• Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Family
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Midlife Women
  • Blogging
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclosures and Privacy

  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Family
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Midlife Women
  • Blogging
Tag

aging parents

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.
Family

Caring for the Caregiver – National Caregiver’s Month

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TryTENAMEN #CollectiveBias

 

November is National Caregiver’s Month, a time when we recognize the challenges family caregivers face when their loved ones need caregiving around the clock. It is a huge task! And one that is no picnic for either the caregiver or the one that is being cared for.

You may purchased products by hovering over this image:

I remember caring for my dad in the months before he passed away. There is a sense of loss when you realize that there are things you just can’t do for yourself. You’ve lost all or part of your independence. You’ve may have lost much of your privacy. And if incontinence is an issue, you may feel like you’ve totally lost your dignity.

I think it’s particularly hard on men – whether it’s just bladder leakage or full-blown incontinence. As women, we start experiencing some bladder leakage when we are pregnant or after having a baby. It’s common. We joke about how we “pee a little” when we laugh or sneeze. There are commercials about products for bladder leakage in women. We don’t like it, but it’s not like it’s some big secret.

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.

Do men talk about their bladder leakage issues like women do? Maybe, but I don’t see those conversations happening near as often. And that’s a shame because bladder leakage IS NOT uncommon in men either. An estimated 3.4 million men experience the Unexpected Leak™. There is no shame in it, but that is exactly what a lot of men feel when they experience this issue.

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.

 

If a man you care about is experiencing the Unexpected Leak™, pick up a box of TENA® MEN™ Protective Shield at CVS.  Designed with an ultra-thin thickness for comfort and a muted color for discretion, this product will protect against light drips and dribbles while letting him remain comfortable and secure.

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.

Week of 11/05/2017 Buy 1 TENA product at CVS, Get 1 @ 50 % OFF

TENA® MEN™ Protective Shield.

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.

The caregiver:

According to the National Alliance on Caregiving:

More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.

The typical family caregiver is a 49-year-old woman caring for her widowed 69-year-old mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 66% of family caregivers are women. More than 37% have children or grandchildren under 18 years old living with them.

I’ve been a caregiver and I have 3 friends who are caring for either parents or spouses right now. It’s hard. It’s never-ending. Their caregiving is an act of commitment and sacrifice that they willingly offer to someone they love.

But it is a lot for one person to handle. And even though many have family members who help in some way, more often than not, the bulk of that job usually falls on one person.

How to support a caregiver:

Most of us probably know someone who is serving as a caregiver right now. And there are ways you can support a caregiver and show your appreciation for all they do.

  • Connect with them. Caregiving can be very isolating. A card, a phone call or a text with a funny .gif or just a note saying you are thinking about them goes a long way.
  • Serve them
    • Ask “What is on your to-do list today?” and then do a couple of those tasks for them.
    • Put up their holiday decorations and when the holiday is over, take them down and put them away.
    • Hire a lawn service or cleaning service.
    • Pay for a month or two of grocery delivery service.
    • Take them a meal or give them a gift card to a restaurant that delivers.
    • If it is a situation where you can stay with the person needing care for a few hours, set up a time to do that to offer the caregiver some respite.
  • Treat them. Who doesn’t love a treat? Flowers, a fancy cupcake from the bakery – any little something out of the ordinary can brighten someone’s days. Or you can make a Caregiver’s Gift Basket with items like this:

 

  • Hand cream – Caregivers wash their hands a lot and a healing hand cream is very soothing to hands that feel dry.
  • Healthy snacks – In performing all the tasks that are involved, it’s easy to forget to eat. Healthy snacks like protein bars, trail mix and fruit are quick to grab when they have a minute and give them the energy they need.
  • Bath salts and a facial mask are perfect for a little pampering.
  • Herbal tea and an inspirational book to read for a minute or two of relaxation.
  • Chocolate. Is there any situation that is not helped by a little chocolate?

 

I picked up all these items at CVS. They have a great selection for all of these gift basket items at every taste and price point.

 

Do you know a caregiver who could use a little TLC? If you are a caregiver, what task or item would YOU add to the list?

Caring for the Caregiver | National Caregiver's Month | Ways to support full-time caregivers and the people who are being cared for.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Caring for the Caregiver – National Caregiver’s Month was last modified: November 14th, 2017 by Cathy Lawdanski
November 7, 2017 2 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Home Healthcare Supplies For Elderly Patients | How to Make a Kit | Incontinence Products | Incontinence Pads | Elderly Caregiver | Aging Parents Caregiver | Caregiving Tips | Elderly Medical Supplies | Alzheimers | Dementia #shop #ad #ChooseTENA
Family

Home Healthcare Supplies for Elderly Patients

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ChooseTENA #CollectiveBias

Home Healthcare Supplies for Elderly Patients

In 2015, both of my parents, on separate occasions, were discharged from the hospital to home care. My mom went to her home with 24-hour nursing care and my dad went to an assisted living facility. In both cases, I was totally unprepared and did not have what they needed to be cared for in home setting. I had no idea what Home Healthcare Supplies were necessary. I just assumed that the hospital would send supplies or that the professional caregivers would have them. Or at the very least, that the hospital would give me a list of supplies to purchase when they gave me their discharge instructions. None of that happened.

Thankfully, being without supplies did not result in a life or death situation for either. But it WAS distressing not to have what was needed for them. Especially since both of them were coming out of the hospital facing a major loss of independence and incontinence issues for the first time. At the very least, having the supplies for incontinence like TENA® Overnight Pads on hand would have dialed down the stress level immensely.

Incontinence. Many people are faced with this – not just the elderly. It can be the result of illness or surgery. It can be a temporary or long-term issue. No matter what the circumstances, incontinence is most often met with shame, embarrassment, and fear of leakage and odor by those experiencing it. Those who care for people with incontinence feel their pain and want to be able to assist them discreetly and with dignity.

 

I was able to purchase TENA® Overnight Pads and the other home healthcare supplies that I needed at my local CVS. They are also available online at the TENA® Brand Shop at CVS.com.  And although incontinence continued to be an issue, when my parents wore TENA® products, the worry of leakage and odor was gone and they could feel more confident.

So how do you know what home health care supplies you need to take care of your aging parents or another family member if they leave the hospital and come home or to an assisted living facility? Every situation is different. BUT you can be better prepared if you do the following:

  • As soon as discharge starts being discussed, ask the medical personnel what home supplies will be needed at home. Ask that you be given a written list prior to discharge.
  • If you aren’t able to get a list from them, look around at what supplies the medical personnel are using to take care of them and make your own list.
  • If your parent is being transferred to a nursing home or assisted living, find out IN ADVANCE what supplies and services they provide and get it in writing.
  • Make sure that if your parent is being transferred to a nursing home or assisted living facility that the hospital accurately communicates with them the condition and needs of the patient so that THEY are prepared for their care.
  • If you will have a home health aid in your home, be sure that the hospital communicates with them what the condition of the patient is and what their needs are. Ask the agency what supplies you need to have on hand.

While all patient needs are individual, here is a list of some basic supplies for a home healthcare supply kit:

Home Healthcare Supply Kit for Elderly Patients

Home Healthcare Supplies For Elderly Patients | How to Make a Kit | Incontinence Products | Incontinence Pads | Elderly Caregiver | Aging Parents Caregiver | Caregiving Tips | Elderly Medical Supplies | Alzheimers | Dementia #shop

 

For Incontinence:

  • TENA® products for incontinence including TENA® Overnight Pads.
  • Flushable wipes
  • Disposable waterproof pads
  • Vinyl, waterproof mattress cover

Other items:

  • Box of bandages in various sizes. For thin elder skin, make sure you get the kind that don’t tear the skin when removing them.
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Lotion for dry skin
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Nail clippers
  • Kleenex
  • Garbage can with a lid
  • Cup with lid and a straw

 

If you have a loved one being discharged from the hospital, don’t be caught off-guard. Have the home healthcare supplies you need on hand and ready for when your loved one arrives home. Being prepared can help ease the stress of a very stressful situation.

Have you cared for a loved one at home? What products would you add to this list?

 

 

 

 

Home Healthcare Supplies for Elderly Patients was last modified: September 30th, 2018 by Cathy Lawdanski
May 19, 2017 25 comments
1 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Things you can do to leave a legacy of love, faith and commitment for your children and grandchildren.
Family

Legacy

There is nothing like a funeral to get your attention. Actually, it was a Memorial Service for Tish, my friend Cyndi’s mother that I attended on Saturday. Cyndi is a good friend and was a neighbor for many years. Our daughters were childhood friends. I did not know Tish well, but always enjoyed being around her at family gatherings or school events for the kids. Her death was sudden and unexpected.

Things you can do to leave a legacy of love, faith and commitment for your children and grandchildren.

 

[bctt tweet=”There is nothing like a funeral to get your attention.” username=”MySideof50″]

One word I think of when I think of Tish is that she was ENGAGED. Her children did not move far from the community from which they were raised, so Tish took every opportunity to be engaged in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She talked to her daughters on the phone every day.

And Tish was LIVELY. Not the stand out demanding to be the center of attention kind of lively. But a high energy, attentive woman who always had a twinkle in her eye. At the service, it was said that she did not want her funeral to be LONG or BORING. My sentiments exactly! Family – do you hear me?

Tish’s memorial started with some congregational singing of some of the old timeless hymns that she loved. Boy, how that moved me. The hymns of my childhood make me feel comforted, loved and reminded of the Truth.

[bctt tweet=”The old hymns make me feel comfort, loved and reminded of the Truth.” username=”MySideof50″]

The past 30 years or so, our churches have been filled with contemporary worship songs, which I love, but when times get tough, I want a hymn. Since I don’t think my kids will know many hymns, I am asking right now that all of my peers come and sing hymns at my funeral. Now I won’t be there to hear them, but doggone it, I want you to sing hymns anyway since I’m sure those are the only songs that Jesus really likes.

Back to Tish – Those who spoke of Tish, spoke of her faith in Jesus Christ. And that no matter how fabulous we all thought she was – a great mom, a great church member and a great friend, she knew she was a sinner just like all of us and needed a Savior. Her Savior was Jesus and I know that she wanted all of us to know Jesus as our Savior too.

Her husband of 53 years, Chico, got up and spoke at the end. Husband of 53 years – that in and of itself speaks volumes. I don’t know a thing about their marriage, but in 53 years there were likely disagreements, heartache and the maybe the temptation to give up. But they held on to their faith and each other. They were steadfast – a word we don’t hear often in our culture of disposable everything – relationships included.

Chico said that the word “suddenly” took on a whole new meaning for him that week when the love of his life SUDDENLY died. He told us to make peace now with anyone with whom we had a conflict. That we are not guaranteed another breath and whatever it is that comes between us and another is just not worth holding on to. Not worth a lifetime of regret at not getting it settled, resolved and forgiven. We KNOW we aren’t promised tomorrow. But why do we always act like we have forever?

[bctt tweet=”We KNOW we aren’t promised tomorrow. But why do we always act like we have forever?” username=”MySideof50″]

At the end of the service as Tish’s family walked out – heartbroken husband, daughters, sons-in-laws, grown grandchildren and their spouses. When I saw them, all I could think of was LEGACY. Tish left a lasting legacy. She prayed for her children and grandchildren every day. She called them out with an appropriate word or just that look that only a grandmother can get away with. She supported and encouraged them. She led by example. And today, the hardest of days, they were together – remembering Tish. Loving and supporting each other.

I’ve thought about Tish and Chico all weekend and the lessons I was reminded of at that service.

  • The things that bother me most of the time aren’t worth the time and energy it takes to get upset about them.
  • The things that are important are important enough to talk about and to resolve.
  • There are expressions of love and affirmation that need to be said and to not wait to say them.
  • To always remember that my children and grandchildren are watching me.
  • To be more intentional in my prayers for them.
  • To lead by example. Just like Tish did.
  • To not be careless with my words because they carry weight and will be remembered.

Thank you Tish. You were an inspiration and example to more people than you probably ever knew.

Like this post? Use the share buttons on the side or bottom of this post to SHARE it on Facebook!

You might also like:

Why The Resurrection Gives Me Hope

Saying Goodbye to a House

How to Make Sure You Say the Important Things

How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangements

 

Legacy was last modified: October 2nd, 2017 by Cathy Lawdanski
September 7, 2016 51 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Family

Celebrating Fathers

Here’s a picture of my Dad in his beloved Houston Texans attire at age 90. It’s our first Father’s Day without him. I miss him, but today I celebrate the wonderful father, grandfather, father-in-law and great-grandfather he was!

Dad4x6_1819

This is my husband, Tony. Just like my Dad, he is a wonderful father, father-in-law & grandfather.  He shows us all how much he loves us in a million ways every day. Could not be more blessed!

IMG_8976

Connect With

I am so honored to the Connect With Featured Blogger on my friend Michelle’s blog – GrammieTime.  Michelle and I did the Dancing With the Stars Series together in the Spring. We also like our wine, so don’t be surprised if we collaborate on something wine related in the future!

On Connect With, I answer some questions that Michelle asked to help her readers get to know another blogger. I share a story about my dad, a favorite vacation with Tony, advice for young moms and a tip for grandparents.  I actually got to give some advice that someone asked for! That’s a first!

You can read Connect With here.

And in case you missed these posts:

Be Brave & Be Open – my guest post on Sizzling Towards Sixty
Fashion Bloggers Rock a Summer Look

Celebrating Fathers was last modified: December 27th, 2017 by Cathy Lawdanski
June 19, 2016 8 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
How To Talk To Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangements | Ways to broach the subject and get clarity on these end of life decisions
Family

How To Talk To Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangements

Have you thought about how to talk to your parents about their funeral arrangements?

Although we don’t like to think about it, most of us will be charged with the task of planning a funeral for our parents. And it’s safe to say that we want to honor their wishes as to what happens after they die. How To Talk To Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangements | Ways to broach the subject and get clarity on these end of life decisions

How To Talk To Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangments

*Disclosure: Some of the items in this post are affiliate links and link to Amazon.com. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission. There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.

Funeral Arrangements – Questions to Ask

There are many questions to ask.

  • Do you want to be buried or cremated?
  • If cremated, where do you want your ashes placed or buried?
  • What type of funeral or memorial service would you prefer?
  • What special music would you like?
  • Any special poems or Scriptures that you would like to be read?
  • Do you want flowers? If so, what kind?
  • In lieu of flowers, is there a particular organization that people may contribute to instead?

–Partial list taken from The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir

The only information that I received from my parents was that their funeral was bought and paid for. When the time came, what that really meant was that they had purchased funeral plots, a casket and a few other essentials, but that was about it. The rest of the planning was up to my sister and me. Don’t get me wrong – the plans they made in advance were great. Since they bought plots in the 1960’s and paid for some of the other funeral costs in the 80’s, we saved a tremendous amount of money. And any decision that they made ahead of time was one we didn’t have to make in a time of sadness and distress.

No doubt about it, knowing what your parents want before the time comes gives all involved great comfort and clarity. But how in the heck to you BRING IT UP?

Here are a few suggestions of ways you can break the ice and begin the conversation with your parents:

  • “Mom and Dad, I know this may be an uncomfortable topic, but would you be open to talking about your funeral service and some of the ways you wish to be remembered? When the time comes, I want to know that we are carrying out a ceremony that you want rather than stressing with one another over the details.”
  • Talk about your own pre-planning efforts as a way of breaking the ice and ask if they have any pre-arranged plans.
  • Ask about some of their favorite traditions and how your family will continue those traditions for generations to come before finding a natural transition to family traditions around funerals and what their wishes are.
  • Talk to them about the stress you have seen in other families where the parents’ wishes were not known ahead of time. Tell them you would like to know what they desire and how they want to be remembered, so that their family doesn’t undergo this type of stress.
  • If they have attended a funeral recently, ask about how that was conducted, what they thought about it and if they have thought about what type of funeral or memorial service they would like to have.

It is great if you can begin this conversation with them before they are ill or terminal.

As you open up these lines of communication about funeral arrangements:

Listen as much as you talk.  They may have firm ideas about their plans or they may have not thought of it at all.

Give them time. If this is the first time you have ever discussed funeral plans, do not try to push everything on your parents all at once. They might need to take a few weeks to figure out what they want, or even to come to terms with the idea that funeral planning is something that needs to happen in the first place.

It’s no big secret that none of us are going to get out of here alive. You’d think this would be a natural conversation that all families would have. More often than not, it just isn’t. But it doesn’t have to be hard or difficult. The hardest part is just getting started.

This excerpt (Planning with Barbra Streisand’s help) from The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir* by Judith Henry shows how the author broached the conversation with her mother. May all our conversations with our parents be this tender and full of joy!

The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir* is a fabulous resource for those of you who are in the midst of caring for an aging parent.

Have you had “the talk” with your parents about their funeral arrangements? How did you bring it up? Or did they? Let me know in the comments!

You Might Also Like:

What You Need To KNOW Before A Parent Dies

End of Life Planning Is For Everyone: 5 Ways to Save Money On Death Care Costs

19 Practical Ways to Help When Someone Dies

19 Practical Ways To Help When Someone Dies | Ways To Help Your Grieving Friend. Do you know how to help when your friend loses a loved one? Or do you want to help but are paralyzed because you don't know what to do? Here are ways to help immediately after you hear of someone's passing. How to help before and at the funeral. How to help after the funeral when everyone leaves.

 

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

How To Talk To Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangements was last modified: September 17th, 2018 by Cathy Lawdanski
June 9, 2016 45 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Gifts for Elderly Fathers | Christmas present wrapped in brown paper with snowflakes and string bow
Family

Gifts For Elderly Fathers

Choosing gifts for elderly fathers can be challenging.  Most have downsized and have no need or desire for a lot of extra “stuff”. Those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities have special requirements and needs. Here is my list of gifts for elderly fathers.

Gifts for Elderly Fathers

Disclosure: Some of the items in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission.  There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.

A Digital Photo Frame

Who doesn’t like to be surrounded by family pictures? But when you get to the age where you have children, grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, there isn’t room for all those framed pictures. NIX Advance – 12 inch Digital Photo & HD Video (720p) Frame with Motion Sensor & 8GB Memory – X12D holds lots of digital photos and videos. It also has a sensor that turns on and off when you enter and leave the room. Perfect for holding all the pictures of those they love!

Digital Calendar and Clock

DayClox – The Original Memory Loss Digital Calendar Day Clock with Extra Large Non-Abbreviated Day & Month. Perfect for Seniors  This clock/calendar combination clearly spells out the full day of the week, month and date with no abbreviations that can be confusing to seniors who suffer from memory loss. The display is large, bright, non-glare, clear and can be seen from across the room.

Large Button Remote

Universal Big Button TV Remote

Backlit, easy to use, large buttons – perfect for people in assisted living.

If Dad has trouble sleeping, consider the Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine – 6 natural and soothing sounds with on/off timer.

 

Book Rest

The Hog Wild Peeramid Bookrest, Sage Green makes reading in bed easy and comfortable. Rest your book on the ledge for hands-free reading at the perfect angle.

Fire HD Tablet with Alexa Hands-Free 10.1″ Display – When you get this for Dad, he will have a huge selection of books, movies, and games. With Alexa voice commands, all he has to do is say what he wants and it’s there.

 

 

 

Amazon Echo  is a great tool for seniors, especially those with dementia.  The voice-activated Alexa answers questions like, what time is it, what’s the weather like and looks up information like “what’s on TV tonight”. Plays music and reads audible books. Tells fun jokes & riddles. Lots of features to keep the brain active.

Easy On & Off Pants

Pembrook Men’s Elastic Waist and Side Snap Twill Casual Pant – XL – Tan features 4 snaps on each side for easy on & off. Perfect for men who need extra room or require assistance dressing. Machine wash & dry.

 

Subscription to Audible to listen to audio books.

Large Print Playing Cards

Bicycle Large Print Playing Cards are easy to see and read. Playing cards – either solitaire or a game with others is one way to help keep the mind sharp.

 

 

Socks Master&8482; Easy-Reach Shoehorn & Sock Donning Device – Great Aid for the Elderly, Overweight, Pregnant Women, Back Pain, Injury & More – Perfect Gift Idea

Gifts are great. A treat to show that you remembered your Dad. But the most important gift you can give is your time. Time to be together doing what Dad wants to do. Listening to his stories (even the ones you’ve heard a million times), going through old photos together, watching the game or enjoying his favorite meal. Treasure the time you have with your Dad now!

You might also like:

Gifts for Elderly Mothers

The Ultimate Gift List for Older Parents

5 Easy Ways to Save Money When Shopping Online

Gifts for Elderly Fathers | Christmas present wrapped in brown paper with snowflakes and string bow

 

 

 

 

 

SaveSave

Gifts For Elderly Fathers was last modified: October 13th, 2018 by Cathy Lawdanski
June 7, 2016 79 comments
1 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Gift Ideas for Elderly Motheres who live in assisted living or nursing homes. Many of these special ladies have limited space and don't want a lot of stuff. This expanded list will give you some great ideas of things elderly moms would appreciate and enjoy.
Family

Gifts for Elderly Moms

Picking out gifts for elderly moms can be tricky. Most have downsized and have no need or desire for a lot of extra “stuff”. Those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities have special requirements and needs.  Here are a few gift suggestions for this special group of moms.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. If you purchase a product through my link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

 

Gifts for Elderly Moms

 

 

Gifts for Mom to Remind Her Of Family

Moms everywhere love family pictures. But when you get to the age where you have children, grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, there isn’t room for all those framed pictures. This digital photo frame holds lots of digital photos and videos. It also has a sensor that turns on and off when you enter and leave the room. Perfect for holding all the pictures of those they love!



Gifts for Elderly Moms to Help Carry Her Things

 

Tote for Walker or Scooter

It’s hard to carry a purse when you walk with a walker. The RMS Tote for Walker, Rollator or Scooter has outside storage pockets for a phone and water bottles. Inside, there is a spot for her key ring and credit cards/id. Velcro closure.

Walker/Wheelchair Bag


If you are in a wheelchair, you need a place for your stuff. A Wheelchair Back Bag is like a backpack for your wheelchair. Secure zipper closure and shoulder strap make it easy to transport to and from a wheelchair as needed.

Gifts for To Help Keep Her Mind Sharp

Book Rest

The Hog Wild Peeramid Bookrest makes reading in bed easy and comfortable. Rest your book on the ledge for hands-free reading at the perfect angle.

Large Print Books

Large Print Crossword Puzzles

Large Print Soduko

 



If mom has trouble sleeping, consider the Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine . Six natural and soothing sounds with on/off timer.

Fire HD Tablet with Alexa Hands-Free 10.1″ HD Display –  When you get this for mom, she will have a huge selection of books, movies, and games. With Alexa voice commands, all she has to do is say what she wants and it’s there!


Amazon Echo is a great tool for seniors, especially those with dementia.  The voice-activated Alexa answers questions like, what time is it, what’s the weather like and looks up information like “what’s on TV tonight”. Plays music and reads audible books. Tells fun jokes & riddles. Lots of features to keep the brain active.  See the full review here on how Alexa is great for seniors.

 

Subscription to Audible to listen to audiobooks.

Large Print Playing Cards

Bicycle Large Print Playing Cards are easy to see and read.  Playing cards – either solitaire or a game with others is one way to help keep the mind sharp.

Ableware 15″ Playing Card Holder for moms who have a hard time holding cards.

Gifts for Mom to Keep Her Warm

Collections Fleece Wrap Shawl  is super soft and features two large front pockets.

Keep her feet warm with these  Bed Buddy Warming Footies.

Gifts for Elderly Moms To Satisfy Her Sweet Tooth

Box of Good Quality Chocolates

Diet permitting, a box of good quality chocolates is always welcome! Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin, 19 Count, Net Wt 7.2 oz will do the trick. Just lift the lid – nothing to unwrap.

Gifts are great. A treat to show that you remembered your Mom. But the most important gift you can give is your time. Time to be together doing what mom wants to do. Listening to her stories (even the ones you’ve heard a million times), going through old photos together, enjoying her favorite meal.  Treasure the time you have with your Mom now!

You might also like:

Gifts for Elderly Fathers

How To Talk To Your Parents About Their Funeral Arrangements

 

Gifts that are appropriate for Elderly Moms

Gifts for Elderly Mothers

Christmas Gifts for Elderly Moms | Picture of baking items on the counter like cookie cutters and measuring spoons

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

Gifts for Elderly Moms was last modified: December 7th, 2019 by Cathy Lawdanski
May 1, 2016 78 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Family

Saying Goodbye to a House

Home of Pat & Arden Lynch, parents of Cathy Lawdanski

Last look at my parent’s house. April 24, 2016

We finally sold my parent’s house. The closing is on Friday. It has been on the market since September. I have been ready to see it go. It’s hard to keep a vacant house in show condition when you live 45 minutes away. Not hard really – just kind of a hassle.

When we finally got an offer I was both happy and relieved. But when I went there on Sunday to remove the last few things from the house, I was really sad. This is the last piece of business that we have to do to wrap up their estate. The last little piece of them.

It may not look like much to you. It’s your typical 70’s ranch-style house that is common here in Texas. But it was:

  • Their home for 36 years.
  • Grandma & Grandpa’s house to my girls. A place of jumping on beds, endless loops of Winnie the Pooh and all the Cheese Balls, Oreos and Marshmallows you could eat.
  • The “country house” to my husband. A place to relax and watch football with my Dad every Sunday during football season.
  • A place of hospitality – a place for holiday celebrations where extended family gathered. A place where anyone could drop-in – no need to call. All were welcome and there was always a beer or a Coke in the fridge.
  • When my girls got older, it became known as the “hangover house”. A place where you and your friends could be served a Bloody Mary while you nursed a hangover. How many kids can say that their grandparents helped them get over a hangover? They were fun people – my parents. Not a judgmental bone in their bodies.
  • The place where I told them that they were going to be grandparents.

So many memories. I haven’t cried that much since they died. At first, I was just in “manage the crisis” mode, followed by “taking care of business mode”, followed by numbness & exhaustion. Sad tears flowed as I said goodbye to their house – that place of fun, family, celebration and at the end grief and loss. I will miss it. I miss them.

Saying Goodbye to a House was last modified: December 27th, 2017 by Cathy Lawdanski
April 26, 2016 36 comments
1 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Family

Why the Resurrection Gives Me Hope

Why The Resurrection Gives Me Hope

Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your Sting? 1 Corinthians 15:55

As Easter approaches, this scripture keeps running through my mind.

You don’t get to this side of 50 without experiencing the sting of death. Some have experienced more of the sting than others. At the very least, a lot of us are losing parents and other loved ones of the generation before us. In some cases, we are losing our spouses and peers.

I lost both of my parents in 2015 – Mom in February and Dad in September. I am only just now beginning to feel the full impact of that loss. Death stings. Sometimes the sting is intense. It really hurts and can paralyze you. Sometimes, it’s just in the background, but constant. Either way, it’s painful.

I was blessed to have my parents with me for 57 years. And except for the last couple of months of their lives, they were blessed with good health.

On every other Easter that I can remember, my focus has been more on Good Friday. On the day that Jesus died a cruel, horrible death, which served as the sacrificial penalty for my sins. I am so grateful that He did that for me.

This year, my focus is on Sunday morning. The Resurrection. When Jesus overcame death and came back to life to live forever.

The Resurrection gives me hope that death is not the end. For those who have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins, we can be sure that when our time on this earth is over, it is not the end. When our loved ones’ time on this earth is over, it is not the end. There is a resurrection. There is life beyond what we experience in this world. There will be a time when death will no longer sting because we will be alive and live with Jesus forever.

“Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?”

While the sting is real in the here and now, having the confidence that it is only for a little while gives me hope and comfort.

Celebrating the Resurrection with all of you and remembering my Mom & Dad.

Cathy

You Might Also Like:

Leaving A Legacy For Your Children And Grandchildren

Mom & Dad Bush Library

 

 

 

 

Why the Resurrection Gives Me Hope was last modified: December 27th, 2017 by Cathy Lawdanski
March 24, 2016 25 comments
1 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest

About Me

About Me

Cathy Lawdanski

My name is Cathy. I am an over 50 wife, mother and grandmother who is embracing new challenges and adventures that come from being on "this side" of 50. Join me on the journey!

Tie A Scarf 3 Ways!

Like to accessorize with scarves, but are bored with the way you are tying them? Subscribe to the My Side of 50 and get 3 Fashionable Ways to Tie a Scarf!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get your Free Download of 3 Fashionable Ways to Tie A Scarf.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit

My Side of 50 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Sponsored

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

@2017 - My Side Of 50. All Right Reserved.


Back To Top