This article was written three years ago - July 2017. In the current context of the COVID-19 global pandemic, physical presence has been curtailed to halt the spread of the virus. But as a friend or family member, there is no more important time than this diagnosis to find a [...]
A physician asks rhetorically: "Does it really matter what we eat?" His response can be found in this recording of 2:53 minutes: Most deaths in the United States are preventable, and related to nutrition. In case you are not already convinced about the importance of good nutrition in a healthy [...]
In the mid-80’s, I served as an Adjunct Faculty Member at National Louis University in the Chicago area. It was here that I became acquainted with James Ellor, Chair of the Human Service Department, who provided a classroom support service on a weekly basis during my adjunct experience. Today, he [...]
"Sometimes people with dementia can become agitated or distressed, which can be disturbing for other people around them. This often happens for no clear reason ... This is a big issue for the aged care sector since approximately half of all residents in aged care facilities have dementia." - Federico [...]
We Have This Moment Used in a music skit at a family reunion, the words from a beautiful Gaither song were written by a talented caregiver on the hot pink heart-shaped prop: “We Have This Moment.” Following our performance, the heart remained forever on our kitchen table as a reminder [...]
Picture two different families, each dealing with a diagnosis of dementia in one of its members. In one case, the patient is a retired executive, whose family tries as long as possible to keep the diagnosis secret, relying primarily on professional caregivers and eventually a nursing home. In another case, [...]
A voice for change, Dr. Bill Thomas was featured in the very first regional Alzheimer’s Association publication, Spring 1999 issue, which I received after my hometown arrival in late ‘98. It was at a time when the media had only recently begun to describe institutional care of older people with [...]
"In this episode, Dhru and Reverend Beckwith discuss how we are in the ending of one world, the beginning of another, and the possibilities for this new world. They also discuss the true meaning of sacrifice, and the role it plays during these times. Also covered - what it means [...]
Harvard professor Dr. Arthur Kleinman asks, “How do we strengthen caregiving? How do we do those things that will make it recognized as important as it is? It’s going to take a radical rethinking. Our health care system is focused on entirely the wrong issues. Economics is not the most [...]
Clearly needed and very beneficial especially during this time of suffering - a contemplative practice to become more grounded. Roshi Joan Halifax is recognized as master teacher and a pioneer in end-of-life care. She is Founder, Abbot, Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery located in [...]