Treading Dark Waters - a Column by Ray Burow

Blazing through a magazine or newspaper is an activity most of us take for granted. However, someone with cognitive impairment may have difficulty devouring content. Deciphering small print and graphics is challenging, and words on a glossy page can suddenly become incomprehensible. Before she had Alzheimer’s disease, my mother…

Older adults haven’t backed out of traveling this year. Some 67% of those older than 50 plan to get away in 2022, compared with 54% last year. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, that was a significant number taking off to visit family, vacation, or simply day trip at least 50…

Alzheimer’s disease affects every aspect of a person’s being, altering personality and behaviors. A loved one diagnosed with dementia may behave irrationally or rudely toward family members, caregivers, or strangers. But does dementia excuse that rudeness? It’s debatable and controversial. I hesitate to approach the subject, because…

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…

Circumstances surrounding caregiving differ from family to family. Some prefer to provide care at home, while others choose to place their loved ones in a caring facility. There is a debate about which choice is best. Our family was fortunate. My sister and I lived in neighboring towns and cared…

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…

As a little girl in church, one of my earliest memories was the sound of an older man’s prayer. Standing at the front of the congregation, this ancient gentleman prayed each Sunday, “Thank you, Lord, that you woke me up this morning, clothed in my right mind.” I had absolutely…

Dispensing medications is one of the most critical tasks when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2019, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 89% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older take prescription medication. Most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are part of the…

“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…

I was several years into caregiving before realizing that my five children were also carers. My mother was diagnosed with pre-Alzheimer’s disease before my youngest was born. My father was still alive, and he and my mother lived in a different part of the country. My mother was…