...caregiving can pull you apart!

I have finished reading this book. It is very inspiring and pastoral.

The author shared both her professional experiences as a chaplain and educator and her personal experiences as mother and caregiver to her own ailing family members.

A book which is essential to have as a caregiver.

...different facial expressions

"You have to take care of yourself. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of another Person." -Dorothy Calvani.

Most of these elderly individuals are between 80s to 90s in ages. However, each day they try to assist one another. It is really a blessing to witness how this commnuity take care of the elderly individuals.

Each day, I saw different situations happening, different facial expressions, and various mood-swings among the elderly individuals.

I saw sadness in facial expressions, I heard frustrated voices, and I observed the craving for attention. This the beauty of life, I can only say "Praise God for the beauty of these elderly Individuals."

"Eat what is given"

Most of the elderly individuals today were very quite. I did talk to three or four out of 5o. What I have understood from this situation, the transitional weather condition has "something" to do with it. Nonetheless, this how life is, today we are UP and tomorrow we can be down. However, I still managed to capture one sentence said by this 103 year old woman today. "Eat what is given today." This is really a profound statement. Her sentence reminded me of my own people in the poor villages in Borneo.

...highlights of today.

"Does he feel comfortable in his sleep?"

" It is hard when nobody is listening to you."

"I am not fine because of this weather", said a 90 year old woman today. She was refering to the weather and not seeing the sun. Yes, the weather really get a person upset.

A 92 year old man was telling his stories which had happened about 35 to 45 years ago. He was able to remember the year, the place and event that occurred. This man still has the capability to recall his stories. Unbelievable!

A 95 year old woman said today, "I am just too tired, is this because of the weather?" I tried to explain, yes there is a possibility, it has to do with the weather situation. Nonetheless, I told her if you continue to feel bad and tired, make sure you inform the caregiver or the nurse.

A 99 year old woman told me, "I might be able to hear better soon because I am getting a better hearing aid."

There are many stories to blog but these are some of the highlights of today 10/20/08.

Peaceful beats!

HealthRHYTHMNS

There's a Pulse that unites us in Mind, Body and Spirit. www.remo.com/health

An opportunity to express emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Intergenerational Peaceful Rhythmic Hand Drumming.

Come and see, it is never too old or too young to drum.

HealthRHYTHMNS Facilitator: Rev. Abas Peter, Ed.D., L.S.L

...with dignity and respect...

• Older adults have the power to be a world-changing force.


• Older adults should be viewed and treated with dignity and respect and empowered to shape their own destinies.

Civic engagement initiatives must respect the diversity of older adults and be appropriate, accessible, and affordable to all older adults including frail older adults.

Generations, (Culliname, Summer 2008).

A feeling of incompleteness

How do feelings of loneliness or incompleteness turn me to God?

Descriptions of Loneliness
Participants' Excerpts:
It (Loneliness) is the incompleteness of Life.
It (Loneliness) is just a feeling of incompleteness to be living alone.
I do not deny that there is icompleteness in my life.
Being alone does not make my life incomplete.
I live alone and it is an incomplete feeling.

Dissertation Excerpts, Abas 2008.