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20 Jun 2019
Moving day
July 1st is not just the Canada Day; it is also, in Quebec, the moving day.Indeed, it is customary, for many tenants, to schedule his move on July ...
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09 Jun 2019
Real Estate Services
Bonnie Sandler is happy to assist in all your real estate needs. She works with other professionals and agencies to make moving as easy as possible...
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09 Jun 2019
Bonnie's Blog
Bonnie is a columnist for The Senior Times. Her column ‘Let’s Talk About It’ addresses subjects associated with our senior population. Read, share ...
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08 Jun 2019
Seniors Services
Evaluation, formulation of a care plan, placement and referral. Allow Bonnie to take out the stress from your day and guide you through every step ...
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17 Mar 2017
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: HOLDING ONTO FAMILY HISTORY
Posted in the Senior Times Nov/2016When we’re young we want to forge a new identity and separate ourselves from our parents and their possessions; ...
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17 Mar 2017
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: WILL WE EVER UNDERSTAND GRIEF?
Posted in the Senior Times Jan/2017As 2016 comes to an end, we wonder what the year meant to us. It’s been a rough year in many accounts, with many...
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16 Nov 2016
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: DO THE RESEARCH WHEN CONSIDERING A PRIVATE RESIDENCE
The food is not to your liking.Mealtimes do not suit you.The activities are not interesting and not always in the language you speak.The residents ...
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16 Nov 2016
BONNIE SANDLER: SOCIAL WORKER, REAL ESTATE BROKER — AND YES, COLUMNIST
Please click here for stories and remembrances from The Senior Times newsroom as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.I used to dream of being a rock...
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16 Nov 2016
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: GOING TO BAT FOR YOUR LOVED ONE: IS IT ENERGY WELL-...
Lodging a complaint in a private residence is very different than doing so in a public facility. In the public system there is a line of accountabi...
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14 Apr 2016
Remembering a wonderful Nanny in her prime
As told to Bonnie Sandler by Mikaela Sandler My grandmother always had a unique personality. Nanny was not the kind of grandmother to bake cookies ...
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12 Mar 2016
Let’s Talk About It: Be wary of cold-callers who want to pay a visit
My friend received a call from her elderly mother, asking her to be at her house the next evening at 6. Her mother explained that a man had phoned ...
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12 Mar 2016
Pricing, staging and other tips from Montreal real-estate brokers
It’s become a cliché—buying a home is probably the most important investment most of us make. But selling that home is at least as important.To exa...
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19 Nov 2015
Quebec's eldercare challenge: Families unprepared to navigate the system
Karen Seidman - Montreal GazetteIt might begin with a broken hip. Or a senior who has frequented the same grocery store 1,000 times suddenly gettin...
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13 Oct 2015
In survivor’s case, protocol trumped common sense
Let’s Talk About itBonnie SandlerA client in his late 80s recently landed in a hospital’s emergency unit, where he was diagnosed with dementia. He ...
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04 Sep 2015
Let’s Talk About It: What of the orphaned elderly?
Who looks out for seniors who have no family or friends to look out for them? A recent story that went viral caught my attention.An 81-year-old ter...
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13 May 2015
Let’s Talk About It: Sibling relationships change as parents lose capacity
Let’s Talk About It: Sibling relationships change as parents lose capacityBonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – May 14 BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WHaving t...
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14 May 2014
Mothers, aging and the greatest love story ever told
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – May 14BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WRobert Munsch, the Canadian author of the most loved children’s books, published Lo...
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18 Apr 2014
Let’s Talk About It: Fresh air for the heart and soul
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – April 18BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WSpring has arrived. Along with green leaves and colourful blooms is the desire to...
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14 Mar 2014
Let’s Talk About It: Confusion in defining autonomy
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – March, 2014BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WResearching a definition for autonomy in seniors, I became more confused with ...
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15 Feb 2014
Let’s Talk About It: Magic of music validated with dementia project
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – February, 2014BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WI recently attended the 2014 Canadian Conference on Dementia in Vancouver. ...
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15 Dec 2013
Let’s Talk About It: Who cares for the caregivers?
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – December, 2013BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WHolidays are especially stressful for family caregivers. Memories of happie...
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24 Sep 2013
Let’s Talk About It: Look, listen, double-check to detect neglect
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – September 21, 2013BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WWe read stories about neglect of seniors, be it at home or in public o...
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22 Jul 2013
Let’s Talk About It: Location, location, language
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – June 1, 2013BY: BONNIE SANDLER BS.WMany seniors live in neighbourhoods that once matched their needs. Flash for...
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26 Mar 2013
Rescuing Nana: A grandchild's instinct
Bonnie Sandler, The Senior Times – March 2013 BY: MIKAELA SANDLER Please welcome guest columnist Mikaela Sandler, daughter of regular contributo...
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15 Mar 2013
Personal alarm systems are not foolproof
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – March 2013BY: BONNIE SANDLER, BS.W.Many of us worry about parents living alone and their ability to get ass...
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28 Jan 2013
Walking in Montreal’s winter wonderland can be a dangerous proposal
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times –January 2013BY: BONNIE SANDLER, BS.W.[caption id="attachment_752" align="alignnone" width="600"] Walk cautio...
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10 Nov 2012
Shopping, exercize and common sense
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – November 2012BY: BONNIE SANDLER, BS.W.I am a sucker for gimmicks that promise a quick fix to a problem. I a...
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23 Oct 2012
Seniors residences: When your needs change, your home should, tooSeniors...
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – September 2012BY: BONNIE SANDLER, BS.W.You struggle with your ambivalence and finally decide to move to a r...
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13 Sep 2012
Inner artist should be given a chance to blossom at any age
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – September 2012BY: BONNIE SANDLER, BS.W.Many residences have beautifully equipped art rooms with wonderful w...
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16 Jul 2012
Fresh Air Vital for Living, Healing
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – July 2012Montreal has its share of hot and humid days, but most summer days offer enjoyable weather. On tho...
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15 Jun 2012
Should senior discounts be available to all?
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – June 2012While the age limit varies, seniors are eligible for discounts at some stores, restaurants, hotels...
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06 May 2012
Dementia complicates parent-child dynamic
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – May 2012When we think of “mother,” we think of someone who loves her children unconditionally, placing thei...
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12 Apr 2012
Stranger on the phone isn’t a friend
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – April 2012I am unable to keep track of the number of phone calls I receive each week from people who either...
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03 Mar 2012
Consider downsizing as a means of simplifying your lifestyle
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – March 2012As I prepare for my second downsize in four years, I look around my condo and am shocked by the a...
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20 Feb 2012
100 is the new 80 – move it or lose it
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – February 2012Some newer residences have fitness rooms with exercise machines. Unfortunately, I have yet to ...
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03 Dec 2011
Tech if necessary, but not necessarily tech
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – December 2011For whatever reason, my brain will not learn the proper name for what I refer to as “the white...
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20 Nov 2011
Smiles are your first positive clue
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – November 2011If you have been shopping for a senior’s residence, you probably know that many residences are...
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23 Oct 2011
On turning 25, and what the future holds
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – October 2011Who better to write about turning 25 than my favourite (and only) niece, who just celebrated he...
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10 Sep 2011
Remember, all seven days are created equal
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – September 2011For many of us, Monday to Friday represents our workweek. We look forward to the weekends for...
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03 Jul 2011
Finding love in all the right residences
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – July 2011It seems that the topic of choice in the senior world these days is the closing of residences. It’...
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03 Jun 2011
Speak to your MP about their plans for the new Alzheimer’s reality
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – June 2011At a recent international conference on Alzheimer’s disease, held in Toronto, I listened to many f...
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03 Apr 2011
If there’s no need to cook, a kitchen area can be confusing, frustrating
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times – March 2011I am always intrigued to observe the reactions of loved ones when they visit full care facilities...
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30 Mar 2011
Dignity, kindness along Old Brewery “zipper line”
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - March 2011 At Christmas time, my daughter and I tried to sign up to volunteer to serve dinner at the Old Br...
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04 Feb 2011
Will your true loved ones please stand up
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - February 2011A loved one is “a person you love, usually a member of your family,” according to the Word Web...
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04 Dec 2010
Being in the hospital is hard enough without worrying about finances
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - December 2010Sadly, because of a loved one’s illness and subsequent death, I spent much of my time in a hos...
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04 Nov 2010
When looking for a residence, ask an expert, not your hairstylist
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - November 2010When assessing and understanding the needs of loved ones, knowing the family’s preferences, in...
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08 Oct 2010
Is there such a thing as a forever home?
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - October 2010Having grown up in a home that afforded little privacy from my bedroom to the main living space...
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10 Sep 2010
Early bird, night owls need flexible meeting times
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - September 2010I remember lining up for early-bird specials when vacationing in Florida with my parents. Whi...
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02 Apr 2010
Parents' finances can be a touchy topic
Bonnie Sandler S.W, The Senior Times - April 2010I am contacted by a daughter whose mother is considering a move to a senior residence.The daughter...
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20 Mar 2010
Take that window of opportunity
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - March 2010There are three categories of senior residences within the private sector: autonomous, assisted l...
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25 Feb 2010
Respect wishes of cognitively impaired when addressing them
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - February 2010Alzheimer’s and related dementias rob a person of many abilities but should not rob them of be...
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18 Dec 2009
Adjusting to ambiguous loss a lasting trouble
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - December 2009We feel “ambiguous loss” for people who are physically present but psychologically absent. You...
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10 Nov 2009
Adjusting to changes improves daily living
Bonnie Sandler S.W., The Senior Times - November 2009Physical abilities decline with age. There can be deficiencies related to hearing, vision, mob...
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06 Oct 2009
Older tenants may need help standing up for their rights
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - October 2009When it comes to dealing with leases, some seniors become susceptible to unscrupulous landlord...
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05 Sep 2009
Moderate drinking works when socializing with friends
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - September 2009Articles about preventing dementia are numerous. The most recent one I read was in the Montr...
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04 Jul 2009
Sharing magical moments of music
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - July 2009Music is a unique language, a special form of communication. We appreciate music even when we don...
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03 Jun 2009
Making decisions for a parent is difficult
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - June 2009Your parent has received a diagnosis of dementia. After years of concern this should not come as ...
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10 May 2009
Changing roles: Parenting the parent
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - May 2009I remember when I was in my early 40s reading an article about turning 50. This was described as a...
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04 Apr 2009
Do you have to ask the question?
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - April 2009The first thing I do when I bump in to a family I have worked with is to greet the Alzheimer ind...
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01 Mar 2009
Working with and not against the need to hide and hoard
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - March 2009A common behaviour of individuals with Alzheimer’s is to hide or hoard items. Sometimes there is...
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05 Feb 2009
Caring for the whole person
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - February 2009We read so much about the isolation and loneliness of the caregiver. Friends tend to disappea...
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03 Dec 2008
Making the holiday season joyful for your loved one
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - December 2008The holidays are quickly approaching and reminders are everywhere. Christmas carols can be he...
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07 Nov 2008
Before your sign on the dotted line
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - November 2008 The decision to move into a residence, either for you or a loved one, is emotionally exhaust...
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17 Oct 2008
What is a Mandate and do you need one?
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - October 2008In my assessments of families dealing with Alzheimer’s, I will ask whether there is a mandate....
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19 Sep 2008
Sharing secret thoughts
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - September 2008Alzheimer's Disease is a long journey taking a family through many stages as the disease pro...
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24 Aug 2008
Take advantage of our short summer
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - August 2008It’s not a coincidence that requests for my social work services decrease in the summer months ...
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10 Jul 2008
To drive or not to drive
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - July 2008All too often when I ask families about their loved one’s driving abilities after a diagnosis of ...
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22 Jun 2008
Enjoy the moment: Embrace the experience
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - June 2008Caregivers tell me about shared laughter and special moments with the person they’re caring for. ...
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22 May 2008
Worrying about the glass of wine
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - May 2008Let’s talk about itIn my assessments of individuals with cognitive impairment, I have noticed that...
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05 Apr 2008
Caregiving with dignity
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - April 2008Language for children should not be used for adults, regardless of any cognitive deficiency. Adu...
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05 Mar 2008
Setting up the room for your loved one
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - March 2008A move into a care facility can be eased with proper room preparation. Most care facilities will...
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22 Feb 2008
Choosing a private Residence (Part 3/3 on Alzheimer's care)
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - February 2008This article is the third of three discussing care for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer ’...
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05 Dec 2007
When home care no longer works (Part 2/3 on Alzheimer's care)
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - December 2007This article is the second of three discussing care for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer ...
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05 Nov 2007
Homecare for Alzheimer's: First choice (Part 1/3 on Alzheimer's care)
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - November 2007This article is the first of three discussing care for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer ’...
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05 Oct 2007
Safety is not negotiable
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - October 2007Individuals affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (AD/RD) gradually lose the a...
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05 Sep 2007
Alzheimer’s Disease: sorting out all the information
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - September 2007In trying to keep up with information on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (AD/RD), ...
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05 Aug 2007
Challenging behaviour — again and again and again
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - July/August 2007Caregivers for Alzheimer affected individuals know how many challenging behaviours there a...
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05 Jun 2007
Is it Alzheimer’s or just forgetfulness?
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - June 2007We all have moments of forgetfulness, often lightheartedly referred to as senior moments. Leaving...
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05 May 2007
Caregiver support groups: are they right for you?
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - May 2007Most often, when I suggest a support group to a client they quickly respond negatively. They hesit...
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05 Apr 2007
Rule #1 for caregivers: Do not argue with your loved one
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - April 2007We have been taught from an early age to communicate with others by using logic and reason. When...
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05 Mar 2007
Dementia no longer a shameful secret
Bonnie Sandler, S.W., The Senior Times - March 2007Chatting with a friend over lunch, the conversation turned to the popular TV show Grey’s Anatomy...