Choice of words matters. Lots. We know this in the broader context of life. But when it comes to how we refer to or communicate with or describe people living with dementia (PLWD), less so. To explain what I mean, why I think it matters, and what I (and we) can do about it, I’ll back …
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 …
The Ugly Truth of My Caregiver Burnout (and How I Fight It)
This is the truth of my caregiver burnout. Hard to recognize, harder to solve, and impossible to run from. It is frightening, lonesome, ugly and all mine. The world around me continues to move along but I am defeated. Mentally and physically defeated, unable to muster the required effort to …
In Caregiving: Balance > Positive Attitude
Nothing is secret about the importance of a positive attitude. In life and most definitely in caregiving. For the most part, the summer of 2019 was a stretch of relatively (it’s all relative when it comes to caregiving) smooth sailing for Ro and for Steve and for all of us who care for them. But …
Mom’s Dementia, Caregiving, And My Fulfillment
“We Plan, Mom's Dementia Laughs” --English translation of the Yiddish proverb, adapted just for us My day-to-day caregiving plan generally consists of only a few priorities. Stay positive. Actively listen to Mom. And stay positive. I focus on these basics and fill in the blanks based on what a …
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 …
Caregiving Makes Me Feel Like A Failure
Caregiving makes me feel like a failure. I’ve always been afraid of failure. I haven’t always known that about myself, but now I do. It's been said that living through a difficult time provides perspective. For better (hopefully) or for worse, you come out on the other end seeing things a bit …
Mom’s Friends Are Amazing And Here Is Why
My mother is as outgoing as the day is long. Interacting with others--family, friends, strangers, or passersby--is and has always been fuel for her. It’s what gets her out of bed in the morning and it’s what keeps her going. She’s always curious, caring, and genuinely enjoys conversation--with …
Welp…Mom Met A Man at Her Senior Living Community
This was quite the visit to Mom's senior living community. It started out as visits to Mom usually do. Walking in to her community is always positive; with lots of smiling faces. I talked with the nice lady manning the reception desk and signed in. I even found Mom talking with friends in the …
