It’s a vicious cycle. “Why did I sleep all day?,” my MIL asks me on Saturday. The doctor even said, “Because you’re 92 and you need to stimulate yourself.” But that’s exactly what she refuses to do. I gave her a book, Eat Pray Love. … Read Full Post

Well, it’s been a few weeks since I gave my MIL a copy of the book, Brainpower Game Plan. I even bought her a timer to make it easier when she and her home aide did the exercises. She started out strong and enthusiastic, working … Read Full Post

Much has been written lately about the importance of keeping the elderly mentally active. Not only is it supposed to delay the onset of dementia, but it also has physical benefits as well. Two days ago I gave my MIL a book of brain teasers … Read Full Post

We went out to dinner Saturday night for a more formal celebration of my MIL’s birthday. We chose one of her favorite restaurants where, as the theme song to “Cheers” goes, everybody knows her name. It makes the experience that much more special for her … Read Full Post

Yesterday was my MIL's 92nd birthday. That is a milestone many people will never make (my own parents included). Thinking back when I met her 37 years ago, she was younger than I am now. I was only 21 at the time, so of course … Read Full Post

Two weeks ago on Friday, after I left for work, the agency for my MIL’s home health aide called her to tell her the aide called in sick. They offered to send a sub, but my MIL decided against it. The problem is she looks … Read Full Post

For some reason, ever since my M.I.L. came back from a 3-week respite stay at a local assisted living facility in early July, she has not given my husband and me the opportunity to watch a movie or TV program alone in our family room. … Read Full Post

The weather in northern New Jersey has been awful! Heat and oppressive humidity day after day.  Air conditioning is a must. Except for her weekly trip to the beauty salon and lunch afterwards, my M.I.L. has stayed indoors, which is a wise thing to do, … Read Full Post

My husband recently transferred my M.I.L.’s prescriptions to a large chain store lured by the much lower prices than she had been paying at the large drug chain she was using. Even though the new store is a 10 minute car ride versus a 10 … Read Full Post

Yesterday my M.I.L. informed me she had just heard that a long time acquaintance of hers recently made the decision to give up living alone and move into an assisted living facility. She said, “I heard that she has no idea of how much it’s … Read Full Post