Hello Again, It’s Been A While.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner, but recently I joined two online dementia caregiver groups via Facebook. It’s been beneficial. Not only am I learning from people slightly ahead of me in the process, I can share what I’ve learned to those coming behind me. It’s validating at a time …. Read More
Melatonin
Since my last post, I refreshed myself on Melatonin uses and dosages. I tried this with Jim a year ago and his sleep seemed to get worse instead of better. I gave up pretty quickly because I’d been trying to nip the problem in the bud. His sleep pattern wasn’t a consistent issue so …. Read More
Dos And Don’ts Of Dementia Care
I found a lovely short yet comprehensive list of Dos and Don’ts for dealing with dementia patients. 15 Dementia Care Do’s and Don’ts (homecareassistance.com) It’s a nice refresher for me because when I’m in the thick of answering the same question for the umpteenth time, I don’t always have the mind space to step …. Read More
Motion Detector Night Lights
One of the things the books tell you is that your Dementia patient will start to wander. Sometimes during the day and other times at night. As with most older folks, eyesight becomes an issue which increases the chance of your night wanderer falling. One of the benefits of the modern home is all …. Read More
Adding A Video Doorbell To My Dementia Coping Technology
Back on Black Friday, I bought a Ring Video Doorbell along with the Ring Chime. I’ve mentioned it before but I realized I didn’t actually talk about how it’s benefited me in my quest to keep Jim safe. (note – you don’t have to purchase the separate subscription, but I did) There are several …. Read More
Diagnosis – Part 2.5 – Occupational Therapist Visit
This was an unexpected bonus. As I was wrapping up my conversation with the doctor after Jim’s Dementia Diagnosis, he said that he would refer us to our area health department. They would have someone come out to evaluate Jim’s physical condition. They would also inspect our home to see if we had any trouble …. 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
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
Medication Roulette
One of the big things I worried about was Jim being alone all day with easy access to his medications. He wasn’t scheduled to take medications during the day but with the way his memory was fading, I’d started to worry that he may get disoriented and start taking them anyway. I was beginning …. Read More
GPS Apps
Jim worked in a high email, heavily dead-lined position. Even now, years after he retired, he’s still attached to his phone as is his life depends on it. Which has it’s good and bad points. It keeps him engaged. He’s found a video stream that plays old school music and he spends a lot …. Read More