Greetings to all and welcome to our new subscribers!

And thanks to so many of you who have been forwarding my newsletter, there are lots of new subscribers! Remember . . . it's even easier now with the "forward to a friend" link at the bottom of this page.

Welcome to Fall! I've just returned from California where I had the incredible privilege and joy to officiate a wedding! My official title was "Deputy Commissioner of Civil Weddings" for Santa Clara County. My unofficial title was very honored friend of the bride and groom! And yes, it is legal - as apparently it is in most states!!!

Must say, though, with all my focus on the wedding, I'm a bit surprised that it's September already! But as you can see from the list of speaking and seminar engagements (below) as well as a full Generational Coaching schedule, there will be no "easing back" from vacation!!

And I know I'm not alone! With so much going on, many caregivers (and non-caregivers) are overwhelmed trying to keep track of who is supposed to be where and when . . . sort of like herding cats! So as Fall begins, I think you'll find this month's article "Mastering the Art of Herding Cats - the Master Schedule" very helpful - whether you're juggling eldercare, childcare, or "just" a very busy life!!!

Until next time, Enjoy!

BARBARA INTERVIEWED FOR ADVISING BOOMERS MAGAZINE

I am delighted to report that I was interviewed for the July 19th on-line issue of Advising Boomers magazine. You can read the interview by Advising Boomer's magazine.

ARTICLE: MASTERING THE ART OF HERDING CATS - THE MASTER SCHEDULE

Recently I received a call from a woman who attended my Balancing Work & Eldercare Needs seminar about a year ago asking if I would email or fax to her the information on "Mastering the Master Schedule". Apparently, with 2 kids entering middle school, she was feeling overwhelmed - much the same way she did when taking care of her father - like she was herding cats! She said she remembered how much the master schedule had helped her and her sister organize their father's care and thought it would be perfect to get her children's schedule under control, too!!

I happen to prefer the good old-fashioned hanging calendars because I like being able to see a whole month at a time. I use the holiday calendar my sister sends every year because, in addition to family pictures, the pages have a matte finish so I can write in pencil and make changes as needed.

However, you may prefer to go the electronic route, especially if you are sharing caregiving duties with others. Many computer and PDA programs have calendar templates and you can access from anywhere, making it easier for siblings and other family members, other caregivers, and if appropriate, your aging loved one to view and/or add.
To set it up,

• Personal - such as vacations, holidays, weddings, etc.
• Work - such as the annual meeting, budget prep and review, special projects, etc.

Then add reoccurring events such as:

• FAMILY ACTIVITIES such as your kid's sports events, car pool commitments, etc.
• PERSONAL TIME FOR YOURSELF such as exercising, a "date" with your spouse, kids, and friends, etc.

• 1 dedicated day a week/month for caregiving-related commitments such as doctor
• appointments, etc.
• dedicated hour a day to address caregiving issues such as phone calls to doctors, etc.

Once your master schedule is set up, keep in mind that YOU are the master of your master schedule! The great thing about pencils and computers is that they come with erasers and delete buttons!

FYI . . .

The Design Linc - Accessibility Design & Resources

The Design Linc provides on-line resources and information specifically geared toward people with disabilities and special design needs, as well as those involved in their care. On their site you can find products, technical information, government agencies and other resources as well as accessible design tips for the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and exterior to help you select the products to address your design needs. For more information about The Design Linc, go to www.designlinc.com/index.html.

Upcoming Seminars

For lots more information about this and many other important eldercare issues, attend an AgeWiseLiving seminar. For upcoming dates and locations, please go to Seminars. Space is filling fast, though, so reserve your space now!