We’ve all heard the term, The Golden Years, described as those wonderful years in the autumn and winter of life; a time when we are to be able to relax in retirement and enjoy the freedoms of being with our spouses, children and grandchildren, families and friends.  A time advertised by marketers and pharmaceutical companies as carefree, worry-free and problem-free.

I can tell you – it’s not always that rosy picture. 

This journey involved a spectrum of fear, confusion, desperation and despair.   And just when I thought I hit every emotion known to man, along came hopelessness and, yes, guilt.  I was fortunate and blessed to have the support of siblings who, at many stops along this journey, talked me off and pulled me back from that ledge of helplessness.  There were so many times I felt overwhelmed simply because I didn’t know how to care for them and get them the help they so desperately needed and deserved.

I have this site in the hope that I can help those of you who might be going through the same thing with a loved one. Maybe you’re in what I called “discovery stage” and you’ve noticed that Mom is having some trouble finding the words to finish her sentences, and even gets angry when someone finishes it for her.  Or possibly, Dad can’t remember why he came into the room more often than not.  You’ve noticed that Aunt Penny’s daily medications are all still in the container at the end of the day but she swears she’s taken her daily meds when she’s supposed to.   And then Uncle Ben has a few bumps or bruises and assures you he just tripped a little on that step he’s been meaning to fix.   You already suspect some kind of problem and as much as you want to hope it’s “just typical aging” deep down, you may know it’s not. 

Perhaps someone you love has already been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers and you are at what I call the “Gotta Move” stage.  The doctors tell you that she needs care and quickly.  You know you  need some help, but, Where?  Who?  How?

These are only a fraction of the decisions and situations you will face on this journey.  There will be times of panic and times of exhaustion.  But if you have a place where you can get options, choices, ideas, suggestions and even some support – then I’m hoping here is where I can help.