For the past 6 months, I, along with my loving husband and 3 wonderful children, had the honor of caring for my father, Sherman Marcus on the final leg of his life journey. Alzheimer’s Disease is difficult, but we all made the best of it each and every day, spending quality time with him, smiling …
We are all going to die – how, where, why and when are the unknown we live with from day to day. Dying naturally does not have to be depressing, sad maybe (if you choose to see it that way)…but not depressing. This is why we are reminded over and over throughout our life to …
Yep, we are in full-swing with the “H” word and things are running as smoothly as possible. My previous post on hospice (a damn good post if I must say so myself – so go read it!) talked about how I would embrace it and not fear it when it came. Dad turned 83 on …
Dad is sinking more and more into his happy world and away from us. I view Alzheimer’s Disease as a process of unlearning and unpredictable firing of the brain. As time goes on, his brain may have unlearned many of the things we take for granted, such as chewing food or putting on glasses, while …
From the Rolling Stones song, “Sympathy For the Devil” comes a line that always makes me think of Dad, “Pleased to meet you, Hope you guess my name.” Heeeelllllloooo has become a standard greeting at our house, because frankly, dad does not recall who he is actually looking for but wants someone’s attention. Jokingly, it …
Many people think I am Superwoman, being a wife, mother of 3, caring for my dad and running a business while trying to fit in friends and working out. The fact of the matter is, I could do everything, but not do it well if it weren’t for outside help. When my father came to …
Continue reading “Alzheimer’s Caregivers: Dad’s Help Kicks Ass”
Every day with Alzheimer’s and Dad is a new adventure – a non-stop rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows – often in a short period of time. Humor is one of the best ways for my family (and I believe any caregiver in this situation) to deal with this horrible disease that makes a person …
Nothing brings a smile to dad more than a warm and furry critter. Fortunately, we have 5 of them! Alzheimer’s moods change as the wind blows, and the pets always bring his smiles back. Some days I just plop a cat in his lap and he calms down and smiles away. But most days, it …
I am learning so much about Alzheimer’s and am always thinking what it might be inside dad’s head. Sometimes he is able to express his frustrations, other times he goes with the flow and sometimes he gives subtle hints. Many with experience with it informed me that there will be good days and better ones, …
“I love everyone. I really do. My life has been beautiful. If I can help anyone I will.” ~My Dad talking in his sleep August 1, 2011~ What can I say – but when the sun goes down, things change with Dad. The medical staff has been using the word “Sundowner” frequently since my dad …
It has been 3 weeks since dad came to stay with us now. I have been reading a lot about Alzheimer’s and music is mentioned just about everywhere for therapeutic uses. Dad is doing amazingly well and I have found, when he has a down moment, music can change his mood miraculously. He may not …
I have been trying to come up with things to keep dad occupied at home. The last thing I want is him sleeping in front of a TV show he is not watching all day long. Not that might not happen from time to time. Now mind you, it has only been a week here, …
As a writer, and someone who shares information with others via the web through social media, I struggled if I should talk about this subject at all. I am all for privacy when it is needed, but I figure writing about it will be therapeutic for me and maybe help others who were in or …
Continue reading “Alzheimer’s, Dad and Becoming a Caregiver”