Inspiring wonderful places to grow up and grow old by fostering care communities and care economies for & by neighbors.
I got a comment on a recent story I wrote: “You are a gifted “storyteller”—keep sharing.” I wrote back saying that I couldn’t stop sharing if I tried. What’s one of your “couldn’t stop if you tried” wonderpowers? A “wonderpower” is a gift, skill or passion you have that can “wonderfulize” life for yourself and…Continue reading 3 quality questions to help you remember or reveal your wonderpowers
If you get Tiny Village Mail, you may have seen my recent tip to GIVE a request for help. I made the point that… It’s generous (if not wise) to think of everyone as having something to give and making opportunities for them to do so, especially when it comes to folks at risk of…Continue reading Starting villages with what’s strong, not wrong
A trip for red lentils pushed me to learn to drive at age 36: Then a new resident of Georgia, it once took me 3+ hours to get to and from Whole Foods on MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta “not so” Rapid Transit Authority) and once was enough. But I was a lucky one because even though…Continue reading How ice cream cones (or red lentils) can help you plan your future
I told a friend that I’m ditching the phrase “care crisis,” which I picked up from someone else in the first place. That isn’t to say that all is well in the world of care, but that problems and solutions can’t occupy our brains at the same time. When we call something a crisis, we…Continue reading Care crisis or prosperity opportunities?
“Sarah” wondered if I might have advice to help her help a friend, “Grace.” While getting the background, I discovered that Grace is a “solo ager,” a term used to describe an adult, or couple, aging without the support of children or other close relatives. Grace hadn’t been picking up her phone following a recent…Continue reading 5 wishes, 2 solo agers and a lockbox
My friend put his face close to mine looking eager for an answer to his question: “How did you get your parents to leave their house?” he wanted to know. Sadly, my answer didn’t help him much because my father’s doctor literally ordered him out of my parents’ three-story house to avoid stairs, which was…Continue reading Telling Mom it’s time to move and other tricky care conversations
The nurse in the emergency room seemed annoyed: “Where do they normally put your father’s IV?” he huffed, as if my father got IV lines a lot. “I don’t know,” I shrugged. “He hasn’t had one while I’ve been his caregiver.” The doctor came in while the nurse was doing his thing and peppered me…Continue reading Paper: A simple tool for better care
According to the Family Caregiving Alliance, questions about getting paid as a family caregiver are the most frequent they get, so I thought that I’d share how I’ve made it happen. But be advised that you may not be able to make it work. HOWEVER, there may be low- to no-cost help to be had….Continue reading Getting paid as a family caregiver
Talk about a champagne problem: Amanda had folks squabbling over time slots to care for her mother. How did this “problem” happen? With help from the ianacare app. iana = I am not alone. ianacare app = a way to get care support in 3 easy steps: 1. Invite a care team—village members—and keep them…Continue reading An app to start a personal village in minutes