Author: Karen Taylor

Part 2: Boundaries—The Power of Saying No After breath, the next essential act of self-care is creating boundaries. If breathing keeps us alive, boundaries keep us whole. They define where we end and where others begin. Boundaries are not walls meant to shut people out—they are fences designed to protect what matters most: our time, our energy, and our peace. As someone living with spatial disorientation—a condition where it’s difficult to physically orient my body in space—boundaries have taken on an even deeper meaning. While some people see walls as barriers, for me they can literally be life-saving supports. Sometimes,…

Part 1: Breathe First In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With overflowing to-do lists, growing responsibilities, and constant connectivity, we often neglect the one person who keeps it all together: ourselves. You’ve likely heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s repeated often, yet we seldom pause long enough to consider what it really means. The image that brought it home for me was one I encountered midair—literally. I was on a flight with my children, half-listening to the usual pre-flight safety instructions when that familiar line came over the…

She goes home every night,but she can’t forget her clients—the men and women,the lives she’s touched,the lives that have touched her. She thinks:Could I have done better?Are they happy?Did Mrs. J eat dinner?Will Mr. J’s pain go away? She closes her eyes and sees their tears,but she smiles—because there’s beauty in sharing pain.There’s healing in the laughter they share,peace in the drive to and from their homes,and joy in fulfilling the tasks her clients need. There’s a beautiful quiet in her mindwhen a client says, “Thank you.”Because she knows—her job is more than a job. It’s a lifestyle. -Allyssa Taylor

Using a care agency instead of hiring a private caregiver offers key advantages in terms of reliability, safety, accountability, and convenience—especially as care needs become more complex. Here are some important reasons to consider: Background Checks & Vetting In Nevada, agencies are regulated by the State Department of Public Health—even for non-medical services like Personal Care and Companion Home Care. Agencies must conduct comprehensive background checks going back seven years, verify employment and personal references, and ensure caregivers meet training requirements. This vetting process offers peace of mind that caregivers are both qualified and trustworthy. Backup Care If your assigned…

Last week, we discussed the importance of preparing an Emergency Plan. This week, we’re diving deeper into how to communicate and document your wishes clearly, especially regarding healthcare and end-of-life decisions—so they’ll be honored when the time comes. Starting the Conversation: Why It Matters Conversations about healthcare and end-of-life decisions often begin after the passing of someone close to us—whether through a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. These events, though varied in tone and tradition, all mark the end of someone’s life. Reflecting on the way a loved one’s wishes were handled can prompt us to think about…

As a single, hard working mother of this strong willed child (tenacious, it is called tenacity). My Mama was the recipient of various help whether it was requested or just provided I never knew. From my Grandparents or extended family watching me while she worked to Grandpa working on her car or gathering some of his friends to help him fix something around our houses. Help, was a natural part of my upbringing and seen as a positive, after all “it takes a village”, right? So asking for help is generally easy for me. My husband’s family while quick to offer…

Sunday night I was called by a family out of state to check on their frightened mother and calm her. I found myself instantly dropping everything I’d planned to do that hour to rush to check on her and found myself within moments, sitting by her holding her hand asking her to tell me all about her experience. There was no proof that the cause of her fears were substantiated but the fear that caused her to tremble was real. As I clasped her hand we talked quietly within moments, her trembling hand softened and we began to laugh about…

Today, I find myself awake before 4 a.m., sitting by a beautiful fire in the pellet stove, planning my day and the weeks ahead. A wave of overwhelm threatens to creep in—so many projects, so many tasks, all pressing for my attention. It would be easy to feel consumed by it all. And yet, in this moment, peace is settling over me. I’m simply sitting. I’m present. I’m allowing myself to pause and take in the quiet sounds of a new day beginning. One message we frequently share with the support teams of our clients is this: It’s okay to…

In my column launching with the topic of dementia, I provided a broad introduction. Now, over the next few columns, I will focus on highlighting specific challenges through the lens of living with dementia. Until my personal health took a downturn, l had never established consistent wake-up or bedtime routines for myself, nor was l consistent with any for my children. At the end of the day, I could fall asleep anywhere, easily. Put me in front of a movie, and you could start a stopwatch-chances are, I’d be asleep before the plot thickened, no matter the time of day.…

Hello. My name is Karen Taylor. I have lived in Pahrump 26 years. I am married with two wonderful children – our son experiencing adulthood on the East Coast and our daughter testing her adult wings as an online freshman at GCU. My husband has been a custodian in Nye County School District for over ten years and is currently at the high school. I have many dreams for this community, all centered around bridging gaps in care, resources and continuity of care. All launched, on my own personal and immediate family care journeys. In 2009 I became very ill…