Thanks for the tracker info! We’d had a presentation on that at Rotary once, but I’m sure many people who could be helped by that aren’t aware of it. I’m sure it means a lot in this situation.
Your ongoing capacity for “being-with” Bella where she is - both mentally as well as physically- was tested beyond any limits of the imagination during your late night trip through the streets of unfamiliar territory, Will!
Yet you, and countless other caretakers of loved ones with dementia, are challenged in-the-moment, day after day, hour by hour, to react spontaneously to real or perceived safety situations, often putting your own safety at risk.
Thank you for your willingness to continue sharing your insightful personal journey, along with alerting us all to this locally available location-alert bracelet system which will hopefully continue to keep both you and Bella safe in the days and nights ahead.
Will, thank you for sharing your journey with Bella. I am wondering if you could write about local support groups or respite care that might be available for those who are taking this journey and are not aware of the services available?
This is wonderful. Since a COVID infection that had no symptoms at all on New Years, my stepfather's disease has progressed rapidly. You are so good with Bella and have been patient and loving through the years as my mother has been with her husband. So much of this disease is frightening and exhausting. Thank you for writing about your experiences Will. It helps others in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing your adventures with Bella. Your generous spirit and beautiful writing helps the rest of us understand life as the caregiver of someone with Alzheimers. I hope these writings can be in a book someday. It would help so many orhers.
Will.....I just hope you find some comfort in sharing what you are experiencing with Bella, with all of us out here because you certainly know by now how this audience reacts....with love and admiration. . It's totally exhausting to try and comprehend what you find yourself doing to keep up with her changing mind. What is ahead for any of us?
As many of our comments have stated, we are privileged to have your writings on this journey with Alzheimers. They are both sobering and heart-rending. And always, always, filled with love. Thank you.
These posts are so filled with love, care and compassion. And lots of honesty about the trying times your situation presents. You're a good man, Will. You two are lucky to have found each other. Godspeed to you both.
I read an article about a memory care facility, I think somewhere in Europe, that had a big problem with patients wandering off the grounds until they put a realistic looking but fake bus stop right outside the door. Many of the patients had taken public transportation their whole lives, so they would see the bus stop and sit on the bench to wait for the bus to take them wherever their mind was telling them they needed to go. Then the attendants could go out and instead of chasing them down and trying to convince them to return, they could just sit and “wait for the bus” too. Then after a time, they could offer a cup of tea or a snack or whatever and the patient would happily go back inside with them. Somehow waiting for a bus satisfied the wanderlust that seems to affect so many Alzheimer’s patients. Perhaps you will be able to think of something that will work as a “bus stop” for Bella. But keep that tracker just in case!
What a great idea and will most definitely help with your own peace of mind.
And they come to you to switch out batteries!
You are wonderful with Bella .
We all should have your strength , patience and resilience. World would be a better place.
Thanks for the tracker info! We’d had a presentation on that at Rotary once, but I’m sure many people who could be helped by that aren’t aware of it. I’m sure it means a lot in this situation.
Thanks for sharing, the tracker will be a great help, caregivers need support. Hope you, Bella and Ringo have a peaceful day.
Your ongoing capacity for “being-with” Bella where she is - both mentally as well as physically- was tested beyond any limits of the imagination during your late night trip through the streets of unfamiliar territory, Will!
Yet you, and countless other caretakers of loved ones with dementia, are challenged in-the-moment, day after day, hour by hour, to react spontaneously to real or perceived safety situations, often putting your own safety at risk.
Thank you for your willingness to continue sharing your insightful personal journey, along with alerting us all to this locally available location-alert bracelet system which will hopefully continue to keep both you and Bella safe in the days and nights ahead.
God bless you both, today, tomorrow and always…
Not easy. Wrist monitor great item. Another wildflower booklet coming your way about five Queensbury walkable trails.
Diane Collins
Will, thank you for sharing your journey with Bella. I am wondering if you could write about local support groups or respite care that might be available for those who are taking this journey and are not aware of the services available?
These are amazing stories, Will, and thank you for telling them with such humanity.
This is wonderful. Since a COVID infection that had no symptoms at all on New Years, my stepfather's disease has progressed rapidly. You are so good with Bella and have been patient and loving through the years as my mother has been with her husband. So much of this disease is frightening and exhausting. Thank you for writing about your experiences Will. It helps others in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing your adventures with Bella. Your generous spirit and beautiful writing helps the rest of us understand life as the caregiver of someone with Alzheimers. I hope these writings can be in a book someday. It would help so many orhers.
Will.....I just hope you find some comfort in sharing what you are experiencing with Bella, with all of us out here because you certainly know by now how this audience reacts....with love and admiration. . It's totally exhausting to try and comprehend what you find yourself doing to keep up with her changing mind. What is ahead for any of us?
Keep going…with love…it’s all we can do in a situation too many of us have faced. ✌️💗
As many of our comments have stated, we are privileged to have your writings on this journey with Alzheimers. They are both sobering and heart-rending. And always, always, filled with love. Thank you.
In my heart each step I walk with you and Bella. And know that we all are tracking with you both, tripping with love always.
These posts are so filled with love, care and compassion. And lots of honesty about the trying times your situation presents. You're a good man, Will. You two are lucky to have found each other. Godspeed to you both.
You are a gift, Will. A blessing. All who read your essays thank you.
I read an article about a memory care facility, I think somewhere in Europe, that had a big problem with patients wandering off the grounds until they put a realistic looking but fake bus stop right outside the door. Many of the patients had taken public transportation their whole lives, so they would see the bus stop and sit on the bench to wait for the bus to take them wherever their mind was telling them they needed to go. Then the attendants could go out and instead of chasing them down and trying to convince them to return, they could just sit and “wait for the bus” too. Then after a time, they could offer a cup of tea or a snack or whatever and the patient would happily go back inside with them. Somehow waiting for a bus satisfied the wanderlust that seems to affect so many Alzheimer’s patients. Perhaps you will be able to think of something that will work as a “bus stop” for Bella. But keep that tracker just in case!