We can thrive, not just survive, dementia's journey. If you are reading this, someone close to you may be experiencing memory loss. Whatever form, whatever stage, I am saddened for you. There are many of us on this path. As caregivers, we can lean against this jagged edge, feel the hurt, and grow...nurturing the one we care about and ourselves. How? I will share ideas I am finding helpful.
WHY THIS SITE ?
- To offer effective, quick to implement tips which may help your loved one and you live safer. This is not a medical site. Find a COMPASSIONATE geriatric doctor for medical info and community resources.
- To give emotional support for care receivers and caregivers.
- To provide easily accessible resources.
When an "incident" occurs with one suffering memory loss- you hurt for them, yourself and family members. At the same time, you have to move rapidly with positive action helping them understand within their reality, and making them safe in their environment. For me (especially during independent living days), locating helpful information and products as quickly as needed has been challenging.
You may like support groups. Great - if they work for you and your family. Honestly, I haven't had the emotional energy at the end of the day to participate. There are many excellent websites, but filtering through them is lengthy. Books are helpful; however, many hold too much information to read rapidly during a crisis. Several short books, and well-produced DVDs and websites have addressed my needs by giving me quick ideas and effective words. Now, I can sleep at night without worrying about Mom's state of mind, her safety, and the safety of those around her.
These suggestions mix and match. You can find helpful ideas for different stages of dementia and for all accommodations- from independent living to memory care and skilled care units. Click pages on the right for speedy suggestions and resources. Check back often- more pages in the works.
Wish to leave a comment or contact me? Click "comments" at the bottom of this page. Comments are hidden. Those that are pertinent to the content of this site, may be published with permission from the contributor.
Even though I am a caregiver of a father with Parkinson's disease, the feelings that you expressed about your Mom brought tears to my eyes. These are the same feelings that I am experiencing as I watch this disease change the father I once knew into a different person. Thank you for validating that it is o.k. for my heart to ache and that it is o.k. to grieve the loss of this person but at the same time, to pick yourself up and to arm yourself with all the information you need to help care for them. I have learned to meet him where he is at and to treasure the time that we do have together.
Posted by: S. T. | February 16, 2011 at 03:42 PM
I will not hesitate to refer this site to my clients. I imagine that most people who visit this site will be seeking information because they are scared, angry, sad (or all three) as a result of the effects of dementia somehow in their lives.
Posted by: C. B. | February 16, 2011 at 11:15 AM
I like the suggestion to try different approaches. Some work and some don't depending on the individual. Also glad it was mentioned to let some things go and to not be too hard on yourself!
Posted by: C. W. | February 15, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Informative and heartfelt...
Posted by: J. C. | February 14, 2011 at 03:01 PM