This Week Was a Rollercoaster
This week as dementia caregiver brought unexpected challenges and moments of deep gratitude. It tested every ounce of my patience and strength. Dementia caregiver challenges require patience and resilience. As a caregiver to my mom, who has dementia, every day presents a unique challenge. But this week was especially hard—it was both Mother’s Day and her birthday. While these occasions are usually a time for joy, they came with added stress and worry this year.
Dementia Caregiver Challenges with Routine and Weekends
My mom attends an adult daycare five days a week, which provides her with structure and me with a bit of relief. However, weekends can be particularly tough. She often struggles with her routine and frequently forgets where she is or what’s next. Every evening, after returning from daycare, she asks if someone will be picking her up soon, sometimes within minutes of arriving home.
A Birthday Filled With Worry
We’ve taken precautions, like putting trackers in her phone and purse, which gives us peace of mind when she takes her walks. But this week, on her birthday, things took a frightening turn. My mom left the house, leaving both trackers behind. Panic set in as the hours passed. For the first time, she was missing for nearly five hours.
What got me through those agonizing hours was the support of my family. They had gathered to celebrate her birthday and stayed to help look for her. I did my best to stay calm for my kids’ sake, though inside, I was unraveling. By 9:30 p.m., I was bracing for another long night when I heard the front door open. I assumed it was one of my family members returning with news, but to my shock—and relief—it was my mom!
Relief and Gratitude for Kindness
“Where were you?” my godsister asked. My mom responded with a story that, while nonsensical, had us laughing later when the panic had subsided. A kind stranger had seen her and brought her home safely, though my mom couldn’t recall who it was. To that person, whoever you are, thank you. Your kindness made all the difference.
Finding Calm as a Dementia Caregiver in the Garden
One of the hardest dementia caregiver challenges is maintaining calm. Amid the chaos, I found small moments of solace in my garden. Stepping outside, even for just a few minutes in the cool weather, gave me space to breathe and steady my nerves. If the weather had been warmer, I’d have plunged my hands into the soil for that grounding sensation only gardening can provide. Focusing on my plants, even briefly, helped me reset.
Gardening didn’t erase the fear or worry, but it gave me the clarity to face it. Sometimes, a little distraction can do wonders. It reminds us that, even in the midst of chaos, we can find something steady—a moment to reconnect with ourselves before diving back in.
Your Tips Are Welcome
These experiences higlight the importance of managing dementia caregiver challenges with support and self care. This week could have ended far worse, but I’m grateful for the way things turned out. If you’re also a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a tip or share your experience in the comments—it truly helps to know we’re not alone.
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