Tag Archives: elderly

What Did The Doctor Say?

Elderly woman looks out her window smiling

We’re going to the  doctor. Can you take me to the doctor? I need to make an appointment with the doctor. Does this sound familiar? As my parents aged we took them to ever more medical appointments. Not only that, but we had to go to the hospital emergency room regularly. A common question we’d ask is, “What did the ... Read More »

Holiday Memories

Remember? How exciting it was to anticipate the magical days to come. For me, Christmas was one of the big ones. Oh, the excitement! Of course we had to decorate a tree. That wasn’t my favorite part. I wanted all blue lights. No, Marsha, for the last time, we cannot have all blue lights! The reason I heard so often ... Read More »

Questions to Ask Before Your Mind’s on Drugs

Do you remember as far back as the 60’s, maybe even before, when “on drugs” was a negative term that usually involved illegal activity? Back then I pictured people on drugs as criminals, people lying around in a stupor until time to get their next fix. Unfortunately, I had a family member who fit this description so I saw “up close ... Read More »

Remembering My Mother

Today I’m remembering Maxine Gallagher, my mother. She departed this earth on February 19, 2014, one year ago today. Sometimes remembering is all we can do. If someone you love is old, in fragile health, take some time to remember with them the good things they added to your life, the lessons they taught you, the gifts they gave. Do ... Read More »

Are You Stuck In This Squeeze?

Only a few of those born into this world survive the vicissitudes of infancy, childhood and maturity. And this, by the way, is most fortunate; for otherwise if all lived to be old and the burden of caring for them  in their increasing helplessness were thus added to the burden of caring for the helpless young, this would be a ... Read More »

Want To Bet? Grief Gambling Syndrome

ecently I came upon an article about grief gambling syndrome, something I hadn’t learned about in my masters programs. It brought to mind one of my hospice patients who wanted to know if it was alright for her and her caregiver to go to Atlantic City to the casino. Since hospice is about living as fully as you can for ... Read More »

Could This Help In Your Caregiving Relationships?

We’ve just reached the 6 month anniversary of my mother’s death. Of course that got me thinking, reflecting on life in general and my mother’s final months in particular. I think if I’d had to be her full time caregiver I’d have gone stark raving mad. I’ve seen daughters and sons lovingly take care of their parents’ every need. I’ve ... Read More »

Why Do I Need An Attorney Who Specializes In Elder Law?

o you remember The Great Recession that we Americans experienced that officially lasted from December 2007 until June 2009? I was young enough to be able to rebuild some savings, but many elderly people lost everything they’d saved for their retirement years. People are still worried about how they’ll manage in their later years. Elderly people, especially those who are ... Read More »

Are You Really Alive?

My sister recently brought me a box of newspaper clippings from my mother’s estate. Among the old, yellowed newspaper I found something dated 1938. I can’t tell what paper it came from, only that the author is Edgar A. Guest. His words ring as true today as they did when they were written. As we age we experience more and ... Read More »

Do You Think Realtors Should Do This?

here I was one day, minding my business at home when my phone rang. I mean my ancient artifact, a landline phone, rang. It was a real estate age that I’d never heard of. She let me know that she had a client looking for a house in the school distinct I happen to live in, that the client didn’t ... Read More »