Sometimes favorite foods have a great story that makes the dish all the more delicious. It’s that way with Betty’s corn pudding, which she entered in the Homemade Memories Recipe Contest. The corn pudding is a favorite because her mother-in-law and father-in-law always had a garden in the country and would grow the corn, shuck it and deliver plenty to freeze.
Please share your story that will passed along to the next generation.  Be it a memory, or a favorite recipe.  I know for me personally it will be my Gram's molasses cookie recipe.  I was fortunate enough to snag the beat up old round tin that she used to bring them over in when we were helping her downsize.  Memories that will forever be rooted in my heart.  Share your stories here on on the Homemade Memories Facebook page.  You can also visit the Craving CompanionshipSM website at www.mealsandcompanionship.com for more ways to keep those memories alive. "Now this recipe is special to my grandchildren as they always request that I make it when they come over for special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. I always think of my father-in-law, how he used to work so hard to provide fresh vegetables for all his children. He is greatly missed." 

You are NEVER to old to learn something new!! - Libby Deege

For those of you who haven't seen this couple attempting to use their new Web Cam software take a few minutes and watch! Priceless...what can be learned from Bruce and Esther Huffman?

1. You're never too old to learn something new
2. You're never too old to be childish
4. You're never too old to be in love

Click here to watch video

What is Elder Abuse? - Libby Deege

Each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. Many victims are people who are older, frail, and vulnerable and cannot help themselves and depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Abusers of older adults are both women and men, and may be family members, friends, or “trusted others.”

In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be:

•Physical Abuse - inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means.

•Sexual Abuse - non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

•Neglect - the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.

•Exploitation - the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else's benefit.

•Emotional Abuse - inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.

•Abandonment - desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.

•Self-neglect – characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety.

What are the warning signs of elder abuse?

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that there could be a problem are:

•Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
•Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
•Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
•Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
•Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
•Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
•Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs.

Most importantly, be alert. The suffering is often in silence. If you notice changes in a senior’s personality or behavior, you should start to question what is going on.

Remember, it is not your role to verify that abuse is occurring, only to alert others of your suspicions.

Simple Blog- Libby Deege

I attended a funeral yesterday of a beloved Caregiver for Home Instead Senior Care. After hearing all she had done with her life and all the people she had touched through her 80 years, I found this picture and thought she did all these things and was so happy every day!!

Mediation: Resolving Elder Care Conflicts Without a Battle - Libby Deege

Jerrod and Morgan Williams have been at odds for several years about their mother's care. Now a decision must be made and they are no closer to agreement. Gregory Jakes' children and his doctors all agree that he must stop driving. Even though his son has twice disabled the car, Gregory has twice had it repaired and continues to drive. Both of these families were referred to mediation as a last resort before turning to the courts to resolve their conflicts.

Elder care can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Mix in old family history and sincere differences of opinion and things can easily become unmanageable. As an older woman once said to me, "This would all be so easy if it weren't for the people!"

As an alternative to either throwing up their hands and walking away or ending up in court, many families are turning to Elder Mediation as a way to find a workable resolution.

A mediator is a professional who will help families open up communication in order to find the best solution to their particular situation. The mediator is neutral - not aligned with any particular "side" - and is part of the process only as a facilitator of the discussion. The goal is to give everyone a voluntary and confidential place to be heard, to share their concerns, and to explore options.

At the end of the process all the participants sign a document summarizing their aggreement. This document is not legally binding, as it would be if issued by a court of law. Family members are always free to seek legal advice before agreeing to any compromises.

Some families say that meeting with a mediator greatly reduced their stress and helped them accomplish far more than they had hoped. Others, while not able to resolve all their differences, were able to reach interim agreements and identify milestones that would indicate the need to revisit their options.

Elder mediators can assist families with resolving differences over caregiving responsibilities, residential alternatives, financial arrangements, guardianship decisions, individual roles and responsibilities in decision-making, and end of life decisions.

Mediators will not make decisions for the family, nor are they therapists. However, many families have found that meeting with a mediator can be therapeutic because the process helps diffuse tensions while allowing everyone to express themselves honestly and focus on the ultimate best interest of their senior.

How to Find a Mediator

Like Geriatric Care Management, there are no licenses required to be a mediator. However, there are ways to find experienced mediators who are highly regarded by professionals:

Check with your local family or probate court. They often maintain a list of mediators.

Bank Account of Memories

Bank Account of Memories


The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud mother-in-law of my best friend, who is

fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and

makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home

today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

Maurine Jones is the most lovely, gracious, dignified woman that I have ever had the

pleasure of meeting. While I have never aspired to attain her depth of wisdom, I do

pray that I will learn from her vast experience.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled

sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator,

I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had

been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-yearold

having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room ... just wait."

That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you

decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the

furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it...

"It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the

day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work,

or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as

my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away ...

just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account ... you withdraw from it what you've put in ...So, my

advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories."

Helping Seniors beat the Heat - Libby Deege

Older citizens are more vulnerable than younger individuals because they do not adjust as well to the heat, they perspire less, and they are more likely to have health problems that require medicines that work against the body's natural thermometer. A sudden or prolonged increase in temperatures can place a strain on the heart and blood vessels before the body can acclimate itself
When the temperatures begin to creep up, take immediate action. The following tips from Dr. Robert Luchi, Professor of Medicine-Geriatrics, can help you beat the heat:

Keep cool. Air conditioning can be a lifesaver, especially if you have heart disease. If you don't have air conditioning, head to a cool shopping center, senior center, library, movie theater, or place of worship.

Cool baths or showers can provide relief. Ice bags and wet towels are also helpful.
Beware of dehydration; drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty.

Curtail physical activity during extremely hot weather. Activity adds to heart strain.

 Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose water.

 Limit salt use.

 Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Don't forget to wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head and neck when you are outdoors.

 Take the heat seriously. Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention