
Dear caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia: I know February 14 (Sunday) is Valentine's Day. But I'm not going to suggest any Valentine's-themed crafts for your loved one with dementia. Nor am I going to issue reminders that someone with dementia might still appreciate a mushy hearts-and-flowers Valentine, a box of chocolates, or a bright bouquet.
Instead, I'm going to ask some questions that are not so flowery (but full of heart): Has anyone given you a hard time about your caregiving lately? Have you been accused, say, of spending too much time taking care of one person to the exclusion of others? Of making yourself crazy? Of running yourself ragged? Of the 10 signs of caring too much?
Has anyone uttered that dreaded word burnout?
I had a fascinating conversation the other day about this touchy topic with Caring.com senior medical editor Ken Robbins, a geriatric psychiatrist at the University of Wisconsin, who knows caregivers and their stresses well... Read more







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