6/7/23 Lynne and I can laugh and have fun. Especially telliing about Pam, her sister &her husband. They are traveling to France to see Tour-de France in Paris & the Alps & Pyranees. Our brief video. See for yourself. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Dementia
Smiles Win Vs Yorks


Lynne sleeps more now. My visit was nothing more than a night watch, or a sleep watch. It’s peaceful. I get to eat her York chocolates. I’m jealous her friends get big open-eyed smiles. I’m thankful they do. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Never, Ever Give Up

Lynne’s 3 sons visited last week. Christoph hadn’t visited in over a year. Like many, he couldn’t visit, wanted to, and then did. Did Lynne recognize him? Simon says, “Yes.” She said 2 syllables: “Chris – to.” Never give up.
Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Side Glances And Laughter

LynnR: Lynne was a bit drowsy Sunday. She’d walked around, ate a huge lunch. I’m surprised we got through all of it. She had difficulty getting out of the chair & was a little uncoordinated. She gave me side eye glances and laughed quite a bit. Her smile generated these comments: “What a gorgeous photo of her.” “I love that pic.” “I love the image.” “She looks full of Lynn spirit.” “Thanks LynnR for being her constant companion.”
Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Equally Enjoying Serenity


For 30 minutes my arm hugged Lynne in the shade of her patio and its spring blooms. We said nothing, sat still, reflected, laughed, gazed into each other’s eyes, & listened to Lynne’s dance music. We reveled equally in serenity. Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Giving Infrequent Visitors Advice

Lynne’s sons visited. 1st time in months. They’ve avoided it. Too hard. I was proud of them. She didn’t seem to recognize them. I gave the boys Yorks & she ate from their hands. How do I advise friends who have visited lately?
Tags: caregiver dementia father-daughter Alzheimer’s
Presenting Alzheimer’s Association Resources

Carol & I had the pleasure to inform many people about #Alzheimers and the Alzheimer’s Association’s services in a Health Fair at Wesley Retirement Center. We scheduled 3 broadcasts to 5 campuses on Wesley University’s Program in the fall. Tags: dementia caregiver Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Association
The mysteries of Caregiving
Caregiving is guessing about mysteries.
11:03 am Hospice: We walked inside & outside, listened to music. Lynne didn’t lean on her knees; not distressed; a little spacey & calm.
12:03 Dad:
She cycled through laughter, jabbing her finger & lecturing people, smiling at me. Sad, fearful faces, hands covered her eyes. Said, I’m here, you’re safe. Calmed down. Hot? Zipped down her sweater. Orange hat bother you? She pulled it back on. Seized my hands to pull them over her head. Kicking my legs away.
1:00 pm Was she hungry? — Downed a full meal, drank Ensure, ate Reese’s cup. Was she wet? Just changed. In pain? Possibly. Nurse injected morphine under her tongue. Said I had to leave, sad face. Kissed her forehead, Calm looking away.
Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter



Always Aware I’m There

I know Lynne feels my presence. She sips water, eats treats. Her eyes rest on mine. She talks Lynnese & English to me. She laughs at me with blue eyes. She wants my hat. She is sad when I leave. Every visitor senses it. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Lynne’s Dress-up with Hats

Lynne wore my hat. I ordered one for her. A Caregiver gave her one saved on the floor. Lynne’s chin went up to pose in her new hat. Her other hat arrives Friday. Can’t wait. Having fun caring for my loved one. Tags Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter