Or is it one of the many other kinds of dementia that slowly rob our loved ones of their identities? It matters not which dementia they have. The effect is pretty much the same.
So I finally “got it.” Maybe you have too. But, if not, consider this: Chances are your loved one would be embarrassed to death if his earlier, healthy, self could see him now.
It’s up to us as caregivers to recognize that Mom or Dad (or spouse) are not being difficult on purpose, and to forgive them—daily if necessary. They just can’t help themselves.
DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS OFTEN FEEL ISOLATED
They need lots of caregiver support. For a very long time, I felt TOTALLY ISOLATED—like I was the only one in the whole world carrying the burden of caring for an aging parent. I bet you sometimes do too.
Be good to yourself. Seek dementia support services wherever and whenever you can.
That’s what I did and gradually I realized that I WAS NOT ALONE! Thousands of people were experiencing exactly what I was—dealing with memory loss and unpleasant behavior in a loved one, every moment of every day.
KNOWING THIS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
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