This is the second is a series about how to prepare for the long journey of caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. The journey is often long and difficult, so it is crucial that the caregiver take proper care of themself.
Becoming a caregiver is a life-changing experience. You have to alter your routines and [...]
Note – My last post compared the caregiving journey to a long-distance race. I listed several ways a person can prepare for the rigorous demands of caregiving, much like a runner would prepare for a race. After I wrote this, I realized that each of the steps I listed to help be a better caregiver [...]
Note – After I created this post, I realized that each topic could be expanded upon and discussed more. I created an 8-part series to more in depth. Each heading links to the post for that topic.
I have been the primary caregiver for my mom for over a year. Mom has early to moderate Alzheimer’s [...]
As a pet lover myself, I suspect that a relationship with a pet would be very beneficial to those suffering from Alzheimer disease. Pets can provide unconditional love and acceptance, and give the Alzheimer’s patient a purpose by helping to care for the pet.
For my mom, cats are her favorite animal. We always had cats [...]
Now that Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, I have noticed she doesn’t go outside as often as she used to. When I was growing up, I always remember Mom working in the yard and spending a lot of time outdoors.
I thought when Mom moved in with us, she would enjoy being outside in our spacious, secluded [...]
If you’re like me, you probably didn’t know that yesterday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I didn’t hear about on the news or read about it in the newspaper. The only reason I knew about was that I read about on the Elder Guru blog.
The fourth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was declared [...]
Sometimes the behaviors and dementia that are a part of Mom’s Alzheimer’s disease are very frustrating. There are some days I just need to vent to get my feelings out.
Today is one of those days. Mine and Mom’s timing was off, and it caused a conflict. This morning we were planning on going to church. [...]
Caregiving for my mom with Alzheimer’s disease is not easy. It is a long, frustrating, uphill challenge. One of my biggest struggles with caregiving is that it can be difficult to open up and share the challenges I face with others. A lot of people don’t relate to stories about Mom making crazy accusations or [...]
You’ve probably heard the term “sandwich generation.” I had heard it, but I really didn’t think too much about it until I felt the squeeze myself. The squeeze between the responsibilities of caring for my kids, and caring for my mother with Alzheimer’s disease.
Thankfully, my kids are of the age where they do not need [...]
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most important decisions to be made is who will provide care. Should they be moved to a nursing home or assisted living facility? Should they have in-home caregivers? Should they move in with a family member?
Every situation is different, and [...]