Welcome. I have several hopes for creating this blog and using it to talk about how dementia is affecting our life.
Dementia has become third person in our relationship. Intellectually, I knew that living with my husband as he declined was going to be tough but emotionally, I had no idea how inside-out our lives would be turned.
According to the experts, journaling is a recommended strategy for caregivers to release some of their tension and stress. In my head, I figured that someone else could probably benefit from my rambling, even if it’s just to point a finger and laugh at my misconceptions.
I want this blog to remind someone who is stuck at home caring for their spouse who can no longer safely be left alone that you are not alone. Care-giving is a lonely job, especially when you’re the wife. Everyone seems to forget that Dementia care isn’t just another chore like running to the store. Keeping your vow of, “In sickness and in health” will take everything you have and a lot of what your don’t. It saddles you with a tremendous amount of guilt if you let the smile slip from your face, even for an instant.
I am not medically trained but I read… a lot. I’m one of those people who need to research a topic to prevent panicking. The more I know, the more in control I feel. Hopefully I can be a resource or at least refer books I’ve found helpful.
My go-to coping mechanism is to laugh. Humour will keep you sane. As Jim’s Dementia progresses, I’m thankful that his wit and sense of haha has remained. If I can help you find the humour or even a moment of joy in this journey, then I feel I have accomplished what I’ve set out to do.
Some history:
Jim, started showing signs of Dementia in 2017. At least that’s when I had to face the cold reality, these weren’t just senior moments and brain farts.
Jim has always been an intelligent man who worked in a upper management and controlled contracts and finances for multi-million dollar projects. Then suddenly, he couldn’t follow basic conversations when we renewed insurance on our car or reinvested a GIC.
Jim’s mom had Dementia so it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibilities.
One of the first books I picked up was Alzheimer’s & Dementia For Dummies. I love the ‘for Dummies’ franchise. They are laid out so that you can skip to the relevant topic and start there. They have tips and insights that I find very helpful. If you’re just starting this journey, this is a great beginner resource.
At the time of writing this intro, Jim is still healthy and happy so I must be doing something right. As we journey through these next life challenges, feel free to come along for the ride.