My love exhibited unusual, difficult behaviors early in our journey. Firing caregivers was one of them. He could be aggressive and combative. I had reason to worry. And wonder. Things have changed pretty much, but I guess as long as he has a progressive, unpredictable disease, I will have reason to worry.
Tag Archives: #challenges
Sharing
Burt just asked one of our neighbors if he knew about his dementia. Of course he did. Burt said, “It’s the worst.” Our kind neighbor said,”Yes.” Recently, I wondered what Burt’s understanding of his disease actually means. I guess I am trying to fathom how deeply he comprehends that he has a brain disease. HisContinue reading “Sharing”
It’s all in the timing
I’ve gotten into the habit of dismissing his actions as “poor timing.” He’ll ask for a glass of milk, for instance, and as I deliver it, he will take off for the bathroom or to go lie down. Burt’s rhythm, unlike mine, requires a slower beat. I want to keep things moving. He needs timeContinue reading “It’s all in the timing”
Intensity
There are lots of experiences and feelings I won’t share with you here. They are genuinely intense and hard to communicate to anyone who is not in the throes of caregiving. Those of you who are, have seen many of the toughest spots. Burt’s difficult behaviors always throw me for a loop and threaten myContinue reading “Intensity”
Like many of us
I have been tasked with caring for this one breaking and broken man. I am not alone. There are some 13 million caregivers in the USA, apparently, like me. Most of us stumbled into this daunting situation with no prior knowledge. At times, it is an overwhelming job. I can be filled with self-doubt andContinue reading “Like many of us”