Things to Do When Long-Distance CaregivingWe visited Daddy often when he was in a nursing facility. No matter how often that was, it never really felt like enough. Life happens, work gets busy, schedules overflow...reactionscomments
Living with Alzheimer's: Tips on Managing Dental CareTaking care of your dental health is an important part of being a healthy person. That includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and regular cleanings with...reactionscomments
Dementia: The Best Laid PlansTo say that my dad was a planner would be...well, a lie. A planner he was not. This could be both a blessing or a curse depending on the day...reactions2comments
Mom's Experience with Occupational TherapyOne definition of Occupational Therapy is a form of Therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through performing activities required in daily living. Occupational Therapy...reactions1comment
How Are You Treated Differently Since Diagnosis?Receiving a life-changing diagnosis, like Alzheimer's, can be incredibly challenging not only for those receiving the diagnosis but also for their loved ones. Just as you may be adjusting to...reactionscomments
Prepping for Caregivers: Adult-Proofing Your HouseI've often heard about soon-to-be moms "nesting." Toward the end of gestation, these women dive into making fitting accommodations for their new, long-term house guests. They get busy using some...reactions2comments
Hurricanes and Health CareWhen my grandmother got sick, my mom would make the six hour drive up from New Orleans, Louisiana, to the little farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta to take care of...reactionscomments
Daddy & Layla: The Importance of Pet VisitsWe are country folks. I grew up much like my dad in rural areas surrounded by vast fields of cattle, soybeans, corn, and cotton. We joke that as children we...reactionscomments
A Taboo Topic: Alzheimer's and the Concept of Death With DignityI have had a lot of time lately to reflect on the journey I watched my dad walk with Alzheimer's, which led to his passing. The journey was horrible for...reactionscomments
Avoid Burnout By Taking Time For Yourself I have a hard time saying “no” to things, especially when they are in relation to my advocacy for Alzheimer’s. I know there are caregivers out there who don’t get...reactionscomments
What is the MUSIC & MEMORY® Program?The MUSIC & MEMORY Program helps people with dementia and memory loss by providing them with playlists of music they loved from their past. Familiar music can help people with...reactionscomments
Advocating: Learning to Speak UpI’m not the type of person who makes a scene. I don’t try to draw attention to myself in public. I don’t typically send food back at a restaurant. I...reactionscomments
The Issues Are Different With the YoungI’m going to start this article with an apology. When I think of Alzheimer’s, I think of older folks, seniors. It is an ‘older’ person disease. But in actual fact...reactionscomments
Like Daughter, Like Father: Role Reversal and Tough DecisionsI had a rough time starting school when I was five. I was a shy kid around strangers and had never really been away from Mama and Daddy. On the...reactionscomments
Communication Strategies for Caregivers: The Art of Asking for HelpBeing the primary caregiver to people with Alzheimer's is a difficult job, especially if you feel like the only person in your loved one's life who is doing any work...reactionscomments
As She Succumbed to Alzheimer's, Phone Scammers Were Trying to Rob My MomI am working on a series of editorial cartoons about my mother's struggle with Alzheimer's in the hope that it will help other caregivers. I'm going to be looking at...reactionscomments
Supporting Caregivers: Weekly Phone Calls with Mom and DadThe primary caregiver for a loved one living with Alzheimer's needs support. There are many ways that can be done. Sometimes it is as simple as providing support with a...reactionscomments
Idle Hands: Calming the Chaos with DistractionsIf you’re a caregiver, chances are good that you are familiar with that old “idle hands” saying. Whenever Daddy was hospitalized, he would often grab at wires or IV lines...reactions5comments
Managing Daily Tasks as Alzheimer's ProgressesA number of years ago we really started to notice that Mom was having a more difficult time starting and completing daily tasks. She did not want to take a...reactions4comments
The Not-So-Obvious Symptoms of Alzheimer'sWhen we think about Alzheimer's symptoms, we often go straight to memory loss or cognitive issues. While these are hallmark features of Alzheimer's, there can be other, not-so-obvious issues that...reactionscomments
