I couldn’t believe my eyes. While I was at the care-home where my Mama lives, I noticed one of the residents in the hallway holding a tiny baby. What were they thinking? I quickly looked around for the baby’s mother. No one seemed to be paying any attention to her. Taking a closer look at…
Tag: cope
Who are all these people?
Have you ever wondered what it felt like to experience dementia? Reunions are the perfect events for just that type of experience. Try gathering together with a large group of folks you are supposed to know because you all graduated from the same school 40 years earlier. I must confess that I spent a great deal of…
Tips for help remembering nouns
The significant difference between normal lapses – such as forgetting an occasional noun such as someone’s name and worrisome memory loss is determined by the impact it has on your ability to function—your ability to do the things you want to do.
Laughter Really is the Best Medicine
The onset of dementia brought about a surprising change in Mama. She developed a love for slapstick comedy. My genteel Mama who had always loved Broadway shows and Classical music suddenly enjoyed watching someone get a pie in the face. Of course, the masters of slapstick themselves, the “Three Stooges” zoomed to the top of our movie stack.
Managing Medications
Does your loved one take medications? A lot of them? This post just might help make it a bit more manageable In my research for ‘all things dementia’, I came across the following site: Managing Medications for People with Dementia dementiameds.com It is UK based, so some of the information might not apply, but there…
The Visitor
I recognize the sound of her footsteps in the hallway. Is she going to visit me? She’s here! I have to try to open my eyes or she’ll think I’m asleep. “Hi Mama”, she says with a bright smile. I wish I could respond to her greeting. She’s placing her hand under my chin, and turning…
Sing, sing, singing the blues away
Are you feeling blue? Overwhelmed? Take heart – or take up singing. The almost magical affect music has on those suffering from dementia are well established, but what about those who care for them? Here’s some good news: I just read about a study that showed a wonderful side-benefit to music therapy. It seems that…
Sometimes, the journey is long….
Caring for you loved one can be a mix of joy, duty, exhaustion, determination, honor, love and tears. What is your story? Who are you caring for? What are some of your coping strategies? Who helps you? Why do you keep going? How do you find respite? Please share any ideas, tips, helps and wisdom…