Treading Dark Waters - a Column by Ray Burow

happiness, breast cancer, death, secret, disaster preparedness, support

As a former caregiver to an elderly parent who had Alzheimer’s disease, Florida-based Ray counts it a privilege to write columns discussing the day-to-day challenges associated with the onslaught of memory loss. Fighting a relentless foe, caregivers find themselves in the deep trenches, right alongside their loved ones. Her goal is to assist the caregiver on their journey by encouraging them to keep trudging through the mire of uncertainty. “I will be your harbinger of better days to come, so that you’ll know it’s possible to make it through the dark hours, and that even a difficult journey through Alzheimer’s disease can be punctuated with optimism. May you find joy on your journey.”

How to Prepare for Summer Travel With Someone With Dementia

This summer, 208 million American adults plan to travel. Some of those folks are probably caregivers, brave souls, traveling with loved ones with cognitive issues. Taking along a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia requires extensive planning. If you’re contemplating a summer road trip or…

Multigenerational Households Help Diminish Isolation of Caregiving

Caregiving can be easier and less isolating in a multigenerational household. These households have two or more generations living under one roof. Adults in them are primarily 25 years or older, but skipped-generation households (ones with grandparents and grandchildren younger than 25) are included in the demographic as well. Of…

Preparing Yourself or a Loved One to Die at Home

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” — Psalms 23:4 ESV Death is not a fun topic, but failing to talk about end-of-life plans results in a…

My Mother’s Experience With Aphasia

According to a statement released by his family last week, actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with aphasia and is stepping away from his acting career. Aphasia can occur when the part of the brain that controls speech is damaged. Willis’ family didn’t reveal the reason behind his condition,…