Blog

Crossing: A caregiver’s journey – Book Review by Susan H. McFadden

I have read a lot of poetry by people caring for loved ones with dementia, but this collection of poems is by far the best in my opinion. It describes a journey of love and care from the first moments of being concerned about someone’s cognitive abilities, to the time when care is no longer possible in the home and a transition must be made to a residential care community, and then to death and grief. The book opens by […] https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/crossing-a-caregivers-journey-book-review-by-susan-h-mcfadden/

Social Isolation Affects our Memory

In the last few years, there has been a lot of research on the effects of social isolation on health and well-being. In 2018, the government in the United Kingdom created a Ministry of Loneliness and stated that loneliness is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Little did they know how much attention we’d be paying to loneliness and social isolation in 2020! Earlier this year, a research article reported on a study of over 10,000 […] https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/social-isolation-affects-our-memory/

Your Pharmacy, Your Partner

There is a saying, “Drugs don’t work in people who don’t take them.” One of your best allies in maintaining optimum health can be your pharmacist. Understanding that relationship and the ways that both you as the consumer, and the pharmacy can relate results is not only the best service, but also increases the chance for better compliance. There are several factors for your consideration in making the most of your pharmacy relationship. Busy times at pharmacies can mean more […] https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/your-pharmacy-your-partner/

What Good Does It Do To Talk About It?

Focus on Caregivers Sharing Their Experience Every person experiencing memory loss is a unique human being. Every family caregiver for a person with memory loss is a unique human being. Memory loss plays out differently for each person. Caregiving is unique to each person involved. As I have worked with families, I am completely convinced of the richness and value in what you have to say about your unique experiences. Caregiving is an ongoing journey that you would not have […] https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/what-good-does-it-do-to-talk-about-it/

Understanding

I recently came across this quote: “If we could look into each other’s hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care.”  -Marvin J. Aston I have a copy of this quote on the door of my office and on my computer as a reminder for me each day at the clinic. I have decided to also put it on the Fox […] https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/understanding/

Connected in Caring

A gentleman who is providing full time care for his wife who is experiencing moderate memory loss recently asked me how he would ask and accept assistance. He says when he thinks about finding support, he immediately stops because he tells himself that he should be able to do this himself and would see himself as a “mooch.” Those messages or self-talk that are ingrained in us are hard to recognize and can be even harder to change. If you […] https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/connected-in-caring/