Memory Cafés Can Be a Lifeline for Couples Adjusting to Life with Dementia
Dear Carol: I’m afraid my husband and I are a sad cliché of the times. We both earned decent incomes. We put off many things so we could save for our retirement because we had big plans for travel. Then, just months after my husband retired, we became more aware of significant changes in his memory and ability to reason. We’d had an inkling about the changes for quite a while, but like many people, we were in denial. Then he had an episode with the car that convinced us he needed an evaluation. After cognitive testing, he was confirmed to have Alzheimer’s. We’ve now become isolated as a couple, with me helping him more and more as I continue to learn about long-term dementia care. Do you have any suggestions for how we could get together with other couples who face this dilemma? ~SG
Dear SG: My heart goes out to both of you. Your question illustrates how dementia changes the dynamics of a couple. Know that you and your husband aren’t alone in missing your pre-dementia lives, and that, of course, includes your social lives.
Firstly, I hope you have joined a support group. You can find them through the Alzheimer’s Association or through your local Alzheimer’s organization. Free groups…
Helpful Tools:
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Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
