Category Archives: True Love
Full Steam Ahead!
Cindy turned 65 this year and with that the potential for me to acquire full time help for the first time during this fifteen year journey (and counting). I expected the help to come much sooner in the year but … Continue reading
Elder Rest Addendum
I omitted one strategy in the Elder Rest post. First, a little refresher about our sleeping arrangement. After Cindy’s first and worst seizure in March 2019 she was placed in hospice and moved to a hospital bed in what was … Continue reading
Helping Grandma
I gradually adjusted to Cindy’s condition, much like a swimmer slowly wading into cool waters rather than plunging in. For those that do not see Cindy on a daily basis their adjustment was more like a plunge, sometimes with a … Continue reading
Posted in Care Partners, Caregiver Vignettes
Tagged Caregiver Vignettes, Home Caregiver Chronicles
7 Comments
The Little Gestures that Count
After turning my alarm off in the morning I check in on a few news and social media sites and then spend a little time on one of my writing projects. About an hour later I arise to start Cindy’s … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Positive
A few biochemicals produced by our bodies enhance brain health. Neurotransmitters send messages within our central nervous system, while hormones circulate throughout the larger, peripheral nervous system. Sometimes the same biochemical serves both functions. Rather than producing them on a … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Active
Being active takes different forms. Much of being social requires being active, and we all know the importance of exercise. As for that, this year I resumed regular stair workouts this year. With the expanded coverage I had for 2023 … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Social
Three types of social conditions benefit brain health: intimacy, altruism and fellowship. “The Joy of Sex” is aptly titled, but even the intimacy of prolonged hugs can release the neurotransmitters that give you a joyful high. As long as Cindy … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Becoming a Superager
Caregivers for spouses with dementia are six times more likely to get dementia themselves. Such caregivers have higher levels of stress and depression, and lower levels of subjective well-being. My contrarian nature causes me to view that as a challenge … Continue reading
Resolutions, Routines and Resources
On New Years I went for my traditional long hike. The hike allows me to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the upcoming one. Since New Years follows a month worth of holiday feasting and leftovers, the … Continue reading
Posted in Brain Health, Care Partners, Caregiver Vignettes
Tagged Alzheimer's Love Story, Caregiver Hacks, Caregiver Journal
4 Comments
Beyond Palliative Care – A Best Buy
The past week has been a difficult one for Cindy’s care. In the wake of her coming off hospice I had to make decisions regarding her Medicare coverage and procurement of a hospital bed. The bed we were using had … Continue reading
Posted in Care Partners, Caregiver Vignettes, True Love
Tagged Alzheimer's Love Story, Caregiver Hacks, Caregiver Journal
6 Comments