Category: Gram Helen’s Story

Gram is slowing down, and her heart is starting to fail. This causes her pain, and when she has pain, she gets a little naughty. She is cranky with caregivers and other residents when she is in that pain, and it makes life a little difficult. Recently, the wife on another resident brought in

Christmas started out so pleasantly. I went to the home where Grandma lives, and found her sitting alone, looking a little sad. I said "Merry Christmas, Gram! Let's get you ready to go see Barbara." She looked up, and said she didn't feel like going anywhere. I took her hand and said

Well, the romance is over.  Grandma's boyfriend had to move out of state to be near his children.  On his last day, he pledged his love to her, and asked her to move with him.  She shook her head gently and said, "But I can't, my children are here."  Did she really understand any of

Well, isn't that a bit of a surprise?  My 93 year old grandma lost her second husband more than 25 years ago, and never really dated anyone afterwards.  She has been living in the Memory Care Facility for 6 months...and now has a boyfriend.  She has dementia, as does he.   When my mom called to tell

Gram has been in her Memory Care Home for over 2 months now.  We continue to visit her often.  I bring my grandson to brighten her days a couple of times a week.  We bring her to visit her friends at Gentog once or twice a week.  We're trying to find that perfect balance.   I just

Friday I surprised her and picked her up for a day at Gentog.  She is always greeted like a long lost friend when she returns here, which she really enjoys.  She spent the day visiting, seeing the children and relaxing.  I had to ask her three times if she was ready to go home (such

I've rarely been as tired as I was last night.  Yesterday was move-in day for Gram in the Memory Care Facility.   Our morning started pleasantly...Gram woke up in a good mood.  We had some clean up to do, and I gave her one last bath in my home.  As she walked down the stairs to breakfast

Today is the last full day and night with Gram at our house.  I thought it was starting good, as she was up and dressed when I woke up.  I was wrong.  When I came down after getting ready myself, my daughter met me on the steps and said "Gram is really acting crazy this

Today I'm in mourning.   The Gram that I have known and loved all of my life is changing.  She's not gone...but dementia is slowly robbing her of who she is.  We've reached the point where she can't live safely with us, and we've found a place for her to move.  She will be safe there.  She

What an exhausting week!  On Monday we met with a placement specialist to talk about finding long term care for Gram.  My parents were both there.  My uncle and his wife were there.   We spent a couple of hours discussing possibilities.   There are many options to choose from for Seniors today.  The old days of