Light at end of Tunnel

Sometimes in caregiving, as in life, it seems one's challenges are lasting forever, but, always, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  For me, it took 2 years before I felt even remotely myself again, after the death of my husband from dementia.  I needed that time to heal.  Everyday now is an improvement.  I promise you:  there is light at the end of the tunnel.

A Snow Day

A snow day.  No travel advised.  I love a snow day.  A day to suspend what one had planned, and instead lean into the opportunity of having the gift of a day with no commitments.  What if we treated every day more like a snow day?  Open to the wonder of the unexpected?

Finding Respite

Because caregiving is so demanding, it is important that you find respite.  Whether you are raising young children, caring for an aging person, or some other form of caregiving, it is important to find respite.  That is one of the best ways to assure you will treat yourself and the care receiver with kindness.  Taking care of your own needs.

Family Abuse

It is bad enough that elders need to be aware of being taken advantage of from strangers, but abuse is more likely to come from a family member, and it can take many forms.  Stealing money, physical and emotional abuse, disregard for wishes.  Someone I heard of recently had her children sell her furniture while she was out running errands.  How do we protect ourselves?  While there is no perfect way, one way I am is by talking with my children about my wishes and making arrangements to have living arrangements for me in place if needed.

Avoid Victimization

It seems the older I get the more scam attempts are made.  It is easy to fall prey.  A friend bought tickets from a scab site, costing nearly twice as much as regular tickets.  We get emails from paypal, etc. that appear to be authentic, but are not.  How to protect ourselves?  Information and caution help.  Do not click on any email link.  Go directly to the website if you are notified something is wrong with your account.  Chances are there is nothing wrong, and you would have been scammed.  

I have had a hiatus from this blog. The title did not seem relevant, as I am recovering from caregiving - not living with - dementia. But, I witnessed elder disrespect recently, and I decided there is still much to be said. So, thank you readers. Here we go