Tips for Jugging Caregiving and a JobBalancing a full-time job while being a caregiver was a juggling act I managed for 12 years as I cared for my mom with early-onset Alzheimer's. Between work commitments and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
When the Day Finally Arrived, It Was a Family AffairI always felt that there was a chance that my father would wander away, but never as far as he did. Dad must have become fascinated by a bird taking...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Pros and Cons of A Loved One Moving into a Senior HomeWhen my Mom had to move into a senior home, it was not an easy decision. There was a lot of information but it seemed to come from one of...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Thinking Through the Unthinkable: "The End" of Alzheimer'sThinking through the unthinkable - those words fill me with dread. I have cared for my mom for 10 years. I tackle every new twist, turn, and setback. I keep...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Caregiver Tips: What's in your Bag?Ever since I was a teenager, I have carried a rather large pocketbook with me. With its ability to hold a range of items, this bag became a symbol of...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
It's Not My Loved One, It’s AlAs a journalist and a book nerd, I read a lot. Add in anything regarding brain science and Alzheimer's and you surely have my attention. So I, of course, consumed...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Traveling Alone With Alzheimer'sIt's that time of year when people will be traveling for vacations with family and friends. As a person with Alzheimer's traveling has become tricky. If you are in the...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Sensory Self-Care for CaregiversMy day-to-day looked really different for 12 years of my adult life as a caregiver to my mom who passed in February 2023. As a former caregiver, I can tell...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Vacations and Alzheimer's?Our kids are grown up. We have our house in order. Nothing seems to be leaking or falling over. We have a few dollars saved up. The pandemic has abated...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Better to Hear You WithWe know the story of the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood. "What big ears you have," said Little Red Riding Hood to the wolf in disguise! "The...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Tips and Strategies to Help the Medicine Go DownOne of my favorite childhood movies is Mary Poppins. As a child, I enjoyed singing Mary's song, "A spoonful of Sugar" (helps the medicine go down). While Mary's advice can...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
How I Use Television to Engage My Loved OneFor most of her adult life, television has been my loved one’s main source of entertainment. Whether it was soap operas, crime dramas, sports, or Johnny Carson, that little box...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
5 Tips for Traveling with Someone who has Alzheimer'sAs someone living with Alzheimer's, I can tell you that traveling with the condition can be hard, especially depending on the stage. Families often ask me for advice and suggestions...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What to Look For In A Dementia-Friendly Senior HomeWhen looking for a senior home for your loved one, especially one who lives with dementia, it can be tempting to judge the book by its cover. Some senior homes...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
All in the Family: Moving Mom Into Our HomePeople wonder what it is like having their loved one with dementia live with them and how it will impact the family, especially the kids. My mom has been living...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Caregiving and Sharing ThanksLike many, I've always gravitated toward helping others and providing guidance. So it was no surprise that I became a teacher. I'm proud of the positive role models I've had...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Kind of a Person Am I Becoming?"Look at the squirrels." And with that the discussion began. My loved one was able to describe what she was seeing in our backyard. She was seeing squirrels. I looked...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Practicing Compassionate Self-Care While Caring for OthersFamily caregivers are unsung heroes who devote their time and energy to care for their loved ones. Whether it's an aging grandparent, parent, or spouse, caregiving can be a challenging...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Sounds of SilenceRecently one of my friends told me I had gone "radio silent," meaning she hadn’t heard from me in a while. She was right. When you have Alzheimer’s, it is...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Role Deprivation as an Alzheimer's CaregiverI have been an Alzheimer's caregiver for my mom in our home for over a decade, so my life looks very different today than I ever could have imagined. At...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments