Caring for a family member with dementia can be heartbreaking and difficult in so many ways. One of the hardest tasks may be protecting them from ruining their finances as their condition deteriorates. Research shows that those with dementia often show signs of financial trouble years before diagnosis. Left unchecked, their unpaid bills, gratuitous spendingContinue reading “It’s the money, honey”
Tag Archives: #changes
Management
Most nights, I’ve been going to bed at 8 o’clock since I can never be sure if Burt will awake in the middle of the night. We’ve had several 4am chatfests. I am generally bone tired by 8 from keeping farmer’s hours. I awake early, thanks to going to bed early. It’s a cycle. SleepContinue reading “Management”
What is slipping away
As Burt’s Lewy Body Dementia progresses There is no logic, so Burt has odd explanations of how things – even in his own body – work. Being able to define tasks, follow through, and find order go out the door with logic. Things he knew and understood are forgotten. This is not memory loss it’sContinue reading “What is slipping away”
Harder=Easier
It’s hard to explain. It makes little sense even to me. But… There is something about the challenging symptoms and behaviors that, as they pile on, invite a more vigorous response. He has wilder delusions, more vivid hallucinations, less coherent responses, and my capacity to deal is supercharged. Yes. I have bags under my eyesContinue reading “Harder=Easier”
Workshop thoughts
He’s looking good. The invisible burden. He’s doing well, they’ll say. No response to that makes it any easier. Yes, it’s a progressive illness, and we’re doing what we can. He has good days. I’m glad you got him on a better day. Your visit certainly perked him up. In truth, I have rarely hadContinue reading “Workshop thoughts”
Burt’s on top of it
The “job search” seems to have ended in a mystery job. Mystery to me, at least, but it is vague to Burt as well. He wants me to get him business cards (albeit they’re round, as he describes them). He assigns numbers to his staff, and I am #1 tomorrow, then #2 the next day,Continue reading “Burt’s on top of it”
Going Up
Burt is cognitively more engaged these last couple of weeks. The rescheduled morning meds might be partially responsible. Of course, I am grading on a curve. Burt’s daughter asked me about the multiple wives over the weekend. This reminded me that it appeared that he recognized me more often. There are still occasions when heContinue reading “Going Up”
A problem in the making?
It’s very likely that this hat rack arrangement will lose its utility soon. It is a convenience, but for Burt, it has become an issue. I knew it might be. He has begun humanizing animation on the TV and identifying with cars on the traffic cam station (FIOS 28). The other day, he asked whoContinue reading “A problem in the making?”
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”
Down up up? Down? Up
Among those caring for the Lewy- afflicted, LBD is referred to as a roller-coaster. I hated those before embarking on our Lewy journey. As you can guess, I am not a fan of the wild ride now. Lewy Body Dementia is unpredictable. Lows can be followed by some highs. Or at least some regained ground.Continue reading “Down up up? Down? Up”
this is our life 