All Editorials
Featured Post
Putting Your Loved One First Might Mean not Telling the Truth
By Lili Fiore
When people are confused or have dementia, they probably won’t remember your words, but they will definitely remember how you made them feel.
Caregiving
Caregiving is about providing care to someone who needs help taking care of themselves due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances. This role, often filled by family members, requires compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of those in need. Caregiving is very rewarding but can also be very stressful and is the main reason I started my business, to help make Caregiving a little less stressful.
What It Means to be Disabled: A View into One’s Mind
By Guest Author: Joseph Sisk
I never let my disability hold me back. I was also lucky to grow up with teachers who felt the same. Teachers who saw past my disability and encouraged and supported me. This has helped me achieve my dreams of writing and acting – fully expressing who I am.
Caregiving May be Hard but I Think there is a Silver Lining
By: Lili Fiore
I know Caregiving can be tough emotionally and requires a lot but I think there is a really wonderful, rewarding aspect of it that gets overlooked. And while not everyone can be a Caregiver, there are lots of ways to support those who are!
Caregiving with a Traumatic Brain Injury
By Guest Author: @braininjurywise
Alongside the recovery and daily physical challenges that come with a traumatic brain injury, I am a Caregiver for my aging parents. I struggled mightily in the beginning but have since learned to give myself grace and forgiveness and have learned some things that would help any Caregiver.
Dementia
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in memory, reasoning, and communication. Over time, this decline interferes with daily functioning. It is a group of symptoms associated with various underlying conditions, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease. Caregiving for someone with dementia adds extra layers of difficulty and grief.
Generosity – The Heart of Caregiving
by Guest Author: Lyle Weinstein
As your Loved One’s ability to understand words diminishes, they will focus on the tone of your voice and your body language. This is where the work I do comes in – helping caregiver support their loved ones with dignity and warmth.
Finding the Right Words
By Guest Author: Cindy Weinstein, Ph.D.
I am honored to write this column for the Much Love, Lili newsletter and want to use this opportunity to talk about why I wrote my book, Finding the Right Words: A Study of Literature, Grief, and the Brain.
Putting Your Loved One First Might Mean not Telling the Truth
By Lili Fiore
When people are confused or have dementia, they probably won’t remember your words, but they will definitely remember how you made them feel.
Grief
Grief is such an individual experience. It varies in duration and intensity for each person and can be influenced by factors such as culture, beliefs, and prior experiences with loss. At some point most of us will experience grief and loss. Like Caregiving, grief can be isolating and overwhelming. Below are some shared experiences of grief, from myself and others.
Loss of 3 Beloved Children in a 5 year Time Span!
By Guest Author: Kimberly Shepper
My husband and I could not have imagined when we met in 4th grade the curve-balls we would be thrown on our journey together. The weight of our losses and struggles can be overwhelming but our youngest, living son is truly a blessing and a balm.
From Surviving to Thriving: Embracing Grief and Finding Joy After Loss
By Guest Author: Krystle Hall
In seven years, I lost five people who were very dear to me. They were all painful in their own way but it was the death of my dad that knocked me to my knees. After two long years of anxiety, exhaustion and struggle, it was my husband who gave the push I needed to get on the path to healing.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Our Parents
By: Lili Fiore
We know we will lose our parents at some point but we often take the time we do have for granted. The older I get, the more I miss my parents. Also, the more like them I become! Maybe you can relate?
Practical Matters
Caregiving has many practical parts to it like medication management, meal prep, planning for the end of life or choosing a nursing home. Here are some editorials that provide practical information on a variety of topics such as Medicare, social security and legal matters.
How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community for Your Loved One
By Guest Author: Cyndy McCollum
Moving from a home to an assisted living community is a big change and there are a lot of things to consider. While I was searching for communities with my mother, I took note of what to look for and ask and am sharing that with you.
Are You Approaching the Age to Enroll in Medicare?
By Guest Author: Myriam Leiva
As the age of 65 approaches, it’s time to start thinking about Medicare. There is a lot of information out there so in this month’s post I’ve outlined some steps to help get you started.
Dear 65 (What is Medicare?)
By Guest Author: Miriam Leiva
If you are approaching 65, you may be wondering what is medicare, what does it cover, and what DO all those different parts mean? As a licensed insurance agent, with a focus on Medicare, I can help with those questions.
Self-Care
When we become Caregivers, very often we let self-care slip away, bit by bit. There is a familiar saying from airlines – put your oxygen mask on first. If you’re not getting oxygen, you’re not going to be much help to anyone else. I know it’s hard but it’s one of the things I really think is important – and it doesn’t have to be big to make a difference.
Self-Nurturing for Caregivers
by Guest Author: Deb Church
Self-care for caregivers is not an indulgence. It is necessary to make yourself a priority, recharge and make it easier for you to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving. I share a number of ways to get your self-care along with the benefits of each. Choose what works for you!
The Toll of Being and Empath and a Caregiver
By Guest Author: Tara Meyer-Robson
Empaths, who possess an extraordinary ability to feel the emotions and pain of others, will often find caregiving to be very more challenging.
First Things First
By Lili Fiore
There are many things I plan on discussing in this blog but the first and MOST important lesson I have learned is that you absolutely MUST take care of yourself. AND if you are a caregiver it is even MORE important because as a caregiver.