Hiding Dementia- Mom Is Just Fine

by Kathryn Watson | Sep 15, 2018 | Dementia, Dementia Behaviors, Family Caregiver

  I called to chat with June, my mother in law. She sounded out of breath and anxious. I asked if everything was okay. At first, she said yes but when I press she told me what had happened. June has lived in her hometown for well over 50 years. Today, she got...

What is The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

by Kathryn Watson | Sep 2, 2018 | Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Dementia Behaviors

  This is probably the number one question people often have. For years everyone talked about Alzheimer’s Disease and now it seems the focus has shifted to Dementia. So, what is the difference? The fact is dementia isn’t a specific disease. Rather it is a...

No! I Will Not Put Dad in Memory Care!

by Kathryn Watson | Aug 11, 2018 | Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Memory Care

  “We moved Dad to an assisted living facility a year and a half ago. Someone suggested that we place him in memory care but I wouldn’t hear of it.” Shanice told me.” I figured Dad would be mortified if I placed him in a place like that. After all, this was my...

Bathing Dementia Patients- Are Sponge Baths Good Enough?

by Kathryn Watson | Aug 1, 2018 | Dementia, Dementia Behaviors

Is it okay to just give mom a sponge bath? “It can be a real challenge getting mom into and out of the shower. Sometimes her feet do not seem to move. On top of that, she gets really anxious. By the time we are finished we are both angry and worn out.” This is a...

Shadowing- Will It Ever Stop?

by Kathryn Watson | Jul 15, 2018 | Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Dementia Behaviors

Shadowing- A Dementia Behavior Families who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia may have experienced Shadowing. This is a dementia behavior that is actually quite common.  Your dad, mom, spouse or someone else you care for may follow...

Sundowners Was Taking Over My Life- Were Drugs the Only Solution?

by Kathryn Watson | Jul 1, 2018 | Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiver Stress, Dementia

  “I am about to pull my hair out!” Marcie cried. “ I have been caring for mother for 5 years now. She has Alzheimer’s Disease. I thought I could handle it but that was before Sundowners entered the scene!” Sundowners- This is the name given to a set of symptoms...