Caregivers are supporting elders who have experiences shaped by their cultural values and practices, family traditions and the lessons and wisdom of their own elders; they share their lessons, words of wisdom and experiences with their children whispered in their native language, through the foods they serve and the views of life through religious and spiritual traditions. Continue reading Cultural Barriers to Care
When their bodies or minds (or both) leave them unable to keep up with the tasks of living, and it becomes our duty to take up the tasks for them. We put our plans, ideas, hopes and futures on hold and our worlds begin to spin on the axis of someone else’s needs. Continue reading The messy nobility of being a caretaker
I recorded an audiobook version of “Her Beautiful Brain,” my 2014 memoir about my mother, who died at 74 after nearly two decades of living with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading Giving Voice to Alzheimer’s: The Longest Day
The holidays are often a joyous time, but they can also be overwhelming, especially for families affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic adds new challenges, especially for older adults who may have underlying health conditions and are at the greatest risk of complications due to the novel coronavirus. Continue reading Navigating dementia and COVID-19 this holiday season
Every day I deliver a tray of iced coffee with cream on the side to my 54-year-old daughter, Lynne, who is living with Alzheimer’s dementia — and who is now isolated to her apartment in assisted living. Continue reading Caring for the Gaps During My Daughter’s COVID-19 Isolation
This year’s Clacey McNary Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Karen Marez. Continue reading Grief into Grit: Journey of an Alzheimer’s Advocate
There are a lot of other words that I could use to describe this disease, but I think this is the one I lean on the most. It’s impossible to encompass all the emotions I have about it in one word. Completely impossible. Continue reading This is difficult: Why I Walk
Jaxon is the leader of his Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, Jax’s End ALZ Army, one of the top fundraising teams for the Spokane Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Jaxon walks in honor of his grandma, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease since 2013. This June, Jax turned 9 years old. Jax lives in Cheney, WA with his mom, dad and older sister Jordan. When … Continue reading Making Grandma Smile: Why I Walk
By Michele Rufer I am Michele Rufer from Mill Creek, WA and I was a stay-at-home mom for my two kids most of their young lives. My husband and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage next year. I started my own business in 2013, which allowed me the flexibility to set my own hours. It was so great when the kids were little, and … Continue reading For the most loving person I know: Why I Walk
By: Dorothy Bagsby My name Dorothy Bagsby, I live in Seattle. I retired from The Port of Seattle as a Lease Accountant III with 30 years of service. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, minor in sociology and two years of graduate study in public administration. I am a Certified Manager. I love reading, walking, music, attending church, participating in community charity and … Continue reading Caregiving with my sisters: Why I Walk
