The (truly amazing) memory care home where we take Mitzi to volunteer on Fridays had this fabulous message greeting us this week when we walked in the front door. I think it had to do with the fact that football is back, but all I saw was a great visual reminder that walking through the valley of Alzheimer’s truly takes a team. No one person can shoulder these duties alone. We have to keep working towards creating opportunities for raising awareness of how important it is to take care of the caregivers who are faced with what can be an incredibly frustrating and very isolating 24/7 gift you’re giving to the person with dementia. I have seen families crushed under the weight of trying to do it all and being limited with their resources to get respite help.
But we’re coming around. Churches are slowly starting to create activities for caregivers and those they are caring for. Many Hospice providers even offer short-term overnight respite care when a loved one gets to a stage where that applies. Caring for someone with dementia, especially at the advanced stages is hard stuff. You really cannot leave the person alone. And, even if you could, being alone even in the time it takes to run to the restroom can be very upsetting and scary to them. If you know someone in your world who is walking through this journey, reach out to them. Offer simple ways to help, no matter how small. You’ll be doing a big thing…????
