Month: April 2023

4.28.23

Make someone’s day a little better and brighter.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The weather has been so nice lately…. and we’ve been able to spend more time outside. He isn’t ready to commit to any activities other than a short walk around the cul-de-sac, and he’s been cutting that walk a little shorter of late. He’s getting winded a little sooner no matter how slow we go… so I’m not sure if we’ll be walking or he’ll be riding by the end of summer. I’m hoping for the former — and not the latter. Hopefully, the garden plans will spark a little more interest and desire to try to help once the water lines have been marked and we can begin tilling.

service

“…help someone out, perform an act of kindness, offer a compliment. The person who will feel most uplifted by you having done so is…. YOU.”

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Yesterday we hit a milestone…. 5,000 posts. It’s been quite a journey and lots of ups and downs and ins and outs along the way. The last several years, we dedicated Greatitudes to serving others — particularly family members with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. The road has been bumpy at times, downright depressing and some days harder, much harder than others However, we wouldn’t trade the experiences or being able to help and support our parents so they aren’t taking this pathway alone. Each day provides different opportunities, options and ways to bring a little joy, a smile and laughter into all of our lives. Mom passed nearly 2 years ago and I didn’t think we would be doing elder care again so soon, but the opportunity opened and we welcomed Dad into our home nearly a year ago.

His care differs 180 degrees from that of Mom. He prefers to watch CNN or Westerns. Mom loved to listen to music. He wants to be active and contribute to his personal care — but his eyesight is failing and there’s no “fix” for that. He can’t do much of what he would like to do or thinks he can do and gets frustrated easily. He’s recognizing that his memory isn’t what it should be and vivid dreams, night terrors often disturb his nights. Mom was content to watch the happenings in the household and listen to her music once she lost her mobility and had several small strokes.

Today is another day. We’ll find what’s going right, build upon it like we do every other day. Share insights and happy moments together. Listen to stories, ask questions and laugh and cry together, because we are family and we care deeply about each other.