Slow: Narrow Path

by Jane Meier Hamilton on February 6, 2012

I haven’t written in two months and have felt very uneasy about it.  Would I ever find something new to say to caregivers who read my blog?  Happily, I found the words this morning.

Walking at 7:45 on this clear, frosty morning, I decided to try something different and took a path that winds through the woods, along the stream.  My pace instantly slowed as I left broad, level neighborhood streets for a rocky, uneven trail, barely a foot wide.  To safely navigate a steep downhill grade, I needed to concentrate. [click to continue…]

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Written by Jane Meier Hamilton

Jane Meier Hamilton MSN, RN, a nurse for 35 years and family caregiver for 20 years, founded Partners on the Path to help professional and family caregivers preserve their health, well-being and capacity to care. Read her book, The Caregiver’s Guide to Self-Care: Help for Your Caregiving Journey to learn sensible, effective ways to cope with your caregiver stress.

The Gift of Tears Part–III

by Mary Horton Sondag on December 16, 2011

Monday rolled around and I am back in the saddle.  Took Liz’s mom to a doctor’s appointment, then to the hospital to visit her daughter,  my dear friend.   [click to continue…]

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Written by Mary Horton Sondag

Mary Horton Sondag, BSPT lives in Lafayette, California with her husband, Alan, where they raised their three sons. She is a physical therapist, specializing in geriatric care in the acute, rehab and home settings for 30 years. Caregiver training is an integral part of her daily work in all settings. She enjoys travel, quilting, writing, singing and sometimes just doing nothing at all!

The Gift of Tears Part–II

December 14, 2011

No one could have prepared Mary Horton Sondag for the pain of watching her friend fight for her life, day after day, knowing that at some point she will more than likely lose her fight against cancer.

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The Gift of Tears–Part I

December 12, 2011

Mary Horton Sondag feels like a “freelance” caregiver, helping one of her dearest friends who has Stage IV cancer, as well as her friend’s son and mother. It seems like she’s always on call.

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Using the Internet to Enhance Independence

December 5, 2011

As caregivers, we look for ways to help seniors maintain as much independence as possible. Nancy Allegrezza believes that computers and telephones can be useful tools in improving quality of life for the whole family!

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That’s Just “Tired” Talking

November 28, 2011

When caregiving energy is depleted, the voice of self-doubt is just “Tired” talking, and it’s not helpful. Jane Meier Hamilton recommends practicing self-care and listening for the more helpful voices of “Calm” and “Optimism.”

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My Turn

November 16, 2011

For 20 years, Mom has lived on her own, 2,000 miles away, supported by Mary Horton Sondag’s siblings. Changes in her Mom and sister’s health have prompted frank talk about “what if” she’s unable to live alone. Seems like it’s Mary’s turn to be more active in her Mom’s care.

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Depleted

November 7, 2011

Caring takes physical, mental and emotional energy. When Jane Meier Hamilton’s energy is depleted, a vicious cycle of fatigue and negativity change what was once joyous, interesting or challenging into one more burden. Ideas about conserving and restoring energy can help.

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Benefits of Video Chat

October 22, 2011

People don’t often think of computing as a caregiving tool, but it is. Being able to keep connected using computer-based video chat has benefits for everyone in the family!

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The Blue Shorts

October 4, 2011

There are many difficult and heartbreaking days for caregivers, but once in awhile a miracle happens that makes it all worth it. On this day, for the dedicated and loving mother, it was “blue shorts.”

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