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...]
Cultural Medical Programs Make a Difference
Required: Patient navigators who understand the community. Understanding how to navigate our healthcare system is difficult. When my father was ill, I found it daunting to keep up with insurance requirements, stay on top of new prescriptions and changes to dosages, visit additional specialists and schedule tests. By the way, English is my first language, I drive, and … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s Buddies Help Fight Isolation and Disengagement
Weekly visits keep adults living with Alzheimer's engaged. Let me tell you about Alzheimer’s Buddies. It is a national non-profit organization that pairs people living with Alzheimer’s and college students for weekly one-on-one visits. Rutgers University has a chapter and the connections between these dedicated students and their buddies are a joy to see. Alzheimer’s … [Read more...]
“Old Ain’t Dead” Gramps
We don’t give our elders enough credit. Gramps was mom’s dad. An active, debonair ladies’ man, who buried two wives and a girlfriend during his 91 years. And by example, he taught me some important life lessons. Let me tell you a story about my grandfather that makes me smile and sums him up well. The last years of his life he lived in cooperative affordable housing near … [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...]