Care Notes for Caregivers

Perhaps you, too, were raised to never tell a lie. Always tell the truth. It may seem goofy, but I had difficulty “playing along” with Momma’s hallucinations and colorful tales, which might affect the schedule, her mood, compliance or all of the above. Then I had a quick conversation with Ms. Jae the director of my mother’s adult care center that we affectionately deemed “the daycare.” After confessing I didn’t feel comfortable in any scenario, which meant I lied to Momma, Ms

I did. More than once. Especially on those days when dementia’s toll on Momma’s body and brain would present as a dip to a new level. All of a sudden, what had been normal for her for a few months suddenly wasn’t normal. In time, we would understand these “dips” were signals the disease was progressing. For example: After a night of sundowning -which was every night- it would be routine for her to have coffee and yogurt each morning. Out of the blue, Momma says, “I don’t like

What might help my friends who are caregivers? First, let’s travel back to when I was lost in this new role as a caregiver. “It’s a shell game!” Exasperation washed over me as I discovered that what I thought I understood about Medicaid and Medicare was now obsolete. I had worked to get Momma signed up for all the care and help she was entitled to as a retiree from years of service as a nurse and a deputy sheriff. It was January of the new year, and I felt I had a better gras

I prayed for you. In fact, I have a specific time each week when I lift you in prayer. Whether or not you and I know each other, caregivers’ needs are much the same. Need a break. Need to feel supported. Need others. Need time to take care of personal needs. I’m sure there are more, because most days can change on a dime depending on the needs of the person we’re caring for. In the throes of my momma’s dementia, isolation felt like it was swallowing me. The 24/7 schedule felt

This post is for those who are at water's edge with a loved one (LO) who has been diagnosed with or is showing symptoms of dementia. *Some of the tips do translate for any caregiver's situation other than caring for those with dementia. To keep your sanity for the potential long haul, have a system in place. Keep in mind, there are over 100 forms of dementia requiring a neurologist to diagnose which form(s). Also, as you move forward with care plans, medicines, and decisions

April 2026 Whether you have been a caregiver with years of experience or you’re overwhelmed in your new role as a caregiver, you’re here on purpose. It’s not an accident that we found each other. Caregivers are big givers. We give of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our bodies lift and heft when our LO (loved one) or patient has needs. If we give care in the same home, our minds never turn off. Even while sleeping, our minds are on point, just as a parent with