Almost certainly, the greatest threat a caregiver faces is isolation. Caregiving by yourself massively increases this threat– a threat which for myself, turned into depression and general anti-social habits. I’m not new or unique to this phenomenon. The number one way to help caregivers cope is to end that isolation, see and hear them within… Continue reading Great Resource: Stories for Caregivers
Author: macdo
Camp-fireside wisdom from Donna
Mom couldn’t get camping with a campfire until October, the weekend of the 7th to be exact. There are many moments from that part of our trip that mean a lot to me, but the one that truly messed with my head was strong enough to leave me a little stunned at the time and… Continue reading Camp-fireside wisdom from Donna
Dementia is set to become a $2 trillion global crisis
“Dementia already exceeds the market value of the world largest companies such as Apple (US $742 billion) and Google (US $368 billion). Eighty per cent of these costs account for the unpaid and formal care for people living with dementia, two-thirds of which is delivered by women.” If this doesn’t frighten you, please note that… Continue reading Dementia is set to become a $2 trillion global crisis
Piano lessons for Baisol
Piano Lessons for Baisol Mom has a way that grows around her when she is playing piano. She begins to feel the skill of playing as a lifeline to something in herself. The way her attitude changes towards some things is remarkable. But perhaps most jarring to many, but I’m so lucky to be in… Continue reading Piano lessons for Baisol
When Donna was interviewed about recovering from brain injuries
Donna’s life over the past 13 years has been one giant lesson in bureaucracy and the struggles of life and competence over governmental and medical incompetence. Here she was able to discuss those travails during a radio interview on brain injuries and human recovery conducted at CJSR in Edmonton.
December 28, 2017: Finding a little joy in a dangerous situation
Mom demonstrated to me that she was still not only capable of playing piano but derived so much pleasure from it that getting to her piano sometimes is more important than doing so safely. When I go over real-world options about this situation? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
December 13, 2017: Mom surprisingly breaks out the Dylan
Figuring out what Mom knows musically has become a lovely hobby, pursued a few times a week. This was one of the moments that pushed me to find out more, and yes… there are more Dylan tunes she knows.
December 2, 2017: Donna attends the Maple Leafs game
The NHL Season 2017-18 was a flop for the Canucks but for Donna and I, it was a smashing success. Her ability to read crowds– they are reacting out of emotion, after all– keeps her both in the game and energetic about it. The third period of a game can be a lot more dicey;… Continue reading December 2, 2017: Donna attends the Maple Leafs game
December 1, 2017: Mom teaches me about music
It’s been much of a year now, but Mom’s continuing love of musical performance and my need to learn to catch up to what songs she wants to play– it gives more to us than anything that isn’t a cat.
November 29, 2017: Getting settled after a few years
There are many triggers that you will discover while taking care of your loved elder. Perhaps the most obvious are the ones where current ways of dealing with the reality are in conflict with prior ways. This is true especially on holidays. The last year we got a lot stronger, even if it is still… Continue reading November 29, 2017: Getting settled after a few years