Welcome to June, Caregivers: Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month
- Lickety Glitz
- Jun 5, 2023
- 2 min read
We see you. We get you. We'll help in any way if you need us.
I see them ahead. A frustrated younger woman. An older woman looking at her blankly if at all. The younger woman supplicates softly, but can't disguise the waves of irritation that sucker punch across her face while the older woman gently strokes the arm of this near volcanic force blocking her progress - her objective is elsewhere, not in cahoots with the younger's request, perhaps not even aware of it.
Have you been to this place yet? Occupying a new territory of acute awareness of the dementia world around you in grocery stores, parks, public restrooms, movie theaters, the mall?
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month, a great thing to bring dementia advocacy to the forefront by national organizations with increased events, PSAs, and other whatnots to get the donations and attention of the general public.
But we are caregivers. We're already there. We see each other everywhere now. We get where the other is at. We seek to help with a friendly face that says "I see you. I'll help in anyway if you need it."
And sometimes that offer is taken up. An eye roll of annoyance met with an empathetic smile from a stranger often leads to a quick game of "Caregiver? Me too!" - a brief moment of camaraderie that releases the pressure of dementia defeat.
A big part of the dichotomy of dementia caregiving? We are so isolated and yet there are millions of us. We feel completely abandoned on an island of WTF?, while the islands of WTH?, OMG!, STFU!, and SMH<sigh> go sailing by unheeded.
It took me awhile in my caregiver journey to be aware of this strange and equally clueless flotilla that swirled and spun around me; to understand that I was just one of many and if we could somehow smash our islands of lost joys into each other the connections that resulted would benefit us all.
I have an amazing caregiver film to recommend - and surprisingly, not my own! It is Unconditional. A movie about three caregiver families, one being the family of MSNBC anchor Richard Lui, caring for his Alzheimer's father. It is free to stream through July on PBS. It made me aware, once again, that I am not the only foot soldier on this journey, that family caregivers are everywhere doing their best, mucking things up, figuring things out, and so too often feeling forsaken.
So, for this Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, I'll let the big kids go for the masses. Me, I'll just keep chipping away at my own goal to let family caregivers know that they are not alone, that there is an entire army of us, both in the trenches and grasping our discharged papers as we're catapulted back into civilian life. And...
We see you.
We get you.
We'll help in anyway if you need us.
Thank you for sharing such an insightful and heartfelt post about caregivers and Alzheimer's awareness. It’s so important for caregivers to feel supported and understood, and this article truly highlights that need.
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This is such an important post, as caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's can be incredibly challenging. It’s wonderful to see more awareness being raised. I’d also like to share a quick tip for overall health—using Diatomaceous Earth for Ants has been known for its benefits beyond pest control. You can check out this product, which could support a healthy lifestyle: Diatomaceous Earth for Ants. Additionally, if you're looking into supplements that support brain health, considering the benefits of CDS Solution might be helpful. Here's more information: CDS Solution. Taking small steps like these can make a difference in the well-being of both caregivers and those they care for.
Thank you for this heartfelt and insightful piece. It's a poignant reminder that caregivers often navigate a journey of both isolation and profound connection. Your words resonate deeply, especially during Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month.
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Thank you for this heartfelt and insightful post. It truly captures the essence of the caregiver's journey—often unseen yet profoundly impactful. As a Legal Nurse Consultant, I understand the complexities caregivers face, not just emotionally but also legally. For instance, issues like product liability can arise when medical devices or medications cause harm, adding another layer of stress to caregivers already stretched thin. It's crucial for caregivers to have access to resources that support both their emotional well-being and legal understanding. Your post serves as a beacon of support and awareness. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic.
Thank you for shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of caregivers during Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month. Your words resonate deeply, reminding us that while the journey is challenging, we're not alone. For those seeking to enhance their caregiving journey with innovative tools, I recommend exploring Answer AI. It's a platform designed to assist caregivers in managing tasks more efficiently. Additionally, for a more personalized AI experience, consider the Best AI Humanizer, which tailors interactions to feel more human and intuitive. Both resources have been invaluable in my own caregiving journey. Thank you again for your invaluable insights and support.