I never got to meet him. But I had the privilege of getting to know his wife and daughters as I coached them in The DAWN Method, and along his dementia journey. His family remained powerfully committed to him, his well-being, and his quality of life. Their journey was not easy, and it was impacted by his own difficult journey,…
She grew up in Philadelphia, the daughter of an Italian father and Irish mother. A capable, independent, and talented young woman. His United States Navy ship came into port in Philadelphia, and a friend introduced them. It wasn’t long before he asked her to write letters to him after his ship left port. They were later married and enjoyed decades…
I have had the flu twice in the six weeks since my dad drew his last breath. I rarely get sick. In both of these cases, I was really sick. I suspect my body is decompressing from the time I spent pouring myself into managing my dad’s care and caring for him. It seems that much of society would look…
Sharing a few thoughts around falls & dementia. I'd love for you to take a listen as I share some observations & tips from my background as an Occupational Therapist! #falls #OccupationalTherapy #aging #dementiacare #dementiatips #dementiasupportive #eldersupportive #caregiver #risk #livingfully https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-mbo2PlTn/
To the outside world, I appear A-OK. And I really am okay. But what is going on inside is a sort of confusion, an unsettled frustration, as I try to reconcile the loss of my dad. In one regard, I fear grief because it is unpredictable and hits at random times. But most of me is just trying to relax…
If you’ve ever ridden the Fort Collins City Park train, you may have met our friend. We loved hearing her stories of how she taught the kids to remain seated for the whole ride, and raise their arms and wiggle their fingers when they went through the tunnel. We loved hearing about how she began helping kids have their birthday…
Worth the watch. Specifically, the end when he talks about having purpose. Dementia takes away many things, but it does not take away feelings and your heart! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWJ2ZNvQIcQ
This morning, I will go for a gentle three-mile run. And I will think of my dad. I began my running career with my dad when I was thirteen years old. It’s been over four decades since then, and I still run. Not as far and not as fast, but I am filled with gratitude that I am still able…
I had the privilege to talk with Lance Slatton in the All Home Care Matters podcast. I hope you'll take time to read their post and watch the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0fr9j59B7k All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton (The Senior Care Influencer Lance A. Slatton) were honored to welcome Jill Couch, MS, OT/L as guest to the show.…
Three months ago tonight, my dad drew his last breath. I was there. I saw it happen. And yet, three months later, I feel a bit of shock at the reality that my dad is gone.
