Mom had only two extended stays at the hospital after her diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. In both cases, I was a visible presence. Although I didn't stay with her overnight, I did hang out in her room for extended periods of time so that the medical staff were aware of my presence. And if there was a problem, I didn't hesitate to bring any... Read more
Throughout my life, I always seemed to have focused on huge goals as well as a lengthy to-do list. Finish high school - check. Finish college - check. Land new job - check. Win election as officer of a state association and then a national association - check, check. Each of these events seemed like summiting a mountain. Once you reached the top,... Read more
Zoe, my miniature schnauzer, currently is snoring on a pillow nearby on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Now 15 years of age, Zoe still exhibits the calmness and the sweet disposition that was always welcome at Mom's nursing home. I still can picture how Zoe would sit in Mom's lap as I would push Mom's wheelchair down the hallway. As residents... Read more
The disorientation of a loved one with dementia is a particularly vexing challenge for caregivers. Therefore, I was very excited to find a tipsheet prepared by the Texas A&M System's Agrilife Extension about caring for a disoriented person. Here are 11 suggestions from the tipsheet:1. Simplify routines and reduce choices. At this... Read more
What type of medical care should a loved one with advanced Alzheimer's receive? That's an especially difficult question to answer when the caregiver is committed to doing everything he or she can to serve as an advocate. Tara Parker-Pope of The New York Times addressed this quandary in "Treating Dementia, but Overlooking Its Physical Toll."... Read more
