Ma Chronicles: Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s (part 1)
“How is your mom?” asks a face staring through the tiny zoom screen, as one popped up after the next to say hello to each other before the gentle yoga asana class begins. Somehow, on this day, I tried a new answer.
“Well it’s hard to say.”
“Is her disease progressing?” asks an elder woman, who I know is concerned about her own age-related memory loss.
“Well it’s hard to say”.
I hear the repetition of my words and it brings up an awkward smile, so subtle that it is barely detectable on my face.
I continue, “We are at a phase where there are certainly many major losses. She requires full time care. But there is an awareness still at times that she has this disease. She has moments where she is aware and doesn’t want to accept care in those moments. I am hoping to see you all next month. That is, if I can leave the house”.
Ten tiny squares of grey hair nod their heads. Given the statistics for Alzeimer’s disease, 50% of those over the age of 80 in North America, I do not know if it is wise for me to share this perspective with this kind and courageous group of elders, if it will bring up their fears, yet, the words flow out today calmly and clearly.
