Holidays bring out the best and worse in caregivers and people who have experienced a recent lost. The inclination may be to spend holidays in a dark room, chase people away with “bah humbug” or worse, refuse to have a part in the festivities. We can’t be happy all the time but being present with family and friends can be more healing than ignoring the feelings that lurk beneath the surface. As hard as it may be, embracing traditions can, in the long run, be comforting as i

Sometimes after particularly notable support group meeting I summarize them and send to the group. Below are examples of a few: 9 March 2017 Hello All - our meeting last night was most interesting and veered off into unexplored areas. M gave us a comprehensive picture of his mother, in effect, from birth to death, how she saved herself and several family members in Germany in the 30’s. What an interesting and brave woman. That spurred others to chime in about their own or

We know that dementia can turn a sweet person sour and angry and an angry person quiet, compliant.

Losing someone to a long term chronic illness can stretch families to the edge; you watch the gradual loss of capacity and at the same time take on increased responsibilities. It’s easier when the ill person handles their losses with grace and even humor; harder when they become angry and fight, frightened at the prospect of a life foreshortened. Family – the ones closest - are the recipient of that anger; after all, who else would stand for it. “Well", caregivers say, “a