The Dementia Action Collaborative, a group of public-private partners committed to implementing the state plan, has created a variety of tools and resources to help individuals and families facing memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Continue reading Progress on the Alzheimer’s State Plan
A couple of months ago when it was clear Liz needed hospice care, there was no question Rick and I would be there for her, even though neither of us had any hospice experience. The pandemic turned out to be a blessing in my situation as it allowed me to work from home, so we set up mom (on what was to be her “deathbed”) adjacent to my home office. Continue reading Mom’s Greatest Gift: Life lessons from a pandemic, dementia and a supportive work family
Catherine Harrison grew up in the small town of St. Helens, OR with her parents and older sister. They had a view of Mount St. Helens from the picture window in their living room. This year for The Longest Day, Catherine will be hiking Mount St. Helens in honor of her mother. Continue reading Mount St. Helens for Mom: The Longest Day
My mom’s dementia progressed and it was given the name Alzheimer’s. I saw this horrific disease steal my beautiful mom from me. I wrote these poems to help express my profound sadness during this season of life with my mom. Continue reading Through a Daughter’s Eyes: A Collection of Poems
My inspiration for writing the poem was for all the loved ones experiencing a devastating and emotional tragedy caused by the COVID-19 restrictions, eliminating in-person visits to nursing homes and other care communities. Further inspiration was my visits with my neighbor Midge, the wife of Rocky, who has Alzheimer’s, as illustrated by the pictures of one of our visits. Continue reading Looking Through the Window
Valentine’s Day can be a particularly sentimental time for couples affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, as they adjust to dual roles as both romantic partners and care partners. This day is also a reminder that love is not only what brings couples together, but it is often what keeps couples going through this difficult journey. Continue reading Valentine’s Day: A Couple’s Devotion While Facing Alzheimer’s During COVID-19
The inspiration for this project was that I wanted to do something a little outside of the box for an Eagle Scout project, as well as to honor my grandmas. Continue reading Eagle Scout honors grandmas with service project
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
Every adult should have “advance directives.” There are several basic types of these legal documents that describe how you want medical decisions to be made for you if you are unable to make them yourself. Continue reading Advance Directives: Make Your Wishes Known
Physical activity is a valuable part of any overall wellness plan and is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. The new year is a great time to start integrating exercise into your daily life to help improve the health of your brain and body. Continue reading Exercise for your brain and body
