Pros and Cons of Social Media
Social media is something that hasn’t been addressed by many books on Dementia yet. I guess it’s because we’re just getting to the point where our seniors are computer savvy and internet dependent. Jim worked in a heavily dead-lined position. Even now, years after retirement, he is attached to his phone like his life …. Read More
YouTube Videos Help
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 …. Read More
Shifting from Observing to Management and Beyond
A friend and I were talking the other day about how Jim seemed to be declining faster over the past few weeks. Part of it, at least I think, part of it had to do with the holidays and the highlighting of how distant his family is from each other. He worries how big and …. Read More
I Miss My Partner
I have my friends and a good support system in place for myself, but it isn’t the same. I miss my partner. I miss discussing our day over supper. I miss sharing what’s on my mind and working out issues and coming up with solutions. I miss making plans together, even if it’s just …. Read More
My First “Who Are You?”
According to my calculations, Jim is about 6 months into stage 5 on the Global Deterioration Scale. This stage averages 18 months long and seems to be the one that heralds the greatest change in the person with Dementia. This stage is where they become dependent on other people to survive from day to …. Read More
Christmas Visit From Old Friends
I’m so thankful that I’m the new wife. Jim and I don’t have the negative baggage of divorce or other bad memories between us. I came into his life after he found peace with himself and he seems to find comfort in my presence. For now, that makes me exempt from his frustration about …. Read More
Guilt For Taking Time For Yourself
There are so many dimensions to caregiving. There are so many layers to looking after another person and trying not to burn yourself out in the process. Guilt, for example, is a multi-pronged attack on caregivers, more powerful than anyone gives it credit for. Especially when you are the spouse/care-giver. ‘Til death do you part’ …. Read More
The Driving Talk – Part 1
I’ve called this Part 1 because I’m sure there will be other conversations around this topic. At this point Jim’s driving is still good. When we go places together, he drives which gives me a chance to observe and evaluate his driving ability. I use the Driver’s Self Assessment Tool from AAA to make …. Read More
Losing Interest in Interests
I come from a long line of people with multiple interests. Both sides of my family are creators. My mother and grandmothers knit, crochet, craft, cook, bake, read for pleasure and to learn new things. My dad’s creativity leaned toward building. It seemed that he could make anything out of spare parts. In my …. Read More
The Care-Giving Martyr
As we travel on this journey together I’m noticing that I’m taking on the mantle of a martyr. I find that I’m starting to put off essential appointments because I can’t look after everyone and everything I need to and still have the brain space left to be concerned about myself. I find myself …. Read More