Caring for Mom

Most elders want to feel useful and do something to contribute to what is happening around them. Finding ways to utilize their strengths and incorporate them in activities can be challenging, but it is worth the effort.

Dementia caregiver Michele DeSocio shares a heartwarming Mother's Day letter to her mom.

Mom's stoicism endured, even in the face of advancing dementia. She showed me how important it is to cherish every moment we’re blessed with, despite the challenges we encounter in life.

This Mother’s Day, consider these thoughtful ideas for honoring the memory of the woman who played such an important role in your life.

Celebrate the spirit of Mother's Day by realizing that the sainted ideal of motherhood is a myth. No one is perfect, and gaining insight into your mother's childhood may inspire you to move on with your own life.

Whether you believe mom was right or wrong as you were growing up, reflecting on childhood memories can be therapeutic as you face the fact that she is getting older.

We may love our parents because they are family, but that doesn't necessarily mean we like them as people. When caregiving responsibilities fall to you, how do you take care of parents who you don't like?

Ohhh, how I wish I’d had a caring sister like you! First, realize that family caregivers often endure prolonged stress that can compromise their physical and mental health... Click to read Jacqueline's full answer.

While many family caregivers might consider writing about their experiences to be a chore, there is something especially therapeutic about putting things down on paper and punching words out on a keyboard.

I had heard the benefits of personally meaningful music in dementia care. Last Saturday, I brought headphones and an iPod loaded with old music to the rest home for Mum. The results were astounding.

Both Mum’s memory and physical stamina seem to evade her these days. As a dementia caregiver, it’s my job to find something to help both her mood and mobility.

Mom can still enjoy the comics section of the newspaper, but her granddaughter found a new way to appeal to her sense of humor. Surprisingly, a mix of classic art and snarky internet trends brought these two generations together through laughter.

Mum hasn’t been herself lately, and it’s been weighing heavily on my mind. Perhaps something is wrong with her medication regimen, or it could be what I dread most: her Alzheimer’s disease is progressing.

Christmas has come and gone, but in Mum’s mind the planning has just begun. When her anxiety returns and her questions become repetitive, white lies are what alleviate her worries.

I could tell Mum was nervous, but with her new bathing suit and some gentle encouragement, her confidence grew. Surprisingly, a day at the pool left her feeling marvelous.

Telling another family member when a loved one passes away is always difficult, but dementia can make the task even more challenging.

For individuals living with dementia, music has a powerful effect. Music has the incredible ability to transport us back in time, reduce stress, help us escape the present and make us more mindful of our emotions.

People with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia often experience difficulty recognizing faces and recalling names of their family, friends, and care team members. In some cases, all they need is a little help to mentally connect the dots.

Both dementia patients and their caregivers experience an ever-changing roller coaster of emotions. The key is being able to appreciate the good times and helping to guide each other through the bad.

A loved one develops dementia and begins to have difficulty with memories and crowds, but they still want to be a part of family life and celebrations. How can caregivers balance a loved one's desires with their diminishing capabilities?