Comments for The Care Connection

Comment on Caregivers need care too by Neeraj

Neeraj — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:48:18 +0000

I was my mother’s prrmaiy caregiver when she had Alzheimer’s. And if I had heard someone suggest that I embrace Alzheimer’s while I was in the thick of caregiving trenches, I would have quickly dismissed the advice as superficial and one-dimensional. But as a recovering caregiver, I realize the power of that statement. Unintentionally and unrehearsed, I did embrace Alzheimer’s during the early stages of this journey, and that very act fundamentally defined my experience, converting an otherwise stressful journey into a mindful and meaningful series of life lessons. In the beginning I’ll admit that I was afraid of the disease because I didn’t want to lose my mother to the tangles of this fatal disease. I simply wasn’t emotionally prepared to let that happen because it meant letting her go. So I did my best to keep connected to her, by doing what I could. I prepared homemade, single-portioned meals to fill her refrigerator. If she was going to lose her mind, I thought, let it happen on a full stomach. At the very least, it made me feel like I was still in charge. But during those quiet moments when truth becomes easier to swallow, I would admit to myself that my mother was falling apart before my very eyes and it would put me into a panic-stricken tailspin. Like anything in life, the more I looked truth in the eye, the less panic I felt. Gradually I stopped trying to teach her how to use the TV remote, heat up leftovers in a microwave, and hold a telephone. I stopped trying to squeeze her back into the reality that we had once shared because that approach ended up being a source of aggravation to us both. By leaving the ‘denial’ stage and embracing Alzheimer’s, I liberated myself from the fear that Alzheimer’s would steal my mother’s love. And if I still felt unsure or afraid of my mother’s disease, I would remind myself that ‘when life hands you Alzheimer’s, embrace it. Celia P., Alzheimer’s: A Mother Daughter Journey

Comment on The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The Role of Caregiver by Ani

Ani — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:39:32 +0000

I would rather be blunt and say that this is a major issue, and if your Grannie has demnetia or Alzheimers she will suffer a progressive decline and it will get worse. Firstly, I would recommend you take a current picture of her in case she does wander off. Next, I would meet with her family physician and see if you can have her referred to a psycho-geriatric resource person so they can assess her memory and mental functioning. It’s always good to document the times when your Granny’s behavior occurs and see if it happens at the same time of day because she could be suffering from a condition that is called sundowning . In the United States and Canada you can place a call to the Alzheimer’s society and see if they can help you. They are probably your best resource. Hope this helps.

Comment on Staying Safe in Your Home by John Williams

John Williams — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:37:25 +0000

Just what I was searching for, appreciate it for posting .

Comment on The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The Role of Caregiver by Sardar

Sardar — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:50:30 +0000

A while ago, just before the death of my grnadfather (he actually died of a stroke at one of my cousin’s hockey games that led to a coma), I was talking to him on the phone and halfway through the conversation he forgot who I was and thought I was some random girl (I’m a guy). Such a tragic condition but unfortunately it is difficult control. To all those suffering or know a friend or family member who has fallen prey to this, may peace and love be with you and guide your soul through eternity.

Comment on Caregivers need care too by Alexandra

Alexandra — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:54:49 +0000

Almost 20 years ago, I lost my first wife to colon cancer. I wish I’d known then what I’ve leneard from Kay Marshall Strom’s excellent Caregiver’s Survival book. Like many people suddenly caught up in the role of caregiver, I was unprepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for the role. I did my best then, but it was far short of what I could have done for her, for the children, and for myself had I only known. My hope now is that this book will find its way to where it’s needed: to those facing the prospect of providing the primary care for a loved one in failing health, so that this extremely painful journey can be made more tolerable by Ms. Strom’s tender, Christian insights and advice. She connects to the reader by laying bare her own doubts and hardships in more than 7 years of caring for her terminally ill husband. Her book is filled with the dignity, respect, and hope that, through God’s inspiration, can be developed in even the most hopeless of cases.

Comment on The Silent Killer: Experiencing Kidney Disease by Senior Care Ottawa

Senior Care Ottawa — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:04:10 +0000

It’s so frightening that your kidneys need to be functioning at 59% or less for even the mildest (and most easily ignored) symptoms to occur.

Comment on Diabetes: Careful Planning to Ensure You Enjoy the Holidays by Refugio Maza

Refugio Maza — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 07:58:18 +0000

A big thank you for your blog article.Thanks Again. Will read on…

Comment on The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The Role of Caregiver by Asiz

Asiz — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:15:59 +0000

My father spsaed away almost a year ago from Alzheimer’s, it’s a terrible terrible disease, when we first started suspecting something was wrong was when my father started having complications in doing everyday tasks, it was really heartbreaking to find out that he had Alzheimer’s, we suffered as much as he did because it’s really hard seeing as his illness progressed, to those familys taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient I can only say try to always show as much love as you can till the end.

Comment on Staying Safe in Your Home by Dan

Dan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:34:57 +0000

Extremely engrossing blog. I felt your post is pretty riveting. Kudos once again – I will drop by again.

Comment on Staying Safe in Your Home by özel ders

özel ders — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:27:49 +0000

thank you for sharing this. this is very good info i will follow your blog..