I hated my mother’s wheelchair. It was heavy, cumbersome and crazy difficult to get in and out of my SUV. I was worried that the time was coming when I would not be able to handle it by myself and it would curtail our visits to family, going for a ride or to dinner. Yet, it was this wheelchair that set off my first major meltdown after mom died. I handed off the wheelchair … [Read more...]
Sorrow and Joy. So often these two emotions live side-by-side in our life as caregivers.
You may have seen my social media posts last week about the death of my mother. Her passing was swift, peaceful and completely unexpected. I am grateful that during the month leading up to her death we celebrated two baby showers, my birthday and Thanksgiving, being with family we had not seen since before the pandemic. What I did not share until now, is that she died the … [Read more...]
A Son Cares for His Mother living with Alzheimer’s.
Bill’s mom was a master intaglio printmaker, an early Mac adopter in her 60s, a savvy investor, a wonderful cook, a beloved wife and sister, mentor to many young women and a feminist (or at least a sympathizer). She was a widely-recognized artist, respected teacher and the owner of the Intaglio Graphics Workshop in Biloxi, MS. However, in the early 2000s, Sheila began … [Read more...]
Matt and Lindsay Fit the Definition of Sandwich Generation Caregivers to a T.
Lindsay was at home with their young children and Matt was working when within a span of six months, each became a caregiver to a parent with dementia; Lindsay to her father, Steve, and Matt to his mother, Rosemary. Life changed as they took on ever-increasing responsibility for the day-to-day life of their parents. For a period, Rosemary and Steve were able to live on their … [Read more...]
Preserving her mother’s dignity while supporting her to live her best life.
One Dementia Caregiver's Story. In writing my new book “A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers”, I had the opportunity to interview caregivers who care or cared for family members living with dementia. The lessons learned are ones of hope, love and joy. This is an excerpt of Patti’s story. When you talk to Patti, the love for her mom is palpable in her voice and … [Read more...]