About 7 years ago, when I was 27 my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a particular form under the Dementia umbrella. It’s the most common one.
Since then, it’s been a journey that’s ripped my family apart and caused me to question everything from who I am to the man I hope to be.
At the time, I didn’t realise what was to come and the two reasons for this site are
- For the caregivers : A real human voice on my story with my Dad over 7-8 years. Hopefully which gives you greater insights on what is to come and let you know it is okay to not be okay from someone that has been there and got the t-shirt.
- For the friends & family : Advice on how to talk to the caregivers. Go to talk to us
I was the youngest person at the time in a class on dealing with dementia in a workshop I attended with my family and as this disease grows, my hope is to create a resource for others which we didn’t have.
To the only man I will ever love..
There are pages in the menu of everything from dealing with grief to how to ask for help. Feel free to contact me, comment below on a post and share.
Go to > first page > on SIGNs
Kind regards, Liam
Hello, Liam Thank you for the like on the blog from Host Chatting With Betsy on Passionate World Talk Radio. Betsy is an Advocate and Caregiver. Betsy’s husband passed in January 2020. It is not easy on being a caregiver. Betsy has a mission to make more awareness of Dementia/Alzheimers. If you would like the contact information for Betsy, please contact me at Theconnectshow@gmail.com. Thank you for your comment on Blog/Audio. Jeanne White, Station Manager, Passionate World Talk Radio.
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Hi Liam. I realise now why you liked that particular post of mine. I hope your father is safe and well. Mine passed away at the age of 89 and he had a mild form of dementia as well. According to the specialist, he didn’t have Alzheimers, for which I will be eternally grateful because it mean that he could have a relatively normal and happy life, almost to the end [he had a fall and spent the last 6 weeks of his life in hospital].
Dad lived with us until that fall, and what I discovered was that routine, patience and simple reassurance could get us over most of the hurdles. I encouraged him to do what he could for as long as he could, and I told him that everyone forgot things at times. He knew his brilliant engineer’s mind was fading but we tried to create something of happiness in every day, even if it was just his favourite meal or a slice of homemade cake.
I know Alzheimers is very different, and far more cruel, but in the early stages these strategies may work to maintain quality of life, for all of you.
Apologies for the long comment. You’re doing a fantastic kindness to carers everywhere.
-hugs-
Meeks
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Thanks and loved the comment!
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-hugs- you’ll always be welcome here.
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Wow Liam. Aren’t you just wonderful. You brought tears to my eyes with the love you clearly have for your dad.
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Oh thank you for the kind words. Needless to say my papa was special to me.
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Beautiful thoughts Liam and so is your love for your dad. God be with you
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Thank you ashok 🙏
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My pleasure Liam 😊
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Sorry to hear of your dads decline. We had similar circumstances with my wife’s father a few years ago. It is a very challenging time for all concerned.
Dwight
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Thanks Roth and yes it’s a terrible disease. Appreciate the thoughts.
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You are welcome!
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My heart goes out to you Liam, such a wonderful thing that your dad has you by his side during this time. God bless!
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You are a great son Liam… Stay strong brother…
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Thanks for the kind words Singh
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Bless you, Liam. Using your pain to help others heal is not only gracious, but one of the best ways to help yourself heal.
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Thanks Mitch and let’s hope so 😀🙏
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Nice blog
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I’m so sorry for what you and you family are going through. I lost my dad when I was 16 to a brain tumor, and the six months he battled it still haunt me almost 40 years later. I know it’s not the same thing, but I remember that watching my smart, funny, loving father lose his cognitive thinking was almost worse than the pain he was in.
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My grandmother died from Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s a horrible way to go, forgetting who we are. One of my greatest fears actually.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know what you’re family is going through, my Dad passed away 3 years ago with Dementia. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family.
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I thin it is the perfect expression of your love for your dear Father. To educate the world about his condition and to sensitise people of its challenges. I too have seen this condition with my wife’s Father. Blessings to you.
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Thanks @parneetsachdev
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You’re a beautiful soul. Your father is so fortunate to have you with him during his hardest time.
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God bless you both in your private life and for what your intention is in reaching out to others who find themselves in your shoes. You are an inspiration!!
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May God be with you Liam… I am sure your dad is proud of you because I am ❤️
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I think this is the hardest decline of all… dementia and Alzheimer’s. The loss of self is so tragic for the person and family. Your compassion speaks volumes. ❤
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You are such a filial son. Your dad is proud of having you as a son, in fact, any parent will be proud to call you theirs.
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Moving thoughts. Remain blessed.
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I pray for your dear Dad 🙏 ! God Bless Liam.
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Liam,
You were a very cute baby 🙂
Anyway, I do appreciate the information you are sharing on your blog. Society needs more self-awareness and education related to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Alexandra
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What an exceedingly precious gift, to help others out of the pain you have endured. May God strengthen and heal you, Liam!
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Thanks for sharing this, I recently posted a similar story about my Dad
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I’ll be posting more posts of awareness of dementia and advice etc too
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keep doing what you’re doing! Take care
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You too! Promoting awareness is so important 🙂 take care
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Thank you so much for sharing your courageous if painful story. Your love is obvious. There are a growing number who must cope w/ some form of dementia which is not limited to Alzheimer’s Disease alone.
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What a lovely person you are, Liam. Caring for a person with dementia strains every relationship there is. I wish you the best. I’m going to include a link to your blog in my follow-up of Hugh Robert’s short story, People Under the Stairs, published on my blog.
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Oh thank you Marsha for the kind words and support 🙏 😊
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You are welcome, Liam. I’m so sorry you have to go through this in life.
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You are doing a great service to families going through Alzheimer’s by telling your story. thanks for following me @ oneclickhealthplan.com
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