I have three loves: writing, researching and helping people, especially seniors and their loved ones. An award-winning newspaper and magazine writer for 25 years, I received my best recommendation from one of my early editors: “You are absolutely fearless. You’ll speak to anyone.”
I love to tell stories. Since 1994 I've witnessed stories of courage, wisdom and tenacity in my work with seniors and their families in retirement communities and nursing centers. Today I serve as a senior housing and care specialist with Silver Age Housing and Care Referrals. I help people find the best choices in in-home care, assisted living and adult family homes.
This blog also draws from my hard-learned lessons from what I call the “school of hard knocks”—helping my own parents who passed away in 2003 and 2004. My posts aim to help you learn more about yourself and your aging parent (which we all need to do), discuss difficult issues and eventually advocate for him or her. Along the way, I'll tell stories about what works--and what might not.
At all costs, I strive to avoid the “cookie-cutter” syndrome. Your relationship with your parent is unique, so what works for someone else may not fit your situation.
I’ll give advice anyway. Remember Lucy, the self-appointed psychiatrist in the classic “Charlie Brown” books? Her sign says “Psychiatry: Five Cents.” Hopefully my words and those of others appearing in this blog will be of more value, perhaps even worth their weight in gold.
I welcome speaking and writing opportunities relating to aging and aging parents:
Speaking:
Professional groups
Civic, church and other groups of people helping their aging parents
Open to media requests
Writing:
Newspaper and Magazine articles
Newsletters and blogs for senior care organizations
In the meantime, let’s get started!
My Purpose
This blog aims to start conversations with you fellow Baby boomers about virtually anything. Anything, that is, related to your aging parents. That might mean talking to a grumpy old man (your dad?) to addressing thorny issues such as giving up the car keys to advocating for your parent when she can’t make decisions for herself.
Whether you’re beginning to step into the uncomfortable role that seems like "parenting," but isn't exactly, or you're struggling with inexpressible emotions as your parent grasps his or her last breath or anywhere in between, my hope is you will find help.
I’ll tap into a pool of experts in aging. Physicians, therapists, authors, geriatric nurse practitioners. Most are friends, or friends of friends, who combine their clinical knowledge with personal anecdotes.
The blog will also feature news on aging topics, excerpts from my favorite authors and guest posts, along with tips to help you understand your parent and yourself, communicate well, and advocate when needed.
Whether you’re beginning to step into the uncomfortable role that seems like "parenting," but isn't exactly, or you're struggling with inexpressible emotions as your parent grasps his or her last breath or anywhere in between, my hope is you will find help.
I’ll tap into a pool of experts in aging. Physicians, therapists, authors, geriatric nurse practitioners. Most are friends, or friends of friends, who combine their clinical knowledge with personal anecdotes.
The blog will also feature news on aging topics, excerpts from my favorite authors and guest posts, along with tips to help you understand your parent and yourself, communicate well, and advocate when needed.
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