The desire to help out is about being able to still be a part of the life we had. It’s natural to want to contribute as you once did. This has been a thread in one of my support groups. It has belatedly turned on that old light bulb (duh). “Aha, that explains why BurtContinue reading “Feeling Useful”
Tag Archives: #abilities
The fall
I pride myself in pulling no punches when I share our day to day. So, how did I really feel when I got the call from the aide. It’s very scary hearing of a fall. “If it were a broken bone or if it required a trip to the ER,” my mind raced with theContinue reading “The fall”
Decisions
As this disease progresses, the caregiver is obliged to make decisions for her beloved pwd. Mine lost most of his executive function with the first blush of his illness. Nonetheless, he could participate in some decisions I made on his behalf. He refused all medications in the beginning. I felt it was his right. HeContinue reading “Decisions”
Chug chug
The Lewy roller-coaster has taken a small uphill turn. Burt’s no more cogent than he was at the slip down the slope. The change is more to do with his engagement with others. He’s happy to greet those he passes and more interested in being around others. We’re still surrounded by extra wives (now again,Continue reading “Chug chug”
Argumentative
Early on, I lamented not being able to argue with my husband. Now, when I scream at him out of exasperation from another room, he thinks there are two crazy women in his life. That’s not fair to him and must be a tad terrifying. His demonstrations of anger seem to be a way ofContinue reading “Argumentative”
Mental health
Holding onto our mental health is not just taking interventions to keep depression at bay. As we get older, we worry about dementia. Forgetfulness sparks fear. Intervening for cognitive health seems like a good idea. I blog to keep my mind going. I do puzzles, albeit the Easy Sudoku and a mini crossword are myContinue reading “Mental health”
For some good news
I have mentioned Burt’s enjoying people as a highlight of his disease. He has grown more outgoing over most of the course of his dementia. During the first phase of his recent dip, he stopped engaging as he had. Part of this is because he doesn’t recognize the neighbors as he used. Lately, he’s backContinue reading “For some good news”
Showtime
It’s a great phrase and describes pretty well what it’s like when our loved ones rise to an occasion. They will interact with old friends as they might have before their disease came into our lives. I am not sure it’s really play acting as the term implies, however. I think it is a wayContinue reading “Showtime”
At the start
When Burt first presented with his array of bizarre and unexpected symptoms, I simultaneously felt [that] “I couldn’t” and “I got this.” My current state of mind is very similarly disposed to having it both ways. Often, it looks like he’s also on the same page. “Got it” and “I just can’t.” After a recentContinue reading “At the start”
Throwbacks
This many years in, I have assured lots of precautions will keep us financially safe. And me in control. We have the requisite legal papers in place as well. Despite that, when Burt, in a flashback to earlier capabilities, said, “I’ve never lost money,” there was a little shiver of fear. He was urging investments,Continue reading “Throwbacks”
this is our life 