Comments for A Stranger In My Mother's House

Comment on Is it a Dog or a Cow or a Seal? by Marie Blohm

Marie Blohm — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:46:18 +0000

Thank you for the story of your Mom and the various names of animals that she used to describe Paco.
You mention in your description of “All Things Dementia” that the person with dementia is also experiencing what is happening to him/her. So good for all of us to remember that important fact. Dementia is their subjective reality, not just an objective reality to those of us looking on.
Marie B.

Comment on “Ten Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient” by Carole Larkin by The Country Nurse

The Country Nurse — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:24:30 +0000

Great site. Lot’s of good info.

Comment on Dementia Humor by Marie Blohm

Marie Blohm — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:45:30 +0000

I appreciate the wisdom of what you say about laughter becoming more difficult with late stage decline.

Comment on Dementia Humor by A Heartbroken Daughter

A Heartbroken Daughter — Sun, 15 May 2011 17:54:57 +0000

Hi Marie –
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting on my blog. Actually, it isn’t just mine – it belongs to anyone who has been touched by dementia. You are so right about humor. Though some might think laughter is disrespectful in these cases, laughing with our mom, not at her, is what helped us get through the early days. As her condition declined, we found laughter difficult. This is why I say – laugh whenever you can. Please visit again soon and comment all you wish. You are much appreciated.

Comment on Dementia Humor by Marie Blohm

Marie Blohm — Sun, 15 May 2011 08:36:30 +0000

Thanks so much for sharing the importance of the gift of humor with us. Humor can sometimes be seen as the antithesis of pain, when, in reality, it holds a light up to our situation showing us that all is not dark and fearful.

Comment on Knowledge is Good by Sally

Sally — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:42:43 +0000

I can’t tell you how many times strangers have been kind to us when my mother’s dementia is showing.
I’ve also had to take the initiative in telling wait-staff at restaurants and hairdressers not to take offense when she complains about things that have nothing to do with them.

Comment on If Only … by Caye Burch

Caye Burch — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 03:26:36 +0000

So true, we do the best we can. What a comfort to those who every day deal with a loved one with dementia.
Thanks for all the encouragement and wisdom.

Comment on Unconditional Love and Dementia by kez5

kez5 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:04:24 +0000

I totally agree with your beautiful words! I cared for my Dad who suffered from dementia until he passed away two years ago, and also for my Mum with a brain tumour until she passed away in February. Through these heartbreaking years I learnt what true love really is, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to spend this precious time with Mum and Dad. You may enjoy reading an old post of mine ‘Behind Locked Doors’@ http://mrsozzie.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/behind-locked-doors/ which deals with the dementia journey.

Comment on Unconditional Love and Dementia by A Heartbroken Daughter

A Heartbroken Daughter — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:56:05 +0000

Thank you so much, Caye. I treasure your comments.

Comment on Unconditional Love and Dementia by Caye Burch

Caye Burch — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:33:16 +0000

When you love someone with dementia, it must be unconditional love- Most of us love to get love in return. When our loved one fails to respond in the “usual ways” it can be dis-heartening. To learn to deal with this, try to imagine how the person would have responded before having dementia. Sometimes this can ease the pain and bring a smile to the situation.