Although it is hard to admit, many times we avoid or neglect visiting our elderly parents due to our own discomfort. The social isolation experienced by our frail parents may limit their contribution to the conversation and the weight of the interaction is ours. We can always find busy work to do; yet creating meaningful visits for both you and your parents
often seems elusive.
A recent issue of the Parkinson’s Update, a magazine for the Parkinson’s disease community, had a wonderful article on the benefits of horticultural therapy. Reflecting back on the nursing home tours prior to my mother’s admission, her home of choice was made easy by witnessing the flurry of activity in the attached green house. After touring three nursing homes, my mother stated, “I want the one with the green house.” Read the rest of this entry »
