CAREGIVER NOTE:

He treasures visits from friends and family. Now that the weather is warming up a bit and Spring is definitely in the air, we hope that the visits will become more frequent. He marvels at technology and how he can see faces on the screen of his phone and have wonderful conversations with family and friends that live too far away for visits. And it’s all “new” again with each call.

Celebrate YOU!

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He so wants to clear the confusion — have things be the way they used to be. It’s so difficult at times listening to him trying to figure “it” out and put things to right in “his thinking.” Last night was another evening of revisiting something he was concerned about. Listening, providing information he asked for and being patient as he worked through things.   

CAREGIVER NOTE:

As you show patience with others, give yourself some grace too. This can be a difficult time for everyone in the household. Something old, become something brand new yesterday – difficulty in understanding how it worked and what would happen if he did this or that, though he was familiar with it not 10 minutes before. Celebrate the small victories as some days, they are the biggest ones experienced throughout the day. 2024 will bring lots of challenges as the dementia grows — stay the course. Reach out for help if needed and remember that you’re not alone in the journey.  

May the miracles you’ve experienced this year be considered among the blessings you count today.  

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He braved the cold and the crowds and went out for breakfast and later, a clothes shopping trip. He was pretty tuckered out by the time he got back, but he was happy and proud of the accomplishment — not so much about shopping and picking up a new coat and a few other things, but going to breakfast! He was all smiles about that adventure —