Taking Care of Mom
When a Shower's Not a Shower
My Mom's not a huge fan of taking showers. She remembers she took one sometime, so when the caregivers arrive for her morning routine she tells them she did it herself. If they accept this answer, it can be many days that she goes without showering or at least getting satisfactorily cleaned (a good sponge bath can be a substitute, but for her it would need to be assisted and supervised). My responsibility as a daughter is making sure the facility is aware of this situation and checking that she is consistently clean by observation and:

Thanks for Listening,
~Kathy

Next edition: How I have dealt with the changing role with my Mom.

If you have stories you'd like to share about your experiences with your aging parents or loved ones, please send them to me.

Senior Expo – April 13, 2008 - Living the Good Life

With the theme “Living the Good Life”, the 12th annual
Senior Connections Expo will be held  Sunday, April 13 at the Vancouver Hilton convention center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual event is organized by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  RSVP Manager Bobbi Casanova said that while previous visitors will recognize the popular features of past Expos, the organization is working hard to bring new exhibits and activities for today’s over-50 generation of active, involved citizens.

“We have identified seven pathways to living the good life that we plan to feature in some of our exhibits, as well as related activities in which people can participate,” Casanova said. 

Casanova said that the Expo will have 125 plus exhibitors, art exhibits, free health screenings, live music, prizes as well as interactive and informational presentations. The Vancouver Hilton is located at 301 W 6th St. A suggested $3 donation at the door supports the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

The RSVP for 36 years has provided volunteers with opportunities to give their time to benefit several hundred agencies throughout the county, such as schools, museums, hospitals, libraries, civic offices, clinics, charitable organizations and many others.  Last year over 700 volunteers gave over 110,000 hours to 130 agencies throughout Clark County.

The Seven Pathways to Living the Good Life that will be represented by exhibits and demonstrations at the Expo are:

Maintain a healthy body.
Regular exercise, eating wisely, and getting adequate sleep are proven pathways to enjoying the good life.

Maintain a healthy outlook.
What you project to others is reflected back to you many times over.  A positive approach results in good things coming to you.

Stay active in both mind and body.
Learning is life-long.  Embrace it by seeking out opportunities to learn new things.  Challenge your mind.  Exercise of the mind as well as the body results in new-found strength.
 

Make a difference in your world by giving available time to benefit others.
Recent studies show that reaching out to help others also benefits you by giving you a sense of worth.  It contributes to good health and well being.

Find time for yourself.
Whether it is for finding quiet time, reading, relaxing, meditating, or going someplace on your own, set aside time on your schedule just for you.

Nurture loving relationships with friends and family.
Honor your spirituality by practicing the golden rule:  treat others as you would wish to be treated.  True friends are few, and you have but one family – work to keep those precious relationships intact.

Manage assets wisely.
Money and possessions may not be your primary goal, but managing those assets wisely will give you the freedom to travel the other six paths to leading the good life.

Questions can be directed to Volunteer Connections
at 360-735-3683.

Click here for more information>>