This morning I looked at all my posts from early November since I began writing this blog (eleven years ago). At this time annually, to mark the beginning of National Caregivers Month, I would pen something I thought would help caregivers feel seen and valued. This year I think we
Continue readingTag: National Caregivers Month
THE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS FROM CAREGIVERS
During this National Caregivers Month of 2018, it’s important to hear directly from YOU, caregivers on the front lines of love and commitment. Here are some tips compiled by the information and support program, Embracing Carers. THE QUESTION: How can you provide the best possible care for an aging parent
Continue readingTHE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: I AM NOT A CAREGIVER (BUT I COOK): NATIONAL CAREGIVER MONTH!
This year for National Caregivers Month, I want to reflect on why so many of us do not identify as caregivers. ‘Caregiver’ is a problematic word for lots of reasons, not least among them that it seems to betray the love and loyalty we feel towards those who need our
Continue readingTHE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: TV Stars are Caregivers Too – Meet Leeza Gibbons
November is National Caregivers Month and to kick off, I’ve interviewed TV personality and caregiver activist, Leeza Gibbons. Leeza Gibbons is an Emmy Award winner TV personality who has become an important voice for family caregivers. Recognized as a social entrepreneur, Leeza has become one of the leading voices for
Continue readingTHE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: To End Ntl. Caregivers Month: Our Ultimate Lesson
All this month of November, I’ve been reflecting on the life lessons that caregiving teaches us. I’ve talked about gratitude, kindness, patience, wisdom and resilience. I even wrote about how we learn to see in two ways, simultaneously. But now that the end of November is nigh, my last lesson
Continue readingTHE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: The Emperor of Caregiver Talents: Kindness
The problem with kindness is that we take it for granted. We assume that it will be there when we suffer and need it the most. But human kindness is that rare and natural resource in our world. It’s endangered by the race towards independence and self-reliance, those old enemies
Continue readingTHE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: Wisdom Comes From Living
Last week, I spoke about the resilience of caregivers. This week, I’d like to say a few words about wisdom. What exactly is the wisdom of caregivers? The Oxford Dictionary defines wisdom as the quality of having knowledge, experience and good judgement. Let’s start with knowledge. What do caregivers know? Well, we know
Continue readingTHE CAREGIVERS' LIVING ROOM A Blog by Donna Thomson: National Caregivers Month Part 1: Bullet-proof
November is National Family Caregivers month and I’ve decided to write a series about resilience. When I think about my own resilience, I am only half-joking when I tell friends that I’m bullet-proof. What I mean by that is this: I experience a full range of emotions, but another part
Continue reading