: Taking Stock Part 1
STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES FOR DECISION-MAKING: TAKING STOCK FIRST IN A THREE-PART SERIES Betty, 80, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease five years ago. She is on the highest dosage of a “memory pill” and is well supported at home by her spouse. She is very functional and maintains a high level of independence and quality of […]
Strategies for Spousal Caregivers
Lisa has been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for over five years. She and her partner, Michael, just celebrated 20 years together. Each have children from their previous relationships, and both are still working part-time. As Lisa’s symptoms worsen, she requires more assistance. Michael is struggling to balance the demands of being a partner and […]
Setting Boundaries Takes Practice
“Sure, Mom, I’ll help.” As soon as she spoke the words, Mary thought, “I do not have the time or energy for this! Why did I agree to help?” Sometimes we say “yes” automatically because we are people-pleasers. We could be feeling guilty or emotionally tied to a situation and, before we even think about […]
Creating Wellness When it Seems Impossible
When I’m working with a caregiver over the phone and I hear them struggling to prioritize their needs or find the time and energy to keep well, it’s incredibly difficult for me to respond with: “Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping the person you are caring for.” It’s one thing for […]
Siblings Sharing the Care
When caring for a family member, established family dynamics and unresolved or new conflicts tend to be common pitfalls. How can we “share the care” without creating unnecessary struggle? It all comes down to family members making key decisions together; reaching consensus on dividing the caregiving tasks; and working as a team. Here are six […]
Reducing Holiday Stress
For many of us, December marks the start of holiday gatherings and festivities, making it feel like “the most wonderful time of the year.” Some family caregivers, however, may find themselves singing a different tune (think: “He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch”). While holidays bring opportunities for joy, traditions and new experiences, they can also […]
International Day of Charity
In honour of International Day of Charity, we have partnered with Suffolk Family Carers. Here is a quick blog they wrote for us about what they are doing for Family Caregivers in England. At Suffolk Family Carers, we believe in unpaid family carers Living Fuller Lives. For over 30 years, we have provided information, advice […]
