I was the sole caregiver for my mother as she died from Vascular Dementia. I really can't relate to the people here that complain about their elderly parents. My mother has been gone 12 years and I really wish she was still here even if she required intense care. Those were the most rewarding years of my life to take care of her. She raised me by herself and I wanted for nothing, but more of her time. Now, that I'm 65 and live alone and have no relatives, will I know when dementia sets in and when I need help? The first thing that comes to mind is that I'm going to be in denial. I never told my mother she had dementia and was dying, I just took care of all her needs. Life went on as usual.
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You have no family? That means you make your own now. A great resource in my own city is our library. Check out senior centers. Check out places to volunteer when the plague is over here, such as animal shelters, such as nursing homes. Keep busy and active.
Having been through cancer and a survivor of 34 years I well remember when EVERYTHING was cancer, whether forgetting my keys, misstepping, saying a word wrong, forgetting something, having an odd pain in my shin. That may be the case for you for a while. But the answer is usually getting out.
So see your doctor. Often now they are doing video chats. Discuss your feelings with him or her and ask to see him or her, or to have a video chat twice a year, and tell them you would like testing periodically. Then get out there and make a support group whether through a church or a book club.
I wish you the best. I am so glad that your time of caregiving brought such love and satisfaction.
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