I’m a reader. It’s always been my escape. When I read on my phone, it’s private. Sure it’s not as easy to see graphs or illustrations but it allows me to do research when Jim is sitting beside me. I don’t have to explain why I’m reading about Dementia.
Now that Jim’s symptoms are getting worse, I’m finding that I need more support. Words on a page are great but I’m starting to need a little more interaction with people going through the same scenarios as I am. I want reassurance that I’m doing it right and not trying to recreate the wheel when someone else is already an expert.
I started with forums. But they aren’t always moderated and it may be hard to see how active they are. I’ve been hesitant about Facebook groups because unless I make some drastic changes to my profile, Jim may be able to see the groups I join.
But, when I was searching help online, I found a link to a series of YouTube videos about Dementia. Some are by caregivers, some by experts in the medical and psychiatric fields and others by universities (UCLA has a great series that I’m working my way through). I even found TED talks on Dementia and care-giving.
I feel like I’ve hit a gold mine of information with the added benefit of seeing and hearing the speaker instead of just reading their words. It’s like scratching an itch I didn’t know I had.
Here are some of the video series I’ve seen so far and found useful:
UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program