Until I started researching and living Alzheimer’s with my mom – nobody told me about the three levels of this disease. But I’ve seen them again and again as I’ve talked with other caregivers and observed my mom. Level One: Your loved one begins to realize something isn’t quite right. He forgets where he parked …
One of the rites of passage as teenagers was to choose activities that we enjoyed and find the ones that strengthened our natural giftings. Some of these activities led us to pursue life-long interests and even helped us choose college majors and careers. What I didn’t realize until I became a parent was the importance …
The question came up again last week when a caregiver faced the ultimate decision. “Should we put our mother through a surgery, knowing that it may save her life, but at the age of 88, it will only prolong her journey into Alzheimer’s. What should we do?” The decision, of course, will ultimately rest with …
Is there a file somewhere that holds all the things Alzheimer’s patients lose? Sometimes those items are imagined, but even so – the person struggling with Alzheimer’s is convinced the object exists yet has simply disappeared. Where did it go? My mother has lost a seersucker pantsuit. As far as I know, she never bought …
During a recent visit to Mom’s assisted living facility, I thought again about the five love languages. In his book, Gary Chapman explains the love languages as: touch, gifts, quality time, acts of service and affirming words. When we know the love languages of those around us, we can better relate to them. As I …
One of her long-time friends visited Mom in the assisted living facility. This was a friend who attended church with us and served with Mom on several committees. When her friend entered the room, Mom looked up and smiled – as if she remembered the years of service together, the sharing of Mennonite foods and …
As I entered the assisted living facility and walked down the hallway, I heard Mom’s television. I knew what I would discover even before I knocked on the door. Mom sat in her maroon recliner, watching but not really comprehending the images on what she calls, “The Idiot Box.” Television was never a revered object …
When I visited my mother-in-law at her assisted living, we talked about the passing of seasons. Besides the obvious winter season of November and Thanksgiving, we discussed the particular seasons of life. Her season now includes living in the beautiful and secure setting of assisted living where she is surrounded by those who help her …
It happens every time. As soon as I turn away from my mother’s door in assisted living and walk down the hallway – away from her, the emotions hit me. You’d think I would be used to them by now. For ten years my family struggled with Dad’s dementia and all the accompanying emotions. …
How should we deal with our Alzheimer’s loved one during the holidays? The calendar reminds us that Thanksgiving is only a week away and soon after comes Christmas. As much as we enjoy the family time, the abundance of good food and the reminders to be thankful – we also have to remember how stressful …