This is one of my favorite pictures my dad and me. We were both so young! It’s safe to say that I’m older now than he was in that picture. I know they’re clichés but time does fly — in the blink of an eye. My dad passed away in 2009. He had a lot … Read moreWhat is an advance directive and why should you have one?
There probably isn’t a person on this planet whose life hasn’t been severely impacted by the startling reality of COVID-19 and the anxiety that accompanies it. Our thoughts do not often stray far from health and financial concerns, as well as the struggle to procure items like basic foods, toilet paper, sanitizer, and the other necessities required to navigate this trying period of our lives.
If you are caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s likely that you often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and cranky. And you’re probably really hard on yourself for feeling that way. Welcome to the world of caregiving. You are not alone.
My mother has been going to the same hairdresser, Claudette Deroche, for years. I decided to take her for a cut and talk to Claudette about weekly appointments. On our way, I became aware of several things — all with a common theme. My mother was happy about everything.
My mother Beverly loves her sweets, especially chocolate. When I was growing up, she wouldn’t buy just one candy bar, she’d buy the whole box and she wasn’t one for sharing. You see, it was bad for our health. But for her, it was salvation at the end of a weary day dealing with eight darling children.
It was heartbreaking. The moment he saw his wife, John would begin pleading with her to take him home. He had dementia and was living in a memory care facility. His wife visited him every single day. Listening to his repeated pleas to go home left her feeling guilt-ridden and exhausted.
Read moreHow to respond when someone with dementia begs to go home
