Elderly Junk Food Junkies: What to do When Your Mom Won’t Eat Well
“So, you got any?” Leaning in conspiratorially, the lady approaches our maintenance director to ask for the coveted item: Famous Amos Cookies. “I only have about 7 bags. That’s all the vending machine will hold.” He replies with the shame of a supplier who has run short. “Is that all??” She asks incredulously. “Well, all […]
Why Can’t Old Ladies Wear Pretty Bras? The Surprising Indications of Aging Stress
“Let’s go to Victoria’s Secret. I need a pushup bra. Everybody has one, and besides, I’m tired of not having a bust.” Sound like a twenty-something talking to her friends? Try a ninety-something talking to our nurse! My first reaction to this request was to hope and pray that I’m the lady requesting a Victoria’s […]
3 Ways to Have Better Conversation with Your Parent
“Mr. John, you are so smart!” I said, meaning it. His reply? “Baby, I didn’t get to 94 years old by bein’ stupid!” Mr. John was confident that he was smart. Who wouldn’t be in awe of a WW2 veteran, a member of Patton’s regiment, successful businessman and father? But the twinkle in his […]
Why Your Elderly Mom is Mad and What You Can Do About It
Stomping into my office in frustration, the 85 year old lady threw up her hands and declared “That’s it! I’m not having any more kids!” That octogenarian mom was aggravated with her children. She was done. Though her statement is hilarious considering the source, it’s also a reminder to me that as we age, we […]
Recognition of Love & Dedication
St. Francis Villa Assisted Living has another award winning staff member!!! For the third time in the past several years, one of St. Francis’ staff has been honored by the Louisiana Assisted Living Association as an outstanding member of the industry. We are proud to announce that this year’s statewide Outstanding Department Director award […]
New Suits and Old Friends
Used to seeing him in a t-shirt and jeans, some residents almost didn’t recognize one of their favorite persons as he walked the halls of St. Francis Villa today. Our maintenance assistant, Juan, spends his days helping residents, bringing a smile as he replaces a light bulb, cleans an air filter, or fixes a sink. […]
Champagne and Pearls… and School Supplies!
Champagne… the iconic beverage of celebration, and pearls… the beautiful and classy adornment treasured and worn by women everywhere… so what do these things have to do with school supplies?? For St. Francis Villa’s Champagne and Pearls Society, champagne and pearls are symbolic of our city and its ladies. We KNOW how to celebrate, and […]
Old People 101
“I could never do what you do.” At least once a day, someone says those words to me. I was raised by a nurse who cared for the elderly and often brought me along to “help.” We lived just a few steps from my grandparents’ front door. Interacting with older people has always been part […]
Finding a Place
I bought a house the other day. It was so easy! I found this service online that promised to find the best house for me. They seemed to know all about the houses around my town, so I just went with the house they recommended. Just kidding! I would never turn over that kind of […]