Don’t Judge Me
I wasn’t going to write about this incident because it made me feel judged and pretty crappy. Then I realized, I’m not alone, and most caregivers are made to feel like that aren’t doing enough from casual onlookers who don’t understand what it’s like. It was my aunt’s birthday and it was the first …. Read More
Adapting
I realized this morning just how long it’s been since I’ve updated. Lots has happened. Jim has settled in to his new surroundings. He mostly understands we live here now, even though he still asks if there is a bathroom in this place. Luckily, his muscle memory takes over at night and he has …. Read More
Feeling Neglected Despite Unwavering Attention
Here is a contradiction that anyone looking after a spouse with dementia probably understands. That feeling of neglect, despite your spouses constant attention. Jim is clingy. He comes searching for me every time I’ve been out of the room for a few minutes. He did this even at our old house, before he knew …. Read More
Natural Soap Opera
When I chose this house, I was worried Jim wouldn’t like it. The inside is great, it’s an open plan without hallways or doorways for him to get lost in… but the outside is woodsy. Perhaps a little worrisome for a fellow who has never lived outside the city center. Happily, he’s amused by …. Read More
Week 2 and a visit
Just as we embarked on our second week in our new home, Jim’s oldest came to stay with us for a visit. We’d hoped their stay would help Jim to settle in his new surroundings. For the most part it did. He stopped asking when we’d be leaving and usually seems to understand this …. Read More
Week 1 In Our New Home
The first week is done and I’m happy to say it hasn’t been as traumatic for us as I feared. He likes the open concept of the house. It’s much easier for him to navigate when he can easily see most of the space. He hasn’t ventured outside much. It’s colder here than out …. Read More
Cross Country Traveling
I knew I was nuts for attempting to travel across the country with someone with dementia. It was as good as I’d hoped and as devastating as I’d feared. We started off our trip by staying at a hotel close to the airport. It was easier for Jim’s grandchild to pick up the car …. Read More
The Final Countdown
Moving isn’t for the faint of heart. Selling your home is an exercise in insanity. Doing it with someone with dementia is most likely the most heartbreaking thing you’ll ever do. I thought I was prepared. Not Even Close Jim and I talked about moving before I bought our new home back in November. …. Read More
14 Sleeps
We’re getting down to the wire. 1 sleep until the cleaner comes in to do a deep clean of the kitchen and bathrooms 3 sleeps until the carpet cleaners arrive 5 sleeps until the staging people reorganize what’s left of our furniture to make the house look enticing 7 sleeps until our house is …. Read More
Overstimulation
Yesterday was ‘interesting’. I’m sure Jim could sense my excitement as I closed the purchase for the house back East. Happily, the plumbers for to water-main/supply leak under my lawn came a day early to distract him. He stood in the window all day and watched as they dug a 10 foot trench and …. Read More