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Making so many important decisions on behalf of my ageing parents were emotionally draining experiences.   Each of them has different health issues, physical needs and ability levels.  Realising that I could not physically (or emotionally) care for them adequately to ensure their safety and well-being tested me and my sibling.  There were tears.

Tough decisions need research, time, an understanding of financial implications and so much more.

Discussions with others in the same stage of life helped but the real help had to come from professionals.  Doctors who know my parents, specialists in aged care, nursing home owners, accountants and government agencies provided information required to make informed decisions.

Guilt plays a role in decision-making as do opinions of relatives.  Neither of which help you make good choices! (Though I was very much supported by all my relatives)


When love, history and emotional ties are involved we need the clarity and detachment of others to help us understand the different options available.

As a family we have been very fortunate to find a caring nursing home where both my parents can live in a safe, clean and healthy environment. (They have separate rooms by choice).

Remember - you are not a trained aged healthcare professional (and even if you are your talents are needed elsewhere!)

The link below contains information which you might find helpful.  It is UK based, however the information will prompt you to explore what's available in your area of the world.

Elderly Care Guide


Acknowledgement: many thanks to Melissa Miles for the link to the guide.

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a dad with new baby

​Parenting, a time of change and challenge

For every bit of excitement that comes with becoming a parent there is also a stressor.  

Will you be a good parent? 

Will the baby be healthy?  

Will the birth go well?  

The unknowns can be daunting.  It’s OK to give yourself a minute to panic as you run through all the questions you have in your head but limit it to just one minute.  Now it’s time to move on from the questions and prepare your life for that little person who is sure to be your pride and joy.

Childproof your rooms

If you are a person with a disability, your home is likely already set up to accommodate your needs, but not necessarily those of your child. The good news is, the basics of preparing the nursery and ​childproofing are the same for everyone.  Bumpers, gates, safety latches and switch covers are items you’ll need to install.  However, there may be a few extra precautions needed depending on your home’s configuration.  If you have dangerous items, such as medications and household cleaners in lower cabinets or drawers within your reach, consider moving them to a room or cabinet with a physical lock to guarantee safety.  You may also want to consider adaptive products to meet your specific needs in caring for your newborn.  Take time to research the products that will work best for you and ensure you and your child's safety.

Understanding your rights

Building a support system is important for any new parent but finding other parents who are in the same circumstances might be challenging depending on where you live. It can be difficult for others to understand the financial and legal complexities those with disabilities face. Advocate for yourself and your family by knowing your rights. Responsibility for the health and welfare of your child begins before they are born and continues long after.

It is impossible to foresee every scenario that you might face but knowing which are most likely will help you navigate the situation better.  It is also a good idea to scout the facility where you or your significant other plan to give birth. Your obstetrician (OB) is likely aware of your disability status if you are the one giving birth, but it never hurts to ask questions about how they handle labor and delivery.  You will likely beat your OB to the hospital, and it will be helpful if you already know what to expect. 

If you aren’t the one giving birth, it is a good idea to ensure the facility is equipped to meet your needs, so you can participate in the birth.  This may mean providing access to a larger delivery room or auxiliary aids.  

Don’t forget about you

Being wrapped up in all things baby is perfectly normal.  Nearly everyone in your circle will be focused on your bundle of joy, whether it is the sex or the due date or the color of the nursery.  It’s easy to forget that preparations are hard work and adjusting to having an infant in the home is harder. The baby will rely on you for round-the-clock care, so you will need to be healthy both mentally and physically. Whether you are taking time out to exercise, meditate or just hanging out with friends, it’s important that you don’t feel guilty about it.

It can be hard for many parents to take time away from their children at any age, but it is important that you do.  Set time in your schedule that is specifically for you to make sure you are practicing good self-care while caring for your new baby.  Be patient with yourself as you not only develop a new routine but learn what works best for you both. 

Becoming a parent means that you’ll have to cope with stress, especially if it is your first child.  Preparing your home and daily surroundings is important to both you and your child's safety. Knowing your rights as a parent can also help you navigate common circumstances that might be unfamiliar to you as a new parent.  Whatever you do, though, don’t forget to care for yourself as you welcome the new addition to your family.

Submitted by Richard Wright from Elderscorp - thanks Richard!

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Anzac biscuits on tray

I’ve been searching for many years for the perfect Anzac biscuit.  A classic Australian ‘cookie’.  I think I have finally found one, and, quite rightly on ANZAC Day.

Perfectly wonderful Anzac Biscuits

  • Makes 30 small or around 15 large
  • Prep time 15 mins
  • Cooking time 12-15 mins
    1. Preheat oven to 180C. Line 2 small or one large baking tray with baking paper.
    2. combine flour, sugar, oats and coconut in medium size mixing bowl
    3. combine butter, golden syrup, bicarb and water in a small saucepan.  Cook for 2 mins or until butter melts.  Pour mixture into flour mixture and stir to combine
    4. roll tablespoons of mixture into balls and place on the lined tray a few centimetres apart to allow room for spreading,
    5. bake for 12-15 mins or until golden brown.  Set aside to cool on the tray.  (They smell divine!)
    6. watch them disappear!

    Ingredients

    1 cup (150g) plain flour

    3/4 cup (165g) castor sugar

    1 1/2 cups (135g) rolled oats

    3/4 cup (60g) shredded coconut

    125g butter

    1/4 cup golden syrup (60ml)

    1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

    1 tbs boiling water

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    Share the post "Technology and grandchildren – parents know best"

    Recently it was noted, by one parent of four of the grandchildren, that I was a little too indulgent with the use of my phone and tablet.  Now my first reaction was that I can, as a grandparent, spoil grandchildren.  Besides it keeps them amused (I had babysat four of the darlings overnight).

    However, on reflection, this is a new world.  The technology I had handed them was without child locks of any kind. I had placed trust in the fact that they would automatically know the boundaries I would expect of them.  That they would not send emails to my business contacts, or post photos on Instagram, Facebook etc.  What did I know or understand of what they could access while they quietly ‘played’?

    There was no access made to porno or other sites.  No inappropriate photos sent to social media (though lots of selfies which I had to delete from my photo gallery).

    Would I have let my own children spend hours, unsupervised, unmonitored on technology which knows no boundaries.  I don’t think so.

    They are good kids.  My grandchildren would be so – always, surely?

    As a parent we expected the best from our children but anticipated and risk managed for the worst.  Why, as grandparents, do we see perfection and not anticipate and manage the risks?  We have short memories.

    Technology is fun, interesting and saves a lot of visits to the library.  What it usually doesn’t do is fire the imagination.

    creativity and imagination

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    Are you a grandmother or about to become one?

    Grandchildren can appear into your lives as either a gorgeous newborn or one prepared earlier (step-grandchild). They may live close by or far away. Sometimes you get to see them a lot, sometimes not all. No matter how or when you become a grandparent you love and want the best for them.

    The second time around we are older, wiser and hopefully less stressed – but it might have been some years since you had to change a nappy, monitor a 2 year old, cope with the mess of kids in your house, or even more challenging – entertain a teenager!

    There are many, many more resources for the new generation. You are busy so I’ve done the research for you.

    Babysitting soon or already booked for the next school holidays? Find ideas for cooking with kids, gardening with kids, lists of internet activity sites for kids, school holiday ideas and more

    Looking for the perfect gift for your grandchild/ren – from the free to the fabulous and extravagant and from the educational to the indulgent (as only grandparents are allowed) – check out present ideas at Gifts from Grandma – this list will expand and change over time to include ideas from birth to 21!

    Struggling with full time care of a grandchild? Find a page dedicated to providing information to assist grandparents who may be the primary carers of their grandchildren – seek Help!

    Plus – while it is all about the grand-kids your health, well-being and joie do vivre has not been forgotten. Your adventure continues and interest in life and learning is still strong.

    If you do the occasional babysitting, live some distance away, or are the full time carer of your grandchild we invite you to regularly visit our site as it continues to grow – keeping you an up-do-date and informed grandparent – and, in the eyes of your grand-kids – the World’s Best Grandmother.

    Join me and other grandmothers on facebook to share with others the joys and challenges of grand-parenting or follow my blog “On Being a Grandmother”

    Nana Lizzie

    Please forgive the errors you might find on this site – this Nana learns a little bit more every day about running a website. You are never to old to learn – it might just take a little longer.

    For World’s Best Grandmother merchandise come visit my store on CafePress!

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