Deana moved into her mother’s home shortly after the older woman was diagnosed with dementia. Deana was grateful that she had a job that allowed her to work from home while still caring for her mom.

Although she was a full-time caretaker to her mom, Deana still maintained her independence…until the day she came home to discover her mother had left the stove on and started watching TV. Her mom wasn’t harmed but the thought of what could have happened haunted Deana.

Since she couldn’t afford an in-home nurse, Deana stayed with her mother constantly. She didn’t mind caring for her aging parent.

But like many caregivers, Deana discovering that even short periods of isolation can take a toll on a person. Continue reading →

When you’re lonely, it’s easy to become focused on how you feel. You feel sad and you keep waiting for someone to connect with you.

But, what if you flipped the script? What if instead of waiting for someone to reach out, you took that first step?

The truth is you may not be the only one feeling lonely in your community. In fact, you’re probably surrounded by more than one person who longs for connection.

It might be the single parent who lives down the street, the manager who works in your office, or the teenager who’s being bullied at school.

But you can make a difference. You can turn your loneliness into an invitation. Consider doing one of these three activities next time you’re feeling lonely… Continue reading →

Sometimes, it’s not possible to invite others into your home to show hospitality. This could be due to a loved one who is ill, a home renovation project, or any number of reasons.

But just because you can’t have people over it, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on hospitality altogether. In fact, there are plenty of ways to show hospitality that don’t require opening up your home. Here a few ideas to get you started…

Deliver an Edible Treat

This treat can be a batch of cookies baked in your kitchen or a delicious dessert from your favorite bakery. You can also go healthy by bringing a fruit basket or a satisfying smoothie that you made yourself. Continue reading →