The holidays are a time of joy, bright lights, and celebrations. Family and friends gather for meals, shopping, religious observations, and other meaningful traditions. Yet, for many, these same activities can be painful reminders of grief and loss or illicit feelings of what is often referred to as the holiday blues. Good news! There are… Read more »
In the many conversations I have with today’s seniors, there is a sense of role reversal when life begins to change. Adult children, however, can be one of the most significant resources in proactively planning for your future. They are the best “sounding board” you could have as you begin to explore the available options…. Read more »
“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” (Tia Walker) For those who provide care to loved ones, this is certainly a true statement. But caregiving also calls on us to be more than we expected of ourselves. Daily responsibilities and the confidence to perform them may weigh heavy on our… Read more »
As someone who spent time as a caregiver, I know how personal it is. I know how life-changing it can be for everyone involved. All you want is to make sure your family member or loved one is safe and cared for. Because at the heart of family caregiving are relationships. In a caregiving environment,… Read more »
On the first Sunday of March, family, friends, and team members gathered at Blakeford to hear the reading of names and the ringing of a bell to honor and remember each of those residents who had passed in 2015. Ceremonies like these can be an important part of the healing process when one faces a loss. This… Read more »
Happy New Year and welcome to 2016! With the simple flip of a calendar page and the stroke of the second hand at midnight, we’ve gone from 2015 into a new and exciting year. For all of us at Blakeford, this New Year’s Day is particularly significant. You see, 20 years ago today the very first Blakeford residents… Read more »
When you receive a serious medical diagnosis, it can feel as though that diagnosis replaces your identity. I am no longer myself — instead, now I am cancer, or heart attack or dementia. But even when we carry a diagnosis, we also continue to live our lives. We are more than our diseases and care… Read more »
An article published by Forbes addressed the topic of who will be there to take care of childless Boomers. Yes, it is a concern with that group, but it’s also something that couples with children should think about very carefully. Pew Research states that 47% of 49-59 year old adults are “sandwiched” between caring for… Read more »
Several years ago, my mom made a decision that would change how she lived out the rest of her life. Following a lot of family discussions, research, and tears, she moved to an independent living community. My mom and dad raised my brothers and me in a small-ish (population: 29,000) southern town. Mom could drive… Read more »
