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“They’re Not Difficult. They’re Communicating.”
I read a LinkedIn post by Danielle Russo and one quote struck me deeply: “They’re not difficult.They’re communicating.And we are not listening.” The more I sat with that quote, the more I realised how often we misunderstand behaviour, especially when it comes to dementia and cognitive decline. Too often, people are labelled as “difficult” simply…
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Practical guides for Seniors
Don’t miss out! Unlock our new handy Guides packed with tips and tools that make life simpler, safer, and smarter.
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Finding Your Village
When someone is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, families often feel completely overwhelmed. Suddenly there are doctors, decisions, safety concerns, and a future that feels uncertain. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only person dealing with this. But you’re not. There are thousands of families quietly navigating the same journey. Your village might…
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When Humour Becomes a Survival Tool
Dementia has a strange way of creating moments that are both heartbreaking and oddly funny. If you’ve ever cared for someone with memory loss, you will know exactly what I mean. Like the day the television remote becomes a telephone. Or when biscuits are hidden in the laundry cupboard “for later”. Or when someone insists…
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The Hidden Emotions of Carers (Yes, Even the Difficult Ones)
There’s a quiet truth many carers carry but rarely say out loud. Sometimes caring for someone with dementia makes you angry. Not angry at them. Angry at the situation. Angry that the person you love is slowly disappearing while still sitting right in front of you. Angry that your life now revolves around medication times,…
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It Takes a Village… and Sometimes the Village Is Just You
There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Nobody mentions that it also takes a village to care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. And sometimes that village looks suspiciously like one person standing in the kitchen wondering why the kettle is boiling for the third time and nobody remembers…
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The Elder Tax: The Hidden Burden on South African Families
Across South Africa, a growing number of families are quietly facing a reality few are prepared for: the emotional, physical, and financial cost of caring for elderly parents who can no longer care for themselves.
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How to Apply for a SASSA Older Person’s Grant
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides an Older Person’s Grant (often called the “old age pension”) to help senior citizens who need financial support. For thousands of older South Africans, this monthly grant is a lifeline — helping them cover daily living costs and maintain their dignity.
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What an Old Windmill Taught Me About Remembering the Value of the Past
Not long ago, I wrote about an old tractor that found new life after being restored ( Rust, Smoke… and Restart: Why Older People Still Matter –) — and how it reminded me that older people still have immense value if we take the time to help them restart. This week, as I looked out…
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Colouring books for Grandparents
These themed colouring books are designed to be enjoyed together — by grandparents and grandchildren, side by side.