We're All Going to Die Sometime

Such profound words from a woman with Stage 6 Dementia. The crippled mind can still associate human emotions with consequences, even if they're not the result of immediate actions. Today we met with the caregivers at Harbor Village. The time is quickly approaching when we have to make that tough decision about moving Mom to memory care.

It's been months, maybe a year since my last post to this blog. Life just flashes by; who's got time to write about memories. Especially on a blog that so few know about. But, so many are in the same boat. With Alzheimer's and dementia cases climbing at astronomical rates, lots of families will be impacted. For me, at 58, chances are I'll be diagnosed at some point. And when we reach this point where you can't take care of yourself, and your actions are viewed as "dangerous", the family is left with a choice: what to do with the patient. Remember caregiver, that's my mom (or dad).

So cold and seemingly matter of fact was the discussion.My sister is an RN and works with people who are dying: so close to death they can taste it. And they surely resemble it with their outward appearance. It's interesting when you see someone at the end of their life and think "they look like they're going to die." At least, that's the way I think.

"Mom, nobody's going to die." Those were my calming words. Even though, strangely enough, this move, this place, memory care, is about getting ready to succumb to the disease. For my mother-in-law it took 8 years of getting ready: Physically strong, mentally wasting away, it was brutal to watch this person remain alive with advanced Alzheimer's.