Tag Archives: Caregiver Journal

Desert Aura

I spent four days of reflection in the desert aura of Tucson, Arizona while staying at a Residence Inn. Around 7:00 am each day, I had the morning caregiver for Cindy call me. She held the phone near Cindy for … Continue reading

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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

Posted in Beyond Hospice, Home Care Journal | Tagged , | 3 Comments

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

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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

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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

Posted in Brain Health, Caregiver Vignettes, Embrace Joy, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

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

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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

Posted in Building Community, Caregiver Vignettes, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love, Love Kindness | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

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

Posted in Brain Health, Embrace Joy, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love, Stages of Decline | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

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, Caregiver Vignettes, Home Care Journal | Tagged , , | 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 Caregiver Vignettes, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love | Tagged , , | 6 Comments