"Alzheimer's Disease," Something Wicked This Way Changes!
"Change," there's that powerful word again. For some, that word represents joy and bliss, but for others, it means pain and anguish. Sadly, the "changes" a person with "Alzheimer's" disease and their "caregiver's" experience everyday is anything but joyful.
Trust me, I know this first hand . . . you see, my wife was diagnosed with "Alzheimer's disease" at the age of 52 and it came as quite a shock to both her and I, as well as to our family and friends.
She is 57 now and what is supposed to be the "best times of our lives" is anything but happy. What we are experiencing at this moment in time, is absolutely nothing like we had planned for our future together.
The wickedness of "Alzheimer's disease," and the ramifications that come with it are sometimes so overwhelming that all you want is for the world to stop so you can jump off! But "love" trumps "fear" and "change" must be dealt with head on.
Is it easy? Honestly, it is without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges a person could ever face.
Trust me, I know this first hand . . . you see, my wife was diagnosed with "Alzheimer's disease" at the age of 52 and it came as quite a shock to both her and I, as well as to our family and friends.
She is 57 now and what is supposed to be the "best times of our lives" is anything but happy. What we are experiencing at this moment in time, is absolutely nothing like we had planned for our future together.
The wickedness of "Alzheimer's disease," and the ramifications that come with it are sometimes so overwhelming that all you want is for the world to stop so you can jump off! But "love" trumps "fear" and "change" must be dealt with head on.
Is it easy? Honestly, it is without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges a person could ever face.
"Caregiver Stress Awareness"
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The month of November has been designated "Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month," shining a bright spotlight and beacon of hope on the need to educate people all around the world about this horrible disease and the devastating effects it has on families, "caregivers" and of course, those who are presently suffering from this life changing disease.
"Alzheimer's disease" does not discriminate and knows no gender, race, religion or status. Absolutely no one is immune from it and it can strike a person in their early forties just as easily as a person in their late seventies. The pain and anguish, it can cause families as well as the burden of stress it creates, is unlike no other disease. Often times, the "stress" an ALZ "caregiver" must endure on a daily basis is overlooked and brushed under the rug, as if it doesn't exist. "I AM A CAREGIVER" and I know that stress all to well. I am in my fifties, and my wife was diagnosed with "Early-Onset Alzheimer's" when she was only 52 years old. The effect it has had on our family is beyond words, but thankfully, we are a close, loving, family. However, I am the main "caregiver" and would like to shed some of my own light on the stress that all "caregivers" must deal with. |
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"A Day In The Life Of An Alzheimer's Caregiver"
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Unless you’ve walked in the shoes of devoted and loving, caregiver, you will “never” understand the pain, anguish, and frustration, they go through every day of their lives.
You will never feel or experience the loneliness of a “caregiver,” who ultimately is “alone” on this journey even though well- meaning and caring people tell them that they’re never alone. Unless you’re giving 24/7 care for an individual, you respectfully have no idea how deep that loneliness goes. When you can’t remember the last time, you had a vacation or respite by yourself to be able to just relax, gather your thoughts and feel even the tiniest bit of peace, then you have absolutely no idea what a “caregiver” feels, and what they’re going through. |
I get it, I really do, the heart-felt and loving intentions of others is meant in the most loving, sincerest way possible. A "caregiver," understands that younger family members have their own lives to live and rightfully they should, but again, life gets in the way and at best the care they can offer is minimal at best.
Never criticize a “caregiver” for occasionally losing hope or feeling so down in the dumps that they just want the ride to stop so they can jump off. They are hurting and angry with life like you could never imagine. They are physically and emotionally, tired and broken. Instead of lecturing them . . . “Help Them!”
A “caregiver” doesn’t have time to cry or let their emotions show, they’re too busy trying to run a household, provide care and think of new and creative ways to manage and get through everyday life. It’s a job like no other and there are no rewards, perks, or paychecks that come with it. It is completely “Thankless.”
Never criticize a “caregiver” for occasionally losing hope or feeling so down in the dumps that they just want the ride to stop so they can jump off. They are hurting and angry with life like you could never imagine. They are physically and emotionally, tired and broken. Instead of lecturing them . . . “Help Them!”
A “caregiver” doesn’t have time to cry or let their emotions show, they’re too busy trying to run a household, provide care and think of new and creative ways to manage and get through everyday life. It’s a job like no other and there are no rewards, perks, or paychecks that come with it. It is completely “Thankless.”
 Never question how much “love” a “caregiver has in their hearts, because there is more “love” and “compassion” inside of them than you could ever know in your entire life time.
Maybe at times it may appear that they’re cold and distant, but I can assure you that “love” is never the issue . . . ever! A very big part of “Alzheimer’s” awareness, is not only educating the world about this horrible, life changing disease, but also to bring awareness of the daily, frustrating and heartbreaking challenges that “Caregivers” must endure on a regular basis. I pray that you’ll never have to experience this pain and that maybe someday our grandchildren will never have to go through what other “caregivers” are living through right now. |
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I humbly and respectfully invite you to please share this page with the "world," as this debilitating disease is not restricted to only one nation or one group of people . . . "everyone is vulnerable!"
May Peace. Light and Love, surround you always! Blessings to you my friends.
Namaste, Jim
May Peace. Light and Love, surround you always! Blessings to you my friends.
Namaste, Jim
Please check out the go-fund me page that I have set up for my wife. Go Fund Me-A Wish For My Wife
Let's Find A Cure Together
Hope to see you there! www.iamperfectlychangedandawesome.com