Norrms, as he’s affectionately known, has been living with dementia for over seven years. First diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and then later with Lewy body dementia, his words inspire and help caregivers see more deeply what it’s like to live with dementia. This is a mostly unedited p[...]
Caregiver, Seek RESPITE if even for Five Minutes Caregiving martyrs are not heroes. We only have so much energy to give each day. And caregiving martyrs rarely survive long enough to be heroes. When you find yourself at the end of your rope, step away, if even for five minutes. You don’t want [...]
Caregiver, you deserve a RESPITE. These are the kinds of moments that leave us smiling and finding the JOY in Caregiving. ENJOY a bit of FUN! You deserve it! I’m wondering, “What are those hamsters thinking?” TOO CUTE to pass up. You know you’re a caregiver if at 33 seconds y[...]
What is it about guilt that causes some caregivers to suffer? What’s worse is some of us become paralyzed by guilt. How fair is that? It’s not. During the almost twenty years, I’ve specialized in serving caregivers for people with dementia, I’ve learned that guilt has a stronghold on some while othe[...]
Adamia – silky smooth velvety soft lotion for caregivers. Lotions are as diverse as the people who use them. Some prefer scented while others, unscented. Some demand special creams and lotions for their face, around the eyes, hands, feet, and body, while others look for a do-it-all lotion. Som[...]
A young caregiver, now 18 years old, reflects on her commitment to care for her grandmother at an early age. (TCV Ed.) A Commitment to Care Guest article by Leah Bender When the tornado warning sounded, I could have gone into the basement even though my grandma wouldn’t be able to join me. I r[...]
Earlier this month I began writing for U.S. News & World Report. My first article was The Two Most Important Caregiver Tips. Caregivers for people with dementia are subject to growing overwhelmed, stressed, and isolated. Left unchecked, these feelings often spiral into depression. That’s why it’[...]
With no training and drawing no salary, Nala reports to work each morning to comfort residents who live with Alzheimer’s at a Minnesota nursing home. That’s because four-legged Nala is a five-year-old teacup poodle. She makes the rounds each day. She even uses the elevator to access the [...]
Each week, Alzheimer’s, dementia research, and caregiver-related articles fill my inbox. I consider publishing a handful with comments, an excerpt, and a link to the original article, but LIFE often reschedules one set of good intentions while I serve in other ways. Even so, here are five arti[...]
Anosognosia? Guest article by Sarah Schwarcz Memory loss, whether it’s from Alzheimer’s or dementia, is difficult for both those living with it and for those they love. Denial of the condition can make it even worse, but often denial is more than simple head-in-the-sand behavior. Anosogn[...]
More than a caregiver’s story… An inspiring, enjoyable, and enlightening account of a New England widow who finds true love in the second half of life even as she becomes a caregiver, again. Harriet K. Swenson’s book, Around the House: One Woman Shares How Millions Care gives us hope tha[...]
