“Possibly the greatest challenge caregivers face is the gathering and organizing of information so that it is easily accessible, current and effectively disseminated.”

“Now, a gathering storm is making it imperative that employers prepare to increase the options and resources available to employees who are going to be swept up in family caregiving responsibilities in greater numbers than ever -- and finding it harder to maintain their equilibrium.”

“I had the great clarity that my dad was still my dad, that he might be different, but not less. He was not a disease, and Alzheimer’s was not his identity. I would work to keep his life as close to the way he would have lived without the disease.”

“The three volumes which comprise the Comfort in Their Journey series are somewhat of an encyclopedia of caregiving.”

Guest post by Terri Corcoran

"My family believed that not dying is not the same as living, as there must be meaning for there to be life. It was our objective to maintain my dad’s quality of life as opposed to its longevity."

"With awareness and a shift in our language to be accurate, sensitive, and love causing, we can lead by example and change the view of someone living with Alzheimer’s from one of living in the shadows of darkness and shame, to one of emerging with limitless possibilities for continuing a meaningful life."

“I knew that what my family did to care for both of my parents while in crises was an act of deep love and a desperate effort to survive the physical and emotional toll. I also knew that I amassed an abundance of knowledge from it and could help others go through the process thriving instead of surviving.”

“People are reticent to plan for their end of life, as the process is highly personal and requires us to face our inevitable mortality, triggering fear and negativity,” Trish said. “When end-of-life planning is viewed as being as much for those who care for you and help you live your remaining days as you choose, it becomes a great gift. It provides a roadmap for them to follow and assists with a smooth transition for everyone, removing the stress of having to guess at your wishes.

In addition, identifying your end-of-life wishes before medical crisis or end of life is imminent, allows for decisions to be made calmly, rationally and without fear. Discussing the plan with your loved ones removes the fear and anxiety for them of not knowing your wishes and can start an open conversation. It is a gift of peace of mind for everyone.”

Guest post by Dawn Williams

Part 3 of 3 blogs in a series taking Alzheimer’s from fear to possibility.

“Alzheimer’s is a marathon, not a sprint. Anyone who knows about marathons knows that how you recover is based on how you prepared. If you did your training according to the time-tested schedule for runs, you will recover from the full event quickly. If not, you will likely suffer. How you plan will also determine whether you thrive or survive the experience. In caregiving, resilience is about how you recharge, not how you endure. Often the patient receives medication. As a caregiver, what is your medicine? What recharges you? For me, it is dance.”

Part 2 of 3 blogs in a series taking Alzheimer’s from fear to possibility.

“When I first heard that Dad was taking medication for Alzheimer’s, I was stunned. I knew that there was a lot that I didn’t know and likely some of which I knew was inaccurate. What I did know was that Dad would always be my dad, and he was not a disease. I also instantly knew that I would not, as close as possible, allow him to suffer, and that I would do everything I could to keep his life to the way he would have lived it without Alzheimer’s.”