My role as caregiver is certainly not an easy job. I am not saying this out of self-congratulations or pity. I try not to allow it to limit or overwhelm me. In order to, you know, keep on keeping on, I have to stay strong and centered. Burt has often told me not to getContinue reading “Caring. Day in/day out.”
Tag Archives: #self-care
Where our lives diverge
It’s another one of those losses. We once went to movies, watched TV series, and enjoyed outings together. Burt would have enjoyed The Marvelous Mrs Maisel with me. Now I’m seeing it as respite when he’s asleep. He can no longer follow any plot. He’s way past the point where he would get the humor.Continue reading “Where our lives diverge”
Self Care
Overrated! Just kidding, but I spent the better part of my morning reading back emails of Lapham’s Quarterly. I was waiting for a delayed dental appointment, which launched an hour later than scheduled. Lapham’s is very informative, and I caught snippets from “news” of Babe Ruth and an explanation of ether and electricity from NikolaContinue reading “Self Care”
There’s a lot to be said
From pretty much day one of Burt’s symptoms, I looked to getting help. Initially, it was because I needed my time. I wanted to get 3 or 4 hours several times a week to get out. It seemed an existential need for me. In the parlance of our dementia communities, it’s deemed “self-care.” Some ofContinue reading “There’s a lot to be said”
Support
There is a lot of support for the family member in charge of care. As caregivers, we are the better for taking it. Help is offered in the form of group sessions (now conveniently on Zoom); phone support from trained social workers; and hotline responses for urgent matters. There are myriad associations offering this invaluableContinue reading “Support”
Our outing
I feel like I am dining out on the fumes of this event. Burt had such a good time, but the memory is not enough. With the picture arriving in my in-box yesterday, I could see that Burt was able to appreciate it. I need to plan another outing for us. For both our sakes.Continue reading “Our outing”
Self-care
For everyone, it’s likely to look different, but this was my day. Things at home were looking to be under control even though my honey was “training” a substitute carer.
Burnout
It’s a topic of great interest to anyone who is caring for another human being. Family caregivers have a dose of extra responsibility. There’s the physical caring, which seems like a lot. It’s not all. We also make personal decisions about the healthcare of our loved ones. Financial decisions fall to us as, often, doContinue reading “Burnout”
One day at a time
This cliche of better living is a caveat not just for members of the 12-step community but for anyone wishing to enjoy a more balanced life. Ironically, it is in the throes of my husband’s difficult diagnosis that I found a way towards “living in the moment.” At first, I was thrown by every changeContinue reading “One day at a time”
Inspiration
There is plenty of help along the road as we journey with Burt’s dementia. Teepa Snow, whom I have dubbed “the dementia whisperer,” offers priceless online advice and interactive sessions for caregivers. YouTube is an outlet for her superb videos. You can find Careblazers there as well, with Natali Edmonds providing lots of guidance forContinue reading “Inspiration”
this is our life 