Traumatic memories can resurface in a loved one, especially during or after a hospitalization. When our daughter joined our family six years ago via a special needs international adoption, we knew our lives would change dramatically. We knew things would be hard. We knew we’d join the ranks of sleep-deprived parents around the world. We knew we couldn’t do it … [Read more...]
A Dementia Caregivers’ Journey is Long. What if YOU need help from 911?
Ingrid and Pete. I’ve known Ingrid for three years. We met through the United Way of Northern NJ Caregiver Coalition. Initially I knew Ingrid as caregiver to her beloved husband, a person living with dementia. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Ingrid – a smart, funny, compassionate woman who is a terrific poet and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Despite caring for her … [Read more...]
What I’ve learned about quality of life when you’re at the end of life, from Buddy, Coal, and Josh.
And yes, these are my dogs. Updated 10_5_20 with a new lesson. I grew up with dogs, so rescuing and bringing them into my home is a no brainer. Because they are family members, yearly physicals, vaccinations, and good quality food is part of the deal. And when illness occurs, you do everything in your power to make them well and hold onto them. Or do you? The first dog I … [Read more...]
Anticipatory Grief: It’s real.
Don’t let it steal your joy in today. I’m a big believer in lessons. Even from the most unexpected places. Last week my dog got sick. He has Cushing’s, but this was different. He was lethargic, wobbly, uninterested in walks, uninterested in barking at every leaf that flies by. I took him to the vet and the short-term prognosis is good, antibiotics for his bladder infection, … [Read more...]
IMPACT is my word for 2019. How can one word change me as a caregiver, friend, and professional?
It's more than a New Years resolution. The idea of finding a word that can be my touchstone through the year intrigues me. My goal is to use that word as a lens to filter out activities, commitments and people that don’t have a positive impact in my life. As a caregiver, I rarely get to pick and choose what happens with mom, but I can make thoughtful decisions on what to … [Read more...]