Blog

What Happens When There Is a Suicide?

Published: May 13, 2024

It happened years ago but I’ll never forget. The telephone call came in on a weekend just before Christmas from my immediate supervisor at work. I never got calls from work on a weekend so I could not imagine the reason for the call. My supervisor, never one to mince words, said that our Boss… Read More

Boundaries: Respecting Our Own and Others

Published: April 16, 2024

We hear a lot about boundaries these days, but do we understand the scope of them and know how to respect them in ourselves as well as others? There is much to be said about boundaries and whole books are written about them. It is outside the scope of this article to do an extensive… Read More

More than a Dixie Cup

Published: December 11, 2023

In the Fall of 2017, I was a graduate student taking an elective on Gerontology, specifically on Successful Aging. The title brought curiosity, knowing everyone around me is, myself included. I found it to be proactive to integrate this knowledge into my profession and personal life. In addition to taking the course, I was fortunate… Read More

Successful Aging and Life Satisfaction

Published: September 22, 2023

Successful aging and life satisfaction can be a subjective concept. For the purposes of this article, I would like to propose the definition of successful aging and life satisfaction as: The continued ability to learn and develop as a person. The ability to apply new knowledge and learned strategies that enable one to remain functioning… Read More

Decubitus Ulcers – More Than Just a Pain in the Butt

Published: June 28, 2023

Mr. Clarke lived alone in his one-bedroom apartment with his dog Buster. Recently, Mr. Clarke fell, broke his pelvis, and was transferred to skilled nursing for rehabilitation. After some rigorous physical therapy, Mr. Clarke was able to return home with some support from his neighbors. Since his return home, Mr. Clarke’s neighbors have been visiting… Read More

The Importance of Autonomy in the Well-Being of the Older Adult

Published: April 26, 2023

Studies show that maintaining a sense of autonomy is an important factor in keeping the older population living a satisfying life. “Autonomy is the ability of the individual to make and carry out decisions about how, with whom, when, and where to spend one’s time” (Bennett et al, 2015). It is imperative for health care… Read More

Who Is Going to Care For Me?

Published: October 24, 2022

The woman was a grandmother but young by today’s standards – 64. She had been divorced for years but was hard working and self sufficient until the cancer diagnosis. Reluctantly following her physician’s advice, she had to quit work and file for disability. As the disease gained a further hold, she went on SSI and… Read More

Food and the Inflammation Process

Published: February 23, 2022

Betty Lynn was diagnosed with arthritis ten years ago. She didn’t believe in diets, and ate pretty much whatever she felt like. Betty enjoyed cereal with sugar, the Sunday doughnut after church, Chinese food on Friday nights and even the occasional frozen pizza. Betty wasn’t overweight, and by first glance she appeared to be in… Read More

Help! My Mom is Afraid of the Shower!

Published: January 15, 2022

Donna and her husband David live independently in their own home. Two years ago, Donna was diagnosed with dementia. David became her primary caregiver; however, as her condition progressed, he needed help. He was no longer able to assist his wife with bathing, as she would become agitated and downright angry when he tried to… Read More

At What Point Do I Start?

Published: October 2, 2020

So here it is over 6 months since we have been living with COVID-19 – the pandemic.  Lives have changed forever.  But while I write this, life does go on in some fashion as before.  Basic needs are met one way or another and we try to look forward to better days.  In the meantime… Read More