Mother Suffers Cognitive Setback after Celebratory Family Event
Dear Carol: My mother is 83 and living alone in her condominium. She’s been showing signs of moderate forgetfulness, but more worrisome is that she’s becoming paranoid. I’ve told my brothers about these changes, saying we have to talk with Mom about moving her to a safer environment. They’ve both said they’ll see how they feel after they visit in May. Well, they came together and just spent three days here. Guess what? Mom was in tip-top form the whole time they were here, so they think she’s fine and I’m overreacting to normal aging. Now they’re gone, and Mom’s worse than I’ve ever seen her. She doesn’t remember they were here. All she knows is that “someone ate all her food.” What’s going on? – MK
Dear MK: I’m so sorry you’re going through this frustration. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon experience for a person with declining cognition to rally when seeing loved ones who rarely visit, only to suffer a setback afterward. I saw this happen with my own mother after a much-anticipated visit from my brother and his wife. We all had a wonderful time, so I expected to use this visit for fun…
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An inspiring read for caregivers! Minding Our Elders is a series of stories about caregiving. But it is much more than that. It’s a book that helps us view aging and community through the lens of someone well versed in eldercare. Author Carol Bradley Bursack has been a caregiver for a neighbor and six elderly members of her family. These experiences made her the perfect person to interview and share the stories of friends and acquaintances. Through crisp writing and a sharp focus, we enter the lives of those struggling to care for loved ones with dementia and other age-related illnesses. As I read Minding Our Elders, I felt myself filling up with both appreciation and admiration for those who adopt the caregiving role. In addition, I was struck with the inherent value Carol sees in our elders. This is a well-written book that will stir your heart! …Ann Campanella
