I was wrong. About a robotic cat. I declare this happily and with feelings of gratitude. I’d shout it from the rooftops if I could--because of what it means. Here’s the scoop. First, a little context: I’m wrong often. Wrong about big things, small things, meaningless things, and meaningful …
Non-Verbal Communication And How I Became a Better Caregiver.
At a time when our dementia world seemed to be growing darker by the day, waking up to the importance of non-verbal communication gave me light. I wish I had realized it earlier, for Mom and Steve’s sake (as well as my own), but for right now, like everything else on this journey, I’m thankful to …
To Get Through
Everyday I hurt. Long Goodbye takes its toll. Lucky to have family help settle the weight, and fill my soul. I hurt. But I'm content. I'm scared and know why, but their smiles make me fly. Memories with Mom too. Details don't matter. Not words either. One way or another, she …
5 Signs Told Us It Was Time For Assisted Living
Mom's move to an assisted living facility left a mark. I ignored the signs telling me changes were required and I wish I hadn't. It happened gradually. At first, Mom just needed a bit of extra attention. Then she needed help with daily tasks--bills, keeping appointments, rides and other little …
Steve, Lewy, And The Little Moments
I love my father-in-law like he’s my own Dad. Steve and I have gotten along since the day we met and I’ve always looked up to him. Having lost my own dad at a young age, I've always considered myself lucky to have him in my life . Things have been different the last few years with Lewy Body …
Look Closely At The Wellness Office When Searching For a Place For Mom Or Dad
When I was looking for a place for Mom, the Wellness Office should've been on my radar--but it wasn't. There used to be a time when I didn't have to think about dementia, bad colds and infections, and how all of those things could affect Mom. Nor did I think about how essential an amazing …
14 Minutes, 37 Seconds and a Microcosm of My Life as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Mom and I spoke a couple of times last Wednesday as we normally do. The morning was a brief hello while the evening was a bit longer. 14 minutes and 37 seconds to be exact and the conversation was a perfect microcosm of the gut-wrenching emotional and sensory roller-coaster that is my Alzheimer’s …
5 Things Not To Say To The Dementia Caregiver In Your Life
If you have a dementia caregiver in your life, you have two jobs: Reduce their stress and make them feel supported. It’s not to fix and it’s definitely not to add to their stress. Make them feel supported and reduce stress. That’s it. Seems simple, huh? I get that it’s not. On one hand, all …
Three Words Drastically Improved Our Life With Dementia
Mom’s life with dementia is the ultimate team effort. Lindsay, my uncle, Mom’s friends, the wonderful staff at her assisted living community and I are all part of Mom's team--with important roles to play. Mom’s demeanor is our scoreboard. Her smiles and laughs are the trophies we play for. In …
