Great article greg. I remember doing something more mental and less physica long time ago. We were instructed to write on slips of paper.\n A daily task.\n A close friend and 2 or 3 other things that I can't remember now.. Then 1 by 1, we were to crumple up those slips of paper as a sign that we no longer were able to do those things. It was an emotional punch in the stomach.
Oh my goodness I did not realize all the other thing besides memory loss dementia individuals really deal with. What a horrible feeling they must deal with on a daily basis. So much patience needed for the care giver as well. Prayers for all who must insure such a illness.
As I said, I didn't really understand that these reduced sensory abilities were part of the problem, as well. I needed the experience while Cheryl was still alive.
Thanks, Jeannine. I wish I had carved time to try out these devices when Cheryl was still alive. They would have helped me be more empathetic about her struggles.
An interesting exercise and a lesson on increasing empathy.
Thanks, Jim. I appreciate your readership.
Great article greg. I remember doing something more mental and less physica long time ago. We were instructed to write on slips of paper.\n A daily task.\n A close friend and 2 or 3 other things that I can't remember now.. Then 1 by 1, we were to crumple up those slips of paper as a sign that we no longer were able to do those things. It was an emotional punch in the stomach.
Thanks, Neil, and thanks for sharing your similar experience.
Oh my goodness I did not realize all the other thing besides memory loss dementia individuals really deal with. What a horrible feeling they must deal with on a daily basis. So much patience needed for the care giver as well. Prayers for all who must insure such a illness.
As I said, I didn't really understand that these reduced sensory abilities were part of the problem, as well. I needed the experience while Cheryl was still alive.
I like today's column. It spoke to us - we are attempting to both wear our hearing aids this month.Jeannine
Thanks, Jeannine. I wish I had carved time to try out these devices when Cheryl was still alive. They would have helped me be more empathetic about her struggles.