Doing the best I can... Balancing #caregiving with work, and raising a #family. Trying to do right by #Dad

#ENDALZ #CaregiverSupport

My dad once told me that one of the most difficult things he had to do in his life was helping his mom (my grandma) bathe herself when he went to visit her in Chicago while she was in the late stages of #Alzheimers…

She died a year later. That was more than 15 years ago…

Last year I showered my dad over 100 times…

Just like I do every weekend.

He has no idea who I am…

Even though you’re still here… I miss you dad.

#ENDALZ

#dad #caregiver #caregiversupport #advocacy #advocate #aging

Good morning ☀️ #Mastodon 🦣 Today is a busy one for me... 1/2 day at work, then off to take #Dad to the podiatrist at the #VA medical center...

#ENDALZ 💜
#Caregiver
#Caregiversupport

Just finished my first solo dementia caregiver support group meeting. Two new attendees! It's nice being a facilitator and a caregiver at the same time because I get to listen and I also get to vent. My comics work well as an icebreaker too. And I get to eat my own muffins so that's a perk. 👍

#caregiver #caregiversupport #dementia #supportgroups

Just because you've met someone with dementia doesn't mean everyone who suffers from dementia will have the same dysfunctions or require the same level of care. People have a tendency to compare, and might tell you, "you mom (or dad) doesn't seem THAT bad" which can result in caregiver guilt. Take care not to compare cases on a sliding scale of severity. They don't know what you and your loved one are going through.

#caregiver #caregiverguilt #caregiversupport #dementia