#support – this is our life

This will surely help

My mind reverts to the wisdom that warns us who are caregiving that «the cavalry isn’t coming.« It isn’t and we are, surely, on our own. In fact, if there were a cavalry, we would have to be the one to lead the charge. We don’t have a cavalry that will save us from theContinue reading “This will surely help”

Support groups

Supported was a tangent that derailed my intention to discuss support groups. These have been a vital life-line on my side of the journey. Early on, his first neuro team at Mt Sinai guided me to regular sessions with their social worker. What a gift that was. The social worker from his current neurologist’s officeContinue reading “Support groups”

That village

It takes a village. Hillary Clinton on bringing up children but applies as well to how society runs Good neighbors. They have provided continuing support for me. My personal cavalry when, one day, Burt was so agitated about going out to the street that he rammed his walker against a wall. Down he went. AContinue reading “That village”

Paying the piper

The cost of care is astoundingly high. My time has come to get some help with those costs. Fingers crossed. It would be unrealistic for me to try to meet Burt’s needs without the aid of professional aides. I know Burt’s needs will only increase. It’s a scary proposition. Medicaid is an option for someContinue reading “Paying the piper”

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”

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”

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”