When the dementia journey with my mom began in 2020, I became keenly aware of the underlying current of dread and distress that comes with caregiving. Anything can go sideways at any time, whether you are nearby or not, which is why when I saw the call coming in from memory care at 11:00 pm, I thought, Oh, No. Mom was in her mid-70s and in perfect health living in California … [Read more...]
Why is it Easier to Have a Quality-of-Life Discussion with My Vet, Than My Doctor?
Years ago when my dog, Josh, became ill he was diagnosed with several tumors. The initial diagnosis was a UTI, pancreatitis and colitis, but an X-ray taken as part of diagnostics was cloudy. The ultrasound clearly showed tumors and a slow bleed from one of them. It was the last thing I expected. I don’t think there is anything worse than going from a waiting room to a small … [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...]