Category: Dementia
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Time for Geriatric Psychiatric Hospitalization
Tuesday I took my mother from her stroke rehab to the hospital for a swallow test. When we returned to her stroke rehab afterwards, she refused to get out of my car. She went so far as to throw my car into park when I was driving toward the entrance. I warned her that her…
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Stop this Circus – Prayer Request
The last few days have been a circus. My father made a run for it from memory care, setting off the alarm as he left the building to look for his car in their parking lot so he could find my mom. The director called me to bring him home with me for the night.…
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Thank You, Caregivers
Thank you to all the caregivers who have helped with my parents recently. Grateful for the excellent care my mom has received. Thank you: Jane Pamphile of Next Step Senior Care first started working with me over a year ago preparing for this transition. She’s done far more than show my sister and me senior care…
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Finally, I Cry
Monday, I joined my mother for music therapy after which I told her I had to take my son to school. I had a few hours before his class began, but I needed a break. Tuesday, I didn’t visit either of my parents. I cared only for my son and myself. Today I sit…
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Care-taking Update #dementia #stroke
Quick video update as I run errands and juggle caring for my mom, dad and son. Don’t forget I’m married and live with bipolar disorder. Thank God I’m holding it together so far. Video Transcript Okay, folks, so here’s the deal. It is Thursday. My mom had a stroke… hmm… probably three weeks ago, maybe the Friday…
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Shut Up Mind, Let Me Rest
Woke up in the wee hours of the morning. Mind won’t let me rest. Too many loose ends to tie. Found lovely memory care for both my parents in my neighborhood, so they can stay together and I can visit regularly. Today must get durable power of attorney signed and notarized, so my sister and…
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Broken Brain
Brain broken Frustrating Do not remember Must constantly relearn Brain not functioning properly Not functioning as it once did Must constantly relearn Damn, I hate bipolar disorder
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I’m No April Fool
This admittedly amateurish attempt at April Fool’s Day poetry (yes, that’s rather heavy-handed alliteration – accept it, I like it, I’m on A roll) I originally wrote for STIGMAMA.com. I may not be a polished or proficient poet, but perhaps I am indeed a fool… Perhaps, just perhaps, NOW THERE ARE TWO OF US. Even more likely, now…
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Bipolar is a Progressive, Organic Brain Disease. Medication Helps Stop Damage to Brain.
Excellent post summarizing research on the negative effect of bipolar disorder on the brain over time. Medication, lithium in particular, heals and protects the brain. Take your meds, folks. Mania is damaging.
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Brain is a Brain
When I was visiting with my father to celebrate Thanksgiving, he asked me why what he suffers – dementia, a memory disorder, a neurological disorder – is any different than what I have – bipolar disorder, a mental illness, a psychiatric disorder? Why these distinctions? Why is stigma attached to one and not another? Why do so many…