About Lisa

I was the a sole caregiver for two elderly family members at separate times. First, for six months when my parents were in Brazil, I cared for my 94-year-old grandfather who lived in their home. I prepared meals, took him to appointments, monitored his medications and diet, played games, had conversations with him, took him on walks and got him outside, provided library materials, did his laundry, helped with correspondence, cheered him up when he was blue, was sensitive to his dignity and respectful of his autonomy, took him on drives for a change of scene, kept our home clean, safe and well supplied, shopped for him, read aloud, listened, and laughed. It was a wonderful time and I learned so much about the personal costs of aging beyond the simply physical. It was an honor to have that time with a dignified and humorous gentleman. The second occasion has been caring for my mother who has mild dementia. Tasks were prepping house for sale, setting up new apartment, managing her insurance and taxes (saving her a bundle), engaging her mind with political discussion, and supporting her outreach into her new community, sharing TV and movies, taking walks, etc.