Hey Christopher Columbus Welcome to a New World... So
If you are reading this, I am going to assume that one or both of your parents have moved, or are about to move, into an assisted living home. The months leading up to this life change have not been easy. Your parent’s ability to live at home alone has been a concern. You’ve tried different interventions, had many difficult adult child to elderly parent conversations and spent sleepless nights from the worry of what mom or dad was up to in the middle of the night, miles away
Over the River & Through the Woods to Grandmother's Assisted Living We Go! Creating Meaning
Regardless of where your parent is at age or ailment wise, your child will cherish the memories they create with their grandparent. That grandparent may no longer be the vibrant adult you grew up with, but it is the grandparent your child is growing up with. Let them experience that person, with whom there will be a very different type of relationship than the one you shared with your parent. It’s not about creating a masterpiece or an academy award-winning documentary, but i
The Dream Team... Creating a Team for a Successful Caregiving Season
If I can let caregivers know any single thing, it would be that they cannot care for an aging parent or other caree alone. Having a team of family, friends and professionals is critical for attaining success and avoiding conflicts. You could be tempted, especially in the early stages of caregiving to say, “I’m good. I don’t need a team. I like simplicity and my caree’s health issues are private.” You are good. But a team will make you better. Accepting the role as your caree’
Who Are These People? Connecting with the Staff
Who are These People? Connecting with the Staff of the Assisted Living By: Colleen Kavanaugh, CCC If your caree has recently moved into an assisted living home, in addition to all the overwhelming feelings you may be experiencing, trying to figure out who’s who in this new land can be a reason to scream. The staff is an extension of the care you have provided at home. It’s as if you have become dozens of highly trained individuals; an activity coordinator, nurse, aide, financ
Colleen Kavanaugh of The Longest Dance Says Learning New Dance Steps Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3...
Hello to the Top-Notch Teams community! My name is Colleen Kavanaugh and I am a Certified Caregiving Consultant. For ten years I cared for my parents (and my three children, partner and career). My parents had had cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and while I knew nothing about any of these illnesses at the time, I did know that I would do the best I was able. I learned a ton and swore that once my parents died that I would NEVER have anything to do with the world
The Longest Dance...
For the next few days, I am honored to have a guest blogger, Colleen Kavanaugh of The Longest Dance. I felt that Colleen would be the perfect blogger for National Assisted Living Week and it's 2016 theme, "Keep Connected." Today, I am posting an excerpt from Colleen's website, www.thelongestdance.com: Are you overwhelmed in your role as a caregiver to a family member? I've been there. For a decade, I was a caregiver to both of my parents who lived with Breast Cancer, Alzheim
