When a grandchild sees a grandparent losing the capacity to remember and they are less than 10 years of age, it is hard for them to understand what is happening to Grandma or Grandpa. Try to give the individual with dementia the pleasure of relationship with a younger family member – it just might be Read More
I’m too tired today! Quality vs. Quantity!
It is hard, as adult children, to know – Is my Mother tired? Or, is she depressed? Or, is she just not feeling well in general? Viewing our parents objectively is challenging. Parents often shield their children from negative thoughts, feelings, depression or discomfort. In addition, hearing is often diminished and being in a busy Read More
Mom Needs Care and Siblings are in Disagreement
Often we hear from families, that need services for a parent, that their brother or sister doesn’t think mom needs anything or they feel she needs 10 times the care she really needs to stay safe and well. This conflict can sometimes delay an intervention that would benefit all family members. It is hard to Read More
Spouses and Caregiving Burdens
Why does the spouse try to do it all without hiring help or allowing others to assist? Is it the “for better or worse” vows of the marriage ceremony? Is it that they are fearful they will be judged by others if they share the care? Or, do they feel guilty if they self-care? Spouses Read More
Staying Connected Equals Staying Sharp
My Aunt Frances turned 100 this past January. She is the eldest of four girls, including my mom, who all predeceased her. A fun topic of discussion in my family is about the fact that she took her social security early, at 62, not knowing if she would live to the age of 65! She Read More
Anger and Caregiving
Caring for another 24/7 and giving your all to one you love can be exhausting, frustrating and bring about “anger” in ways that surprise you, the family caregiver. Asking yourself, “Was that me?”, after hearing yourself shout at someone who doesn’t understand due to a cognitive loss or dementia. Or, maybe you find yourself throwing Read More
