This past weekend I was blessed to be able to attend the National Caregiving Conference held in Chicago. It was a fabulous, inspiring, informative and FUN 4-day event put on by Denise Brown of Caregiving.com. She is definitely the Hostess With The Mostest! If you'll remember, I was fortunate to win registration and hotel through… Continue reading National Caregiving Conference – Take Aways
Category: I AM CareGiver
Catching Up
It's been a while since I've shared more of my caregiving journey. Time to catch you up! We had a visit from a Hospice Care company in early September at the referral of the Nurse Practitioner that had visited Mom twice. The rep made things sound all hunky-dorey, as one may expect. Mom decided she… Continue reading Catching Up
Is It Just Me? …. Take 2
The Oxford Dictionary defines RESPITE as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. For many, having respite care can be a godsend. It gives one a break from the daily grind and should help the caregiver to relax and reset, even if its just a couple hours at a shot.… Continue reading Is It Just Me? …. Take 2
Changing Mom’s Physician….Part 2
So, as I mentioned in the original post about Changing Mom's Physician, we are transitioning to a service where the healthcare professional comes to you. This is needed as Mom's Post Polio Syndrome and congestive heart failure has progressed to the point where it is beyond exhausting for her to venture out of the house.… Continue reading Changing Mom’s Physician….Part 2
Family….
We have a large extended family on my Dad's side. Two years ago we had a family reunion, and if everyone would have attended, there would have been about 130 people spanning 4 generations. Everyone is very sweet and well-meaninged .... to your face. But when it comes down to execution? Crickets. My eldest cousin… Continue reading Family….
Me and 911
Me and 911....we go waaay back. I have a love - hate relationship with 911, as I'm sure others do too. I hate the 911 call as it is a very stressful time. It means I've already escalated through all the home "remedies" that have helped Mom's condition-of-the-moment before (usually related to chest pain) and… Continue reading Me and 911
Who’s That Little Girl?
For the last couple weeks Dad calls out and asks "who is that little girl in the hallway?". Well, we live in a single family home, so there is no little girl. I know it's the Azheimer's talking. 😦 The first time this happened, I chalked it up to he must have been having a… Continue reading Who’s That Little Girl?
I Won!
I don't remember how I stumbled across it, but a couple months ago I found the CareGiving.com website. It has a LOT of wonderful blog articles and resources no matter what your situation is. While I was checking out the website, they were announcing an incredible event! This November, they are hosting the 4th annual… Continue reading I Won!
Coming To Terms With..
So, I've been at this 24-hour caregiving thing now for 4 years. I just dove right in, not having been helping with caring for my parents as I was living over 4,000 miles away. I didn't really think about what I was going to be giving up, just basically what I was going to be… Continue reading Coming To Terms With..
Dad & Dementia Meds
I don't know how many years ago Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (I was living out of state and travelling out of the country). But I do remember there was a time that he was displaying very aggressive, angry behavior toward my Mom. I would be talking with her on the phone and I… Continue reading Dad & Dementia Meds
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