My Father, Dementia and Caregiving

“Dementia care—it's not rocket science, it's heart science." - Gail Weatherill, RN

by Kay
(Trinidad & Tobago)

I am a new to care giving.

I felt as if I had no choice in the matter. It is hard to here of stories your loved one, meaning my father, living on the streets.

My care giving journey began in March 21st 2009.

I decided to take time off from my job to care for my dad.

It has been very very hard journey.I must say we have come a long way.

My father was on medication for dementia.He started to become very aggressive.

His aggression reached a point where he tried to stab my husband.
Fortunately I took him for medical care.

We went through many months of difficult and unpleasant moments.

I eventually had no choice but to give up my job to be there for him.

Yes, as you say on your site, I was guilty of looking after my father, and not myself. I really felt as if I did not have a choice since he was taking all of my time.
I felt as if I had to always on my toes. especially after I left my job.

I have since gotten him into a home, but I prefer to take him there daily (I say day care)..

I must say the day care have relieved me a lot.

Now, I think I would like to do this with a difference, so I am looking for a place to do so.

Thank you for being there for people like my self.

“We believe communicating effectively with someone with Alzheimer’s is not just about using language, it is connecting through their senses such as touch, visual cues and sound” - Peter Ross

Kay,

I started my care giving journey as a young woman, while in high school. First volunteering as a local hospital and then caring for a grandmother and ultimately my mother, who was diagnosed with lung cancer.

My site is the result of years of nursing experience and personal experience as a family care giver.

There are many pitfalls to being a family caregiver. My goal is to educate, support and guide others successfully age at home for as long as possible.

I hope you will take time to share some of your experiences here with us, so that other will benefit and possibly avoid some mistakes.

Thank you, again, for your kind words. Please. post keep posted on your progress.

Diane