Category Inspired Caregiving
Care for the Caregiver
Care for the caregiver and we care for the care receiver, as well. Family caregivers take on an overwhelming load of responsibility when caring for a loved one. Few are trained for the position, and the care comes with sacrifice of time, energy, and income. Caregivers, especially for ones with dementia, often are lonely. Opportunities […]
Shadows in the Night
Imagine living your night time dreams and nightmares when awake, This is the experience of people with Alzheimer’s disease and suffering from a condition called sundowners or sundowning. Fantastical images, past memories, and present activities jumble together for a disturbing reality. As the sun rises later in the day, and sets earlier in the evening, […]
Eat Well. Live Well.
Q: What do you call someone who can’t stick with a diet? A: A desserter. Nothing works without a source of energy. Even machines need fuel to keep going. And the better the fuel, the better we perform. Good nutrition is key to optimum health and the ability to perform mentally and physically to the […]
Visiting Memory Care Homes
Adding to the heartbreak of having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented families from viewing memory care homes and seeing their loved ones once they were placed. I can only imagine how difficult this was. Visiting my husband, Marshall, as often as I wished allowed me to remain close to him […]
Memory Lane Games
Visiting with a loved one with dementia can be complicated. We must watch what we say, how we say it, and the words we use. “Discussions” need to be basic and clear to avoid confusion and frustration for both of us. Finding activities enjoyable for both family members offers an opportunity to share time and […]
Forgive Yourself
“Everything is clearer in retrospect. You know what or how you could have done something better when looking back. Things are not so clear or easy when you are under pressure to care for your loved one 24/7. Your responsibilities are great, and you often must perform your duties without proper rest or assistance. Most […]
Price of Protection from COVID in Memory Care Facilities
Under the best of circumstances, overseeing care of loved ones in a memory care home is emotionally draining. Our loved ones’ care is beyond what we alone can provide. They require a team, and that is what they are getting in their care facilities, along with our love and attention. Yet, it’s difficult to witness […]
Healthier, Happier New Year
Do you have a resolution for the new year? Statistics say more than half of us begin a year with one but few of us keep it. The best way to do so is to choose a goal that is realistic, and I’ve written a book that can help you with that. Inspired Caregiving. Weekly […]
New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
The earlier someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease the earlier treatment may begin. The ability to plan for the future and utilize resources may then be done before cognition is diminished. Finally, a blood test is market-ready that can identify amyloid plaque, the strongest pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain. C2N Diagnostics’ PrecivityAD™ […]
God Always Wins
My step-nephew, Ron, and I recently had a conversation about the disturbing current events and tension in the world. We talked about how much we need to pray for peace and justice. Ron ended with this thought: “Not to worry, Mary. God always wins.” Those words have continued to echo in my head ever since. […]
Mary K. Doyle 
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