Category: caregiving

"Remembering" Vs. Knowing And Loving

I recently watched a movie about a woman suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Each of her caregivers handled the changes differently, yet there was a common thread that tied them all together… their frustration in not being remembered. Each of the woman’s children would pepper her with questions like “What’s my name mom?”,  “Don’t you know... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
February 16, 2017 at 7:00 am • 

An Allergy To Others

Let’s be honest. We are not always the best people for the job.  We may find ourselves stinking at the “parenting role” one day or really being a shitty friend.  There may even be times when we suck at our own professions, having a horrible day of screw-ups, mistakes and utter failures. This is true... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
February 14, 2017 at 7:00 am • 

Using Empathy To Become A Trusted Caregiver

Janice loved her job as the lead Physical Therapist at Joy’s Rehab Facility.  She had worked there for several years now and always enjoyed the role of training new staff. One morning she asked her team to meet before the therapy room filled with patients.  “I am struggling with Mr. Eugene,” she started, “and I... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
February 12, 2017 at 8:00 am • 
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Finding The Humanity In How We Care

I read a post on Facebook the other night from a man who discussed how lonely he felt in his mind, body and soul since his diagnosis of dementia.  He talked of how people keep their distance and “are afraid to get their hands dirty” in hopes that they are making a difference in HIS... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
February 9, 2017 at 7:00 am • 

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How to Connect in a Busy World

What reminds you to do something? Is it a calendar that you keep on your desk, a reminder app on your phone or the old fashioned string around your finger.  Regardless of your technique, the cues you set up for yourself are the key to recall. In the world of therapy, it is just as... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
February 7, 2017 at 11:43 am • 

Engagement Means Connecting with Patients Beyond The Clinic

While watching The Freedom Writers with my teenagers the other night, we bonded over commonality.  Dialogue opened up about teachers that have inspired us, teachers that have annoyed us, systems that have failed and people that have prevailed.  It was a good cinema choice for a chilly winter evening. What became so clear in the... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
January 31, 2017 at 7:00 am • 
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Collaboration is the Key to a Mutually Beneficial, Long Term Relationship

  Kyle stopped at the local coffee shop on his way to work one snowy winter morning after running out of his flavored grounds. While taking an opportunity to treat himself he noticed a man wearing a familiar hat just ahead of him in line.  Tipping his head to see the side of the fedora,... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
January 24, 2017 at 7:00 am • 

Why I Journey... Why I Rally... Why I March

I am not one to embark on long journeys, early on a Saturday morning… but this day was different. Pulled out of my comfort zone, my friend invited my daughter and I to join her at the Women’s March  in Chicago. Assuming my daughter would refuse, I planned to use that as my excuse not... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
January 22, 2017 at 9:35 am • 

Ringing In the New Year With Bumpers For All

Time Log:  Year:  2017/ Day:  1/   Mantra Learned:  Bumpers For ALL! As a family we rang in 2017 in our new home, in a new city, in the new state that we now reside.  Spirits were high although exhausted from the move.  Kids appeared to be acclimating well and we were anxious to explore... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
January 15, 2017 at 7:00 pm • 
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Who Does The Winding Staircase Benefit?

My friend  just booked a respite stay for her mom.  She is a mother of two young boys and full time caregiver to her aging mom.  Recently my friend renovated her home to accommodate her mom who was downsizing out of her own apartment.  She redesigned their den into a 1st floor bedroom with an... Read more »
By CathyBrax,
January 10, 2017 at 7:00 am •