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...]
Buy the Ticket: Take the Ride: My dad’s last hoorah despite dementia
With a career working with seniors and specializing in supporting those living with dementia, you would think that I would be fully prepared when my father was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. But the truth is no one can prepare you for this news and the realization that everything will be different. But I learned one important lesson on this … [Read more...]
Dementia Expert Teepa Snow On Driving, Elopement and “I Want To Go Home”
Teepa Snow is a world-renowned dementia specialist who is leading the charge to ensure that anyone can use proven techniques to interact and work with someone living with a progressive brain disease. Through her company Positive Approach to Care, Teepa creates resources for family and professional caregivers, the medical community and others via YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, … [Read more...]
The Visiting Nurse Association – Who Are They? What Services Do They Provide?
The VNA Gave Dad Medical Support at Home After His Hospital Stay. Organizations with the title ”Visiting Nurse Association” (VNA) are one of many nonprofit, mission-based Medicare certified home health agencies that provide physician-prescribed medical services, along with home care and caregiver assistance services. (Jump to Lessons Learned) There is no singular “Visiting … [Read more...]
Caregivers Need Access to Documents as Advocates for Your Parents
Are personal papers REALLY in order? For the entire 61 years of my parent’s marriage their copy of their marriage license, had the wrong date on it. (Jump to Lessons Learned) Proving that my mother had the right to anything in my father’s name: Social Security spousal benefits, retirement funds, even changing the electric and gas bill into her name required not only a copy of … [Read more...]