In caregiving circles, there are lots of shortcuts by which we communicate. This is not a glossary, just some abbreviations that come to mind: We never seem to shorten (seems right as the work isn’t shortened) caregiver or caregiving. There are lots of symptoms that also maintain their long form. Reduplicative paranesia is a mouthfulContinue reading “Abbrev”
Tag Archives: #challenges
Romance
There is still a deep romantic connection between my love and I. This despite the chaste status of our relations these days. I feel the pull at my heart, and I have often heard his version of our story as well. He has wanted to “run away,” he says, but “there’s some chemistry between us.”Continue reading “Romance”
Not to worry
It’s natural for caregivers to be vigilant about changes and signs. It’s in the nature of our person with dementia, particularly a partner with Lewy Body, to give us cause for worry. So when we fret, it has to be over reasonable concerns. And in measured tones. My tendency to panic has been noted, evenContinue reading “Not to worry”
Battling Burt
I need to be honest here. I said, “Stay positive.” I fully intended to do so. Fell right off that wagon fast. Burt refused to enjoy being out with me on Saturday. I mean, he was antsy and kept saying that he wanted to go home. My tactic to keep him engaged was all overContinue reading “Battling Burt”
Nod like you mean yes
For the sake of a quieter life with Lewy, I should learn to be more agreeable. It’s a reflex for me to correct for the sake of accuracy. Does it really matter? If he says we should go up there, pointing at the ceiling, for dinner, no long explanation that we live on the topContinue reading “Nod like you mean yes”
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”
TMI
The balance between giving your beloved directions and oversharing expectations is just another fulcrum of care. You never told me is a frequent complaint whether I did or not. I will plead guilty and mutter a oh I thought I mentioned and that old standby sorry. Tell him about an upcoming event or activity tooContinue reading “TMI”
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”
Compassion
Robbed of everything meaningful, the pwd in your life progressively declines a little further. Disease progression is relentless. Burt is a poor patient. He resists being prodded, guided, and helped. It makes those doing what’s best for him and doing their best feel like giving up. At best, it’s exasperating. In these instances, remembering whoContinue reading “Compassion”
this is our life 