Aging, caregiving and the journey through the second half of life

Resist Punitive Perfection

April 7, 2018

Pointing out errors of memory or cognition to our aging parents proves nothing…Period…We all will suffer the same fate when we are firmly in their shoes and we will equally resent being called out for something we can’t control…Instead of…

Steady On…

April 4, 2018

Things periodically fall apart with our aging parents no matter how hard we try to avoid conflict. Stay calm and let these episodes have their moment and then pass on. There’s no time to hold a grudge or prove who’s…

Are Unpaid Caregivers Also Unpaid Healthcare Providers?

March 31, 2018

Almost half (46%) of family caregivers say they perform medical/nursing tasks. These include handling prescriptions, helping someone climb the stairs with a cane, and caring for and cleaning wounds. Family caregivers often do these tasks with no training or help…

And Take My Waking Slow….

March 25, 2018

The Waking Theodore Roethke (1954) I Wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. I feel my fate in what I cannot fear. I learn by going where I have to go. We think by feeling. What is there…

Finding the whole person disguised as a patient

March 8, 2018

Over the last twenty years, a new approach to healthcare called integrative medicine has focused attention on understanding and treating the “whole person.” This means that psychological and spiritual factors as well as physical bodies needed to be included in…

The Peace of Wild Things

February 27, 2018

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought or grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a…

When Someone Deeply Listens To You

February 21, 2018

We are all so busy with the perpetual motion of our obligations and mega to-do lists that the thought of slowing down and deeply listening to someone, anyone, is down right painful. “I don’t have time for this” we…

Getting Back On Track

February 18, 2018

It’s easy to get off track with aging parents. Complicated decisions, intense conversations and setbacks on issues that you thought were taken care of are just a few of the “uncouplers” that come with caregiving. The good news is that…

Breathing Underwater

February 14, 2018

We adult children look at aging and say no thanks, not for me, best to keep a safe distance. But aging is patient, biding its time, confident of its purpose. From seemingly nowhere, our safe distance collapses and a new…

How To Obtain PDF Copies of The “Aging In Place Inventory” Form

February 11, 2018

If you would like a PDF copy of the “Aging In Place Inventory” form emailed to you, please send your request to dsolie1946@me.com…

Second-Half of Life Blog