When you choose not to dwell on how your elderly parent or spouse used to be,
or what further level of care they may need in the future, but rather decide to
remain in the moment and really be with them, you can find moments of quiet joy,
contentment and, sometimes, downright silliness.
My mom had vascular dementia, and was in a local full care facility for the last
three years of her life. We had booked the room for one of her birthday parties,
and with nine or so family members, had a grand time with an epic balloon fight
to end all balloon fights.
Mom was still able to process what was going on around her, and while she
didn't participate that much in the conversation, she could hold her own with her
small arsenal of balloons and wield them with impunity.
I've kept a few short video clips, and still enjoy looking at them from time to time.
As one who obviously knew her well, I could tell she was happy to be in the
middle of all the happy, goofy silliness.
So now it's your turn. Is there a happy moment or a memory that makes you
smile? By sharing, you're encouraging other caregivers to remember the good
stuff.
© Nancy Glover | Aging With Grace www.AgingwithGrace.ca
Do you need help with taking care of your elderly?
Contact Nancy to inquire about a Caregiver Action Plan assessment where all aspects of care are reviewed in order to help families create a more dynamic and positive experience for the care of their loved ones.
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Nancy Glover, a healthy aging advocate, mentors extraordinary women and men who have stepped into the challenging role of caring for their elderly spouse or parent by managing their well-being in the later stages of life. Blending first-hand expertise with practical step by step systems to support the needs, goals, and desires of the elderly spouse or parent, Nancy helps caregivers maneuver the complex and often challenging role with supportive advocacy and resources that equally focus on everyone’s well-being. Learn more about her at www.agingwithgrace.ca and sign up to receive timely information and strategies to empower caregivers and families in transition.