How to find local help you can trust. There is no “one size fits all” blueprint to caregiving for an aging loved one. Every family must look at time, money, and proximity to determine their plan. If you are caregiving from a distance there is a unique set of obstacles to overcome. Long distance care plans require local trusted resources and your parents’ willingness to accept … [Read more...]
How Do You Communicate With A Loved One Living With Alzheimer’s?
Even with Alzheimer's your loved one responds to what you are doing. Alzheimer’s is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases that cause the symptoms of dementia. The term “neurodegenerative” clearly explains what is occurring in the brain: Neuro – “messenger” Degenerative – “destroy” To understand this destruction of messages, it helps to understand that within the … [Read more...]
Caregivers: How to Invest in Self-Care
Welcome back! Have you given any thought to what your caregiver shield is made of? First, let's define self-care. Self-care is foremost an awareness of what sustains you and actively tapping into those resources. Sometimes, these resource may feel like indulgences, especially when your schedule is full of care-taking. Maybe you think the ultimate indulgence is massage, … [Read more...]
Caregivers Need to Invest in Self-Care
The physical and mental toll on caregivers. Back in 2003, my husband experienced cardiac arrest, and that turned my world upside down. Fortunately, he recovered fully, but the arc of rehabilitation took a toll on me, his caregiver. During the initial acute phase of hospitalization, I wasn’t directly responsible for taking care of Sean, but I still visited the hospital every … [Read more...]
Today I Am Her Daughter and Not Her Caregiver
There is healing in returning to our mother/daughter roles. Mom recently turned 85. I hesitated before suggesting that we have a little gathering for her birthday. After all, this is the woman who was mad when dad threw her a surprise party with invitations that read: “Help Doris celebrate the 6th anniversary of her 39th birthday”. When I mentioned I was glad she wanted to … [Read more...]