“Dementia is Wrecking My Family – I Don’t Know How Much More I Can Take”
When Molly reached out to my CarePatrol office, her voice was familiar. Several years ago I helped her and her sister find a memory care community that could manage her…
And One Day They Were Gone: Celebrating the Holidays with Families Touched by Loss
This holiday season holds a unique resonance for me as I reflect on the families I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout the year. As they navigate the festivities…
Spousal Commitment in the Face of Dementia – Love Conquers All
Love is described as a force that conquers all obstacles, transcending time and challenges. Nowhere is this truer than in the commitment of spouses who become caregivers for their loved…
Don’t Let Your Mom’s Dementia Make You Lose Your Mind
When Emma called my CarePatrol office, it had been a year since her mom, Margaret, was diagnosed with dementia. The once vibrant woman had become a shadow of herself, and…
Families Are in Crisis and Need to Talk About It
When Lauren first called my CarePatrol office, her dad had recently been diagnosed with dementia. Throughout the years we have been navigating the dementia journey together. I connected the family…
I’m Not Giving Up On Him – Living Life With No Regrets
When Lois called my CarePatrol office for help with her husband Rich, the couple was several years into their dementia journey. They had been married for 68 years, and she…
“I’m Sorry for Being an Ass to My Mom”
Families that are on a dementia journey experience an emotional road trip as they deal with the unforgiving grip of dementia. The lessons learned are often a combination of bitterness…
“My Dad’s Got Dementia and I Don’t Know What to Do”
Memorial Day weekend I received a call from Liz. Her dad fell at a family BBQ and ended up in the ER. “My dad’s got dementia and I don’t know…
Will the Alzheimer’s Tsunami Affect You?
Have you noticed that everybody seems to know somebody with dementia? As the population ages, dementias such as Alzheimer’s are having a far reaching impact and affecting millions of families…
Young Onset Dementia. What You Need to Know.
When Beth called my CarePatrol office for help, the first thing she wanted me to know was that she was 40 years old, a working mom of 3 young kids,…
The Snooze Button May Damage Your Heart
Caring for a relative with Parkinson’s or dementia can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. I find myself repeatedly telling families that they do not have to shoulder this…
Avoiding Conflict with Aging Parents
By CarePatrol of Chicagoland North One night I received a call from a daughter that was struggling to find care for her parents. She had been doing an excellent job…