Family Stories & Blogs
And On That Farm There Was An Estate Plan
Old McDonald had a farm EIEIO. And on that farm he had a chicken. A greedy ole chicken that hatched a plan to trip Old McDonald and steal his bucket of corn. The chicken’s evil scheme resulted in a broken leg and lengthy stay in rehab for Old McDonald. Lying in his hospital bed, Old McDonald had lots of time to think about the moment his life and corn kernels flashed before his eyes. He realized he could no longer put off completing a will even though it was upsetting to think about his own mortality.
Game Show Granny
When caring for elderly loved ones, every day you have with them is a blessing, and a surprise. Due to a stroke several years ago, my grandma’s cognitive faculties are there one minute and gone the next.
Bathing Beauties
One night after a family Sunday supper, my two-year-old princess decided to wear her dessert. Not wanting me to steal her away from the pleasures of licking chocolate syrup from the tablecloth, she bolted. She ran into the bedroom and barricaded the door with her chocolate covered body.
After several minutes of negotiations from under the door, my grandma offered her ninety years of experience to my two-year-old dilemma. I explained to grandma that several weeks ago the princess pooped in the tub and thought it was a snake under the water. She is now terrified of baths.
Multigenerational Excursions
Now deep into my thirties, I find myself caught between two worlds. Every so often, these worlds unite inside a Ford Explorer to run errands. My store hopping entourage is my ninety-year-old grandma and my two-year-old daughter. Contrary to what you might think, they have a lot in common. They both insist they are twenty-five.
Family Caregiver Story from the Eastern Region
Without Respite Care I would not have been able to participate in my other child’s life basically. I don’t know that I would have the wonderful relationship with my husband that I do, and I don’t know that I would have been able to hold down a job. We have no family in NE and the majority of the caregiving falls on me.Being There for Mom: My Caregiving Journey
In 2011, my life was uprooted in an instant. I remember sitting on the floor of my Brooklyn, New York, apartment, heart pounding, tears flowing, palms sweating, anxiously anticipating a phone call where I hoped to hear two words: "She's OK."
Earlier that morning, my mom, who lived alone, was knocked unconscious after falling in her home in Tampa, Florida. A family friend found her about 12 hours later. While I waited for that phone call, I knew my life would never be the same.
Theresa Talk
After Teresa's husband's tractor accident many years ago, she still asks herself the question that many caregivers do, "Was I up to this?". Caring for her husband has made her stronger and now writes "Teresa Talk" lessons of faith in a caregiver's life.MMI Presentation: Caregivers Need Care Too
In the Midwest, people don't ask for help.
That's been the experience of Ellen Bennett of the Munroe-Meyer Institute's Respite Across the Lifespan. Read more.
ENable Saving Plan
In December 2014, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was signed into law authorizing individuals with disabilities to open tax-exempt savings accounts to save for disability-related expenses without impacting eligibility for resource-based benefits. The Act permits individuals with disabilities to save more than a total of $2,000 in assets (cash, savings, etc.) in their name in a qualified ABLE account.For more detailed information and to enroll:
click here
Over The Hill, But Not Out To Pasture: Navigating Today’s Job Market As A Senior Citizen
One might anticipate, as a senior citizen, you would find yourself browsing for deals at the local travel agency. The reality is many seniors are evaluating and polishing their employment skills at the nearest staffing agency. As George Burns once said, “Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous. When I was sixty-five I still had pimples.”A Foot Fracture. What a Trip.
There is a big difference between dish soap and dishwasher detergent. Just ask my dad. He recently confused the two, creating a “t-suds-nami” across the kitchen floor. Dad doubled down when my mom questioned his naiveness to such a basic domestic skill. He confidently fabricated a statement that he was multitasking by doing the dishes and washing the floor all at the same time. Only wood floors don’t really do well soaked with an inch of water.
