There’s a saying down here in the South: “If you don’t have mosquitoes, you’re probably not home.” And let me tell you, at Shady Pines, we’re always home and always swatting. These little bloodsucking villains are part of life once the humidity kicks in and the sun starts stretching its days longer. But every summer,…
Life at Shady Pines
The Inflatable Pool That Took Over the Yard
It started innocently enough—with a heatwave, a sale ad in the Sunday paper, and the innocent ambition of giving everyone at Shady Pines a little cool-down reprieve. I had the grand idea to buy an inflatable pool. Nothing fancy, mind you. Just one of those big, circular, above-ground blow-up ones with the blue sides and…
Navigating the Shadows: Depression and Aging
Aging is a natural part of life, marked by wisdom, experience, and the opportunity to savor the fruits of one’s labor. However, this phase of life is not without its challenges, and one of the most insidious among them is depression. Depression in the elderly is a pressing concern that often goes unnoticed or untreated,…
Understanding the Importance of Dental Care for Elders
As the golden years of life bring wisdom and experience, they are also accompanied by some inevitable changes. Among these, changes in dental health is the most significant one. Just like a well-worn book, your teeth go through their own journey, showing signs of wear and tear over time. And just like kids, elderly adults…
Is It Me or Is It Misophonia?
I am sure that y’all are all going what? Before I explain what it is, let me set the scene. You all know that I take care of my mother and uncle and most of the time I am okay with all of the weirdness that happens. I mean Ma got a spider bite on…
A Guide to Caring for an Older Adult: Tips, Tricks & Resources
Caring for an older adult can be a rewarding experience, yet it can also be an emotionally and physically demanding and daunting task. With so many potential changes in both physical and mental health, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, many resources are available to help caregivers provide the best possible…
3 Body Parts That Show Signs Of Aging First
If most people had their way, they would want to retain their youth in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, nature has other plans in that regard. The aging process is inevitable and comes with body changes. Wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin are the classic signs of aging. These are skin-related signs caused by…
Life at Shady Pines Update
I wanted to take a few minutes and give y’all a Life at Shady Pines update on the senior citizens that live with me. For those who are new around here I call our house Shady Pines. It is the name of the nursing home that Dorothy put Sophia in on The Golden Girls. Anytime…
A Diagnosis & Financial Relearning
My mother is the strongest woman I know. She raised four children while managing the finances for a household of six. Not to mention did most of it alone a good portion of the time. My father worked endlessly so my mother wouldn’t have to. Although she did hold down a job once we were…
AUVON Weekly Pill Organizer
One of the many things I do around here (meaning my home) is sort everyone’s medicines. We got a lot of it too. I have daily medications, Ma does, my uncle does and Sam does. Ma is the one I’ve struggled with the most. She wants to deal with it herself but I haven’t found…
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