It’s hard to find HUMOR in caregiving for people with dementia.
We run the risk of offending some while causing belly-aching laughter for others. That’s why we recommend caregiver support groups and groups for people with dementia. While people are living a common experience, they understand the issues on a deeply personal level. They can laugh at humor that may offend outsiders.
Thanks to the Caregiver Action Network’s Take Care Newsletter, The Caregiver’s Voice found two articles intended to bring you smiles.
The first (click on the title link), is a series of Tik Tok videos by caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
How TikTok is shaping caregiving narratives for Alzheimer’s, dementia
“The search for “dementia caregiver” has nearly 158 million posts on TikTok and produces a near endless stream of videos from creators who care for family members with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.”
Betty meeting Betty is the first. An endearing yet bittersweet video, Betty has a much sweeter reaction than my father did when repeatedly confronted by that stupid man in the mirror. Betty welcomed her new friend. My father grew irritated with his mirrored “friend” who mimicked his every move. He asked in Armenian, “Aboosh es?” “Are you stupid?”
For those new to caregiving and people with dementia, it’s unbelievable that the brain is so damaged that a person can no longer recognize their mirrored image. After my father grew irritated enough, my (now ex-) husband with my father’s help removed the sliding mirrored doors and reinstalled them mirrored side in. Problem solved.
Click to meet Sweet Betty and her new friend, Betty. [May need to view the Tik Tok video as a guest or click on the above title URL to view within the source article.]
@joshpet Betty met a new friend! #alzheimers
Some may criticize the public sharing of loved ones’ struggles to make sense of their world. Caregivers share to reduce loneliness and create community. Besides, sharing raises awareness and reduces stigma. If we can normalize the symptoms that occur while plaques and tangles destroy one’s brain, we’ll move beyond fear toward understanding. We may even raise our level of compassion and love.
The following article offers one long-time caregiver’s compassionate approach as she cares for her mom while juggling work and parenthood.
Overwhelmed by Caregiver Stress? Here’s How Humor Can Heal
“Balancing the role of being a caregiver with a busy life leaves many of us feeling overwhelmed and guilt-ridden. How to deal with such caregiver stress? Having a good laugh isn’t always top of mind.” Research shows that “glimmers of levity, even at the toughest times, can boost resilience, decrease anxiety and bring us closer to those we’re caring for.” Read this inspiring woman’s approach to “overcoming caregiver guilt with the power of laughter.”
Fifty-eight-year-old attorney, Charlene Bazarian-Fruehauf, says, “When I find myself missing the mom I once had, I reflect on laughs we’ve shared together.” When I turn “the focus to the good times and moments her face lights up in the middle of a joke.”
