Caregivers Cafe
By Jackie Pinkowitz, M.Ed

   Several weeks ago, some Cafe friends attended a forum and expo for parents of special needs children and adults.  Listening to the parent presenters, we realized we were in the company of a unique breed of caregivers - those who had woven their pers

    Another rainy day outside the Cafe.  Inside, some soggy, down-spirited friends were sipping caramel lattes and sharing possible gift ideas to give loved ones this coming Mother's Day or for their next birthday. As each friend offered a suggesti

   Early this morning, a few Cafe friends were sharing some heavy-duty sighs along with their mocha lattes:  "It's just becoming too much to bear", whispered Judy. "I never stop worrying about her (her mother) even when I'm at my office."  As I gazed a

   Last night a very special friend, Eddie Kessler, writer, producer, television & radio personality, and Hollywood-in-its-Heydey film expert, created a totally magical evening for some of our favorite Cafe seniors: With his huge movie screen, reel

   Several weeks ago, I attended a two-year old's birthday party, one of life's happiest events.  In a corner of the playroom, away from the 10 precious little ones scrambling around with toys of all sizes, sat one little boy all by himself as his momm

  Late last night, after all the celebrating for St. Patrick's Day was over, a group of Cafe friends sat quietly enjoying the companionship of one another...a companionship forged by sharing  thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears on our common, yet un

  March is finally here; and with it comes thoughts of sunnier, more active days, and more driving during fun-filled family weekends.   While we would never ever put our little ones in cars without the proper comfort and safety equipment, our good frie

 Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a special crystal ball that we could gaze into and actually see what our loved ones are feeling in the dynamic, often difficult, dance we call caregiving.  And wouldn't it be comforting to gaze into our crystal ball an

   At some point in time, your loved one will be hospitalized, either as an emergency or a scheduled visit.  Hospitalization automatically elevates the stress level of care recipients and caregivers; but when your loved one has memory loss, dementia, o

     Yesterday, a few Cafe friends sat down with Dr. Ed Rudow, a psychologist who is also a compassionate caregiver.  Tammy was describing how worried she is about being able to continue paying for her mom's home health aide:   "My Mom has Parkinson