Tag Archives: Caregiver Journal
Balancing Coverage
Recently I received more coverage. I will not say permanently yet, since past experience taught me better. Yet for now at least I am being confronted with the challenge of extra coverage. The writings and music I work on take … Continue reading
Brain Health Update – 1/15/26
I came across a post on Medium that pitted the cognitive burden of uncertainty vs difficulty. The assertion that uncertainty has a greater cognitive burden rings true for me as a care partner. Care partners of loved ones with dementia … Continue reading
Too Many Tricks, Need More Treats
At the beginning of the year I laid out an optimistic ten year vision for my future as a permanent caregiver. The vision was predicated on Cindy turning 65 in February, making her eligible for the state’s Home Elderly Care … 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
Beyond Palliative Care – The Difficult Choice
Shortly before Cindy was removed from hospice they asked me whether beating the odds for keeping her alive was really what she would have wanted. They were questioning whether choosing quality of life measures over palliative care actually gave Cindy … Continue reading
Posted in Care Partners, Stages of Decline, True Love
Tagged Alzheimer's Love Story, Caregiver Journal, Dementia Symptoms
5 Comments