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God’s Love Conquers All

God's Love Conquers All

“I don’t know who you are, but I am NOT your mother!”

The harsh words cut to the core of my being. I wanted to cry, to scream, to shake her and say, “yes, you are my mother!”

In that moment, God gave me the presence of mind and grace to answer with love.

“Well, Sweet Lady, you’re someone’s mother. Is it okay if I call you ‘Momma’?”

Dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory issues of any kind is hard. There are no easy answers. Click here for some practical tips you may find helpful in caring for your entire family.

For me, God clearly helped me day-by-day to cope with Mother’s ever-changing world. As a Loving Father, he enabled me to continue with Mother’s care, smiling and hugging on her.

God's Love Conquers All Later, after she was snuggled safely in bed, I headed for the back porch and cried and yelled and screamed. “God, this just isn’t fair! I want Momma back.” Life isn’t fair; often it’s a jungle out there.

As I write this article tonight, I am aware many of you are facing new journeys; the unexpected has hit our world and disturbed our routines. Already overwhelmed by life, you may now have family at home from school or work. Perhaps you are having to work at home.

The basic needs are the same. Everyone in our home (and work and communities) need to know they are loved above all else. For me, Momma remembering who I was or even who she was, was not as important as her feeling cared for and loved.

Wise words are found in Romans 8:31KJV “…if God be for us, who can be against us.” Read more comforting and true words here.

If circumstances of the day have found you in trying times with your family, remember: we all need to know we are loved. Turn to the One Who loves you most. In troubled times (regardless of what they are,)

I am praying for you and sending hugs,

How are you handling the trials of our changing world today? Let me hear from you.

For more about Momma and me, click here.

National Family Caregiver Month is November

Most family caregivers also hold down regular jobs.

Did you notice the title? National Family Caregiver Month? Three of four family caregivers either work now or have been working while providing care. Two thirds have made adjustments to their work life or given up their jobs.

One in five family caregivers has had to take a leave of absence.

Most provide 20 to 40 hours a week or more. Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? Are you? What needs to happen to ease the burden and lighten the load?

Can you relate to my situation with my mother?

Because I loved Mother so much, as her caregiver, I felt a need to be personally involved in all aspects of her care. It was difficult for me to turn loose of the reigns and trust others to help.

Being a family caregiver taught me two life-changing lessons.

#1, I could not do everything myself, physically or mentally.

#2, It was well worth my time to learn from others in my situation and explore options.

There are several helps available.

Free articles, free videos and books, a safe place to dialog.

Here are two of my favorite websites for helpful ideas and solutions from those who have been there. Some offer a safe place to chat with other caregivers. Both websites are self-explanatory and very easy to navigate. Whether you have just a few minutes or an hour, you will gain from checking these out.

Caregiving.com

This website: http://www.caregiving.com is by far my favorite website for caregivers. It is a very user-friendly site and offers many choices.

There are several blogs including caring for spouses, caring for children, caring for parents, caring for grandparents, caring for 2 or 3 or 4 at once, etc. There are many free articles and videos as well as a store.

If you tire of reading, they even offer a few free games to play while you rest.

Alzheimer’s Association for more than Alzheimer’s

www.alz.org offers articles drawing clear pictures of the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A great place to start if this is an area you have concerns about for yourself or someone in your care.

Alzheimer’s Association offers help finding geriatric resources in your area; an informative e-newsletter, and overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
The facts are astounding, yet there is help and there is hope. I pray you will be encouraged today, and will find a way to encourage others along the path.

Have a great week, and let me hear from you.

Hugs,

Find out how early family involvement will help lighten your load, click here http://ezinearticles.com/?Early-Family-Involvement-Will-Lighten-the-Caregiver-Burden&id=7889350

Tips on Coping With Alzheimers and Dementia

Posted on September 15, 2016 by adminSeptember 15, 2016

Losing a loved one does not always mean death. Alzheimers and Dementia cause young and old to be “lost” to a degree as reason and memory decline.

There will never be enough information or time to adequately prepare you for Alzheimers and dementia. Diseases such as these challenge family and caregivers to learn new ways of coping with subtle or drastic changes.

These helpful tips will encourage and help you recognize and deal with these changes.

Alzheimers and dementia seem to come in stages, slowly at first, then progressing—often showing up in suppressed anger or resentment. It is vital to recognize the cause.
Watch closely for changes in eating habits, fears over trivial happenings, or tears or laughter at inappropriate times. Be sure to report these changes to health care providers, however insignificant they may seem at the time.
It may not feel “right” to take away a loved ones’ privileges but it is the safest and best choice for them. God will send His loving peace as you do the hard thing for them.
As you determine a schedule for yourself and your family, know it may–most likely will–need adjusting. As it has been said, “just go with the flow!”
Plan even small activities for her/him. No one needs to be sitting in a chair all day with no activity. They may not recall the activity later, but their body and spirit will benefit greatly; so will yours. Often Mother helped me with chores like folding washcloths which I refolded later.
Laughter truly is the best medicine as taught in the Scriptures. Your loved one will reflect what they see on your face–let them see joy and fun instead of fear and grief. I learned quickly to laugh at Mother’s messes so she would feel comfortable.
Be alert always to changes. Just when you feel you’ve conquered a situation, a new one will appear suddenly and often without warning.
It is God’s love in you and your love for that special person that will inevitable get you through the long–lasting journey.

Above all, love and accept the person as they are now.

To quote Debra White from her book, SHE TOUCHED MY HEART, “No longer will mom walk in confusion and fear; but her mind will be restored. She will know as she is known. She will walk on streets of gold … she will worship at the feet of Jesus as she declares Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No evil will abound near her … never another tear, no sadness, only peace, love and joy.”

To learn more about Debra’s book, click here.