Is Dementia Considered Contagious?
A fellow caregiver recently asked me, “Is dementia contagious?” She explained to me that since she has been caring for her mother who is stricken with Alzheimer’s, she believes that she herself has become more and more forgetful. The stressful … Continue reading
The Long Goodbye
Just when a person’s memory really begins to matter most in life, this cruel and heartless disease comes along, disrupting everything and everyone that is close. The fact is, Alzheimer’s is an irreversible disease and, unacceptably, has no known cure. … Continue reading
Aftereffects of Caregiving
Unfortunately, the chronic stress of caregiving isn’t over when it’s over. After caring for someone you love for many years, you lose parts of your life that can take years to recover, if ever. Certain side-effects tend to linger on. … Continue reading
Winter Worries
Temperature extremes and inclement weather should be a major concern for any caregiver who is watching over an elderly person. The body’s ability to produce its own heat declines with age. In addition, those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms … Continue reading
A Tough Kind of Love
(Caregiving Hardships & Driving) Personally watching a loved one dissolve in front of your eyes is one of the hardest undertakings a caregiver must endure. After being at my father’s side, observing the disheartening deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s, I can … Continue reading
An Alzheimer’s Holiday
Once you become an Alzheimer’s caregiver, vast life changes and sacrifices need to be made. Your holiday plans may be disrupted because simple family rituals have taken your Alzheimer’s patient out of his or her daily routine. Like everybody else, … Continue reading
Shadowing
Shadowing is the act of an Alzheimer’s or dementia victim attempting to keep his or her caregiver in sight at all times. In caring for my father, there were times when I didn’t even have to turn around. I could … Continue reading
The Sleepless Caregiver
One of the most difficult things about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, is never really getting a good night’s sleep. Have you ever heard the expression, “sleeping with one eye open?” Well, it isn’t a easy thing to accomplish but, … Continue reading
Dwindling Social Circle
Every caregiver will experience a dwindling effect on their social life. Through my own school of hard knocks, I can tell you how my telephone practically stopped ringing. I was at the point where I was about to call “Ma … Continue reading
Learning to Dance
Learning to Dance I wish all Alzheimer’s patients could remain living in the comfort and routine of their own home. But I realize that a time may come when you, the caregiver, may no longer be able to provide the … Continue reading
