Four Mistakes Caregivers Make

Caregivers aren’t perfect. As a nurse, I didn’t find giving my husband personal care difficult. But it broke my heart to see my brilliant spouse move further into dementia. His wonderful brain was physically changing. Cells were dying and synapses weren’t firing. As I...

“Forget Me Not” by Debra Kostiw

  So I’ve been a nurse for over 50 years, in hospital and community settings. My desire to work with caregivers arose when I was the sole caregiver for both my parents. It was grueling trying to balance work and my home life. It made me wonder how “lay” people...

Book Review: Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia

It is rare to find a practicing geriatrician and professor who also has the heart of a pastor, but John Dunlop, MD, blends clinical knowledge and scripture in his book Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia. His insights on dementia and caregiving are hard won because...

Dr. Arthur Kleinman’s Journey

  Dementia does not care who you are. From President Ronald Reagan to your Aunt Tillie, anyone can fall prey to this insidious disease. Alzheimer’s  gradually overrides memory, personality, and emotions. In his book, The Soul of Care – The Moral Education...

Are You a Crispy Critter?

  Caregiving is an expression of love, a way of “giving back,” or simply part of the circle of life. “My parents took care of me. Now it’s my turn,” says about every adult child caregiver in the world. Sunshine and flowers, right? Sure, your parents had patience...