"A number of factors can affect the sleep cycles. For example, if a person is not breathing well during sleep (snoring or sleep apnea), this will disturb the normal sequences and cause the individual to awaken feeling unrestored. Sleep quality can be diminished by the use of electronic devices, tobacco [...]
I was offered a “pass.” It was a routine appointment approximately one year following Mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in late 1997. The physician quietly handed over to me a written order saying, “Admission to nursing home.” And then he waited silently for my response. Having toured the area nursing homes [...]
2002-2003 Those were the SARS years, but communications were so different in the early 2000’s! The internet was still quite new – and most hospitals did not yet have websites. Our regional television networks and newspapers reported on the threat of the SARS pandemic and we learned that older people [...]
“Like food sharing, health care was part of life for our ancestors—a major aspect of how they worked together to survive hard times. Humans have an instinctive reaction to provide care and empathy for those who are sick or hurt; it works to our evolutionary advantage. It is only higher-level [...]
"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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Preparation is the key - combined with a supportive care partner team! Two special days in June included Dad’s birthday followed closely by Father’s Day. Gift selection was always somewhat of a challenge. Some possible help may be found here. Spa Day – Pampering for Father’s Day – Some helpful [...]
"In my research in sleep medicine and social epidemiology, I analyze sleep disorders in atypical cases, such as people with Parkinson’s disease, call centre and customer service workers or video game players. Here are 10 recommendations to promote sleep, based on both my observations and the scientific literature." - Austin Etindele, Sleep [...]
As Father's Day fast approaches, you may find some ideas in our Gift Gallery collection. The Turkish bathrobes, purchased at Marshall Field’s, were a Christmas gift to Mother and Dad in the 70’s. Upon arriving at the ranch many years later, I found them hanging in the closet showing very [...]