Caregivers Cafe
By Jackie Pinkowitz, M.Ed

   Each November, our Cafe friends gather to toast the unsung steadfast family caregivers who ease the hearts and minds and spirits of loved ones by being there for them wherever, whenever, and however they need you: Pam:  "Here's to YOU for always sho

  With the warm smell of caramel lattes filling the Cafe, some friends were absorbed in a lively discussion with our favorite psychologist, Dr. Ed Rudow, about how to maintain good health as one ages. Don: "I can't believe that my 84 year old mother st

  With the start of another Fall Season, I thought of all the peaceful, beautiful images this time of year should evoke for all of us.  Yet, all around us on the internet and TV, we are bombarded with images of fighting and violence.  Surely those imag

  Each year, the Cafe has the privilege of sharing those caregiving programs that have been awarded the MetLife Foundation/National Alliance for Caregiving's prestigious National Family Caregiving Awards.  This year, our wonderful friend and manager of

   Word quickly spread among our Cafe friends that two incredible experts in dementia care, Dr. Katherine Goethe and Dr. Martha Leatherman, would be stopping by the Cafe today to share their insights, wit and wisdom with those of us who have a loved on

  Pat, a wonderful friend and professional care manager, dropped by the Cafe for a few minutes today to spread the word about a new resource for families trying to understand long-term care and the important questions to ask as they look into it: "The

  Yesterday a few Cafe friends woke up bright and early and headed for a quiet walk on the beach seeking solitude and rejuvenation.   As our footsteps marked our progress in the soft sand, I heard Jane, a longtime caregiver for her Mom with dementia, w

  As our Cafe friends streamed in for their morning wake-me-up, they were greeted by a little stuffed bunny sitting on the counter, with his floppy ears dancing as he sang an upbeat tune "I've Got to Hop".  Knowingly, I watched our friends' reactions s

   Sundays at the Cafe are always special. It's the day that our friends drop by with their children, on their way to the beach or a baseball game.  It's the day that giggles and smiles abound as older siblings help younger ones choose their favorite c

Long after most of our friends had gone home, a group of us sat sipping lattes talking about how much attention we have given to our loved ones this past winter and spring; and how little attention we had given to ourselves. As I gazed at my Cafe frien