I still think term ‘sufferer’ gives teaching opportunity to say; “Did you realize this term has such a wide variety of usage meaning that it is currently polarizing the PWD and ‘care’ sector?”
Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Because it DID happen … I saw it !
Dementia Relationship Tip: For me, there is no such thing as BACKGROUND noise.
My spiritual perspectives have changed dramatically in past ten years, but memories of WHY I myself made those changes are growing dim. Why do I no longer celebrate the special days that my loved ones celebrate? … Soon I suspect you will again find me enjoying those activities, because my theological understanding is going backward in time, as well as all my other memories.
I have been admonished by more than one person; told that it is inappropriate for me to use the term “suffering” in connection with my dementia symptoms … but … Each of us SHOULD be allowed to describe our dementia symptom experiences, and describe them without fear of reprisal for the sake of political-correctness.
Personally, focus on gratitude does not mean that I negate or even ignore grief. Instead I mindfully lean into the grief in order to ENABLE an attitude of gratitude. I am thankful for you, dear reader. You give me hope … that these experiences can become part of resource tools to enrich the relationships that are building blocks for all community.
Tru here. Winter HOLIDAYS are arriving, usually involving celebrations with family and friends, which can be very dis-orienting for us living with dementia symptoms. My dementia symptoms continually progress, but they progress very slowly. Progression is so slow that family and friends do not see a need for change on their part. So they ignore […]
Surprise; one of my major dementia symptoms is something that I previously excelled in; numbers.
Biggest cues for me in recognizing sight of self and loved ones are hair length, hair color, and hair style. … But my most reliable recognition for both spouse and loved ones is not sight; it is sound, and smell. … But even when I no longer recognize loved ones … please do not pull away from time spent together. Relationships are what make life worth living.
… I choose to focus on life’s blessings (and the blessing in opportunity of advocacy). But in order to do that I must pass THRU and endure the grief. Both are an important part of the complete process for keeping my life in a larger perspective.
