September’s weather never disappoints here, as temperatures level out in the low seventies. The sky is clear, and often a welcome breeze keeps the sun’s strong rays from stinging my skin. If I allowed myself, I’d be in the yard like I am on most days from Spring through Summer. I’d settle in one of the chairs out back in the shade and read one of the books I recently purchased instead of delving into my shelves of books waiting to be read. But I know better.
(more…)Tag: Dementia
-
A memory care visit: How will it go?
In a couple of hours, I’ll drive the short distance to where my mother has lived for a month: in memory care with others who are like her. They’re in their later years, and in cognitive decline. It’s taken me a few days to decide how I’ll handle this visit because each one has been different from the preceding one. This isn’t necessarily because of who accompanies me or what we decide to do. Often, it’s related to her mood. This, more than anything, has had a profound effect on me.
(more…) -
It could be worse.
“How long have I been here?” My mother asks this frequently.
“Almost five months now.” I sound like a recorded message because I feel that way at this point. If my mother could retain anything she questions us about I’d have trained Alexa to answer everything she asks.
“Five months?” She shakes her head in seeming wonderment or frustration and turns to gaze out the kitchen window while I imagine she is lining up the followup questions that usually accompany the first. But I’m ahead of her.
(more…)