Stories on this site are provided in two separate formats.
1 -Static stories, those that are listed on the main menu, will be found on the main menu every time. This list of Story Excerpts introduces stories, including those by Guest Authors, found on the main menu. Click on Continue Reading to go to that page.
2 -Blog articles are posted chronilogically like a blog. They generally are ‘fed’ through ‘follower’ emails and then also reside on this site. They are not listed on the main menu. However, you will find introductions to blog post articles in Post Excerpts on the main menu and when you click on the blog post title link, it will go to that page.
Newest is first, in reverse order. Dated with authors noted.
Ask again to be sure
April 28, 2024 by Judith Allen Shone
Have you ever wondered…
…if your loved one had concerns about an activity, going somewhere, meeting someone? If we ask them questions when such situations arise, misunderstandings can be avoided, fears can be addressed, and plans made, or discontinued, before the activity, depending on the discoveries.
Game of Connect
January 29, 2024 by Judith Allen Shone
CONNECT is a simple game of inclusion, to let the players tell a story, their story. Every person participates, the facilitator and players. This is a game of interaction and the joy of discovery about new or existing friends.
Game of Roll Strikes
January 29, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
A fun game that resembles the feeling of getting points and strikes in bowling. Fun with two or more. Even teams can be formed. One game can even be established as a limited number of frames for those who might not endure the full 10 shown. Your game…your rules maybe? Have fun.
Loneliness – Lost Connections
October 31, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
Loneliness – a side-effect of caregiving
Not long after retirement and following My Love’s diagnosis of COPD, I saw red flags and realized caregiving was in my future. I had to investigate what that role entailed. By two years later when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I recognized the partnership life I had committed to was unfolding a bit differently than I had envisioned.
Podcasts for dementia discussions
October 28, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
Do you listen to podcasts? Many care partners for those with dementia discover the ‘way out of desperation’ is to seek out a variety of resources for getting help. And HELP IS ON THE WAY!!
Grief and Reflections
October 21, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
Grief, the last phase of caregiving
Almost two years ago my ten-year journey caring for My Love ended. At last, I could take time to process my grief from losing the one I adored.
I took that time as rehabilitation for myself.
Becoming a Confident Caregiver
October 6, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
“I did it!”
What a great feeling those words bring up…we often feel our own confidence bursting at the seams just at the success of anyone who realizes they have reached a level of self-assurance.
Ambiguous Loss – Grief in Caregiving
September 30, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
My experience with grief was the biggest surprise of my entire caregiving journey, maybe in life itself. As with Alzheimer’s, and just like caregiving, I had had little experience with grief.
Music and Memories
August 27, 2023 by Judith AllenShone
There are songs we know our loved ones once liked to sing, and sometimes they remember words and sing along.
Sundowning Late-day Confusion
August 14, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, when a loved one with dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease, is experiencing anxiety, restlessness, or confusion, or appears to be agitated later in the day, or early evening, caregivers most likely are witnessing some aspect of Sundowning.
If I Get Dementia
July 17, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone (feature author unknown)
Knowing how someone wants to be treated when they get dementia helps us to understand and makes life easier for everyone. It lets us know how to honor them in a way they prefer. It is not painful, but it takes a loving, conscious effort on our part.
Time to Stop Driving
July 14, 2023 by Judith Allen Shone
Among all the caregiver minefields, one of the biggies is the subject of when loved ones should discontinue driving.
It is important, and thus our discussion here, to at least be alerted to the emotional uncertainties caregivers face when time comes to decide the loved one must no longer drive.
Accepting the Gift of Caregiving 