Caregiver for my amazing mom living with dementia | I believe in the power of kindness 💜
Arizona, USA
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So… I quit my job to become a full time caregiver for my mom 🎉 it has been a long time coming and I’m thrilled! I’ll still need to find ways to make money, but I hope y’all will come along on this journey with me! 💜
#caregiver #ENDALZ
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An incredible thing happened this week.
A doctor looked at me directly and asked, “How are you doing?”
It was the first time anyone in the medical field has ever asked me how I am doing in my 6+ years as a caregiver.
⬇️
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Another moment of joy!
Little ducklings walked right by us yesterday 🐥🦆🐥
#dementia #caregiver
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Happy National Chocolate Ice Cream Day from mom and me!
When the local news mentioned what day it was, we decided we’d go to the store and pick some up.
Always find a reason to celebrate, right? 😆🎉
ALT Two chocolate ice cream cones
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I made a call on behalf of my mom (who is living with dementia) today.
Years ago, I sent the Power of Attorney to the company so they’d have it on file.
The verification they needed to talk to me on the phone?
“What was the month & year you sent us a copy of the POA?” (1/3)
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I told them I couldn't answer that either because mom can't even remember working there, let alone the date she retired.
So now I'm waiting for it to be escalated and have someone call me back.
Sometimes I can only laugh at how much our systems are NOT ready for dementia.
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I’m struggling today.
This morning when mom asked me, “What’s your name?” it felt like it broke me.
This isn’t new. Heck, yesterday she thought my name was Mary.
But each little moment adds up and it wears you down.
Loving someone living with dementia is so f’ing hard.
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The way I feel when my friends greet my mom the same way they would greet anyone
💜💜💜💜
#alzheimers #dementia
#endalz
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I'm annoyed.
My city has a membership program for older adults. It gives access to fun activities like bingo, potlucks, and line dancing.
I called today to sign my mom up, but I quickly learned I can't come along with her as her caregiver.
(1/3)
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I offered to pay the membership fee for both of us, but since I'm not at least 50 years old, I was told there wasn't an option for me.
It’s incredibly unfortunate to exclude individuals whose caregivers are under 50!
All I wanted was to sit next to mom while she played Bingo.
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Pool day!!
Getting in water helps mom have pain-free movement — plus fun and relaxation 💜
To quote mom:
“This is heaven!!”
#caregiver #dementia #endalz
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To the dog owner at the store:
You made my mom’s day.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time out of your day 💜
#itsthelittlethings
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My mom can’t remember what city she lives in.
She can’t remember the steps to make a cup of coffee.
But she can still play her favorite card game! ♠️♥️
Never assume you know what someone is capable of 😊
People may just surprise you!
#endalz #Alzheimers
ALT Mother and daughter smile and give each other a high five while playing a card game
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Is there such a thing as a vulnerability hangover?
Every time I let my guard down and let myself be vulnerable, it takes a day or two for the resulting anxiety/overthinking to subside.
Just me?
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Mom LOVED the art museum today!
We did an activity where you search for objects in the paintings 🖼️🎨
It was engaging, and it kept us looking & talking for a long time.
#endalz #artmuseum
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