Even on the hard days, there are people, including professionals, who really do care and want to help.

Of course, we mourn what we've lost. Of course, we do. And. As best we can in each moment, we adapt to the changes in life that dementia brings with it while learning to look for and create moments of joy.

Dementia is becoming increasingly common. Education and awareness building can help ensure that the crucial support needed becomes available.

This MM Caregiver Grief Inventory might provide some helpful insight as it was "designed to measure the grief experience of current family caregivers of persons living with progressive dementia". static1.squarespace.com/static/6372d16…

Leaning into the trust that we are each doing our level best on any given day can help us ride out the rough spots.

"There is not one singular type of dementia" Under the second point listed in this article, there is an informative graphic illustrating many of the forms and types of brain changes that fall under the dementia umbrella. teepasnow.com/blog/4-common-…

This "Zarit Burden Interview" tool can help caregivers gauge how they "are coping with stress and fatigue." static1.squarespace.com/static/6372d16…

When awareness about dementia becomes more widespread, the stigma attached to it begins to change. This vital shift will lead to better resources and support for our loved ones, including helping to find a cure.

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can feel life-altering (because it is and will be). Extending our care can be such good medicine for the soul of both a loved one and ourselves.

"Providing accommodations for employees who wish to keep working and are able to, based on job responsibilities and safety, can retain historical knowledge... and create a positive work culture where employees feel safe acknowledging health problems." alz.org/blog/alz/augus…

Caring for someone with dementia is a tiring and hard, long game, and it's one you don't have to go alone. There are many programs available that can help. We in the "The Purple Sherpa Basecamp" Facebook group also understand. You can find us here: facebook.com/groups/ThePurp…

This letter was written by someone who is living with dementia. "Having managed an adult day program for over 12 years, I witnessed the progression of people with dementia... so the reality of what is in store for me is so frightening." tamcummings.com/pwd-letter

Knowing that you have options is helpful even if you choose not to pursue them. Try to bear in mind that the worst time to look for those options is when you're desperate.

The MM Caregiver Grief Inventory is a tool "designed to measure the grief experience of current family caregivers of persons living with progressive dementia". If/when you have a few moments, it might provide some helpful insight. static1.squarespace.com/static/6372d16…

Caring for someone with dementia can be extremely taxing and it's more than ok to work in breaks for yourself. Sometimes reaching out for help from others is exactly the next right step (for both of you).

"It is important to remember that not all brain changes are... dementia as each type of brain change can have different causes." This helpful post includes an illustration of many of the forms of brain changes that fall under the dementia umbrella. teepasnow.com/blog/4-common-…

We’re all human, and we feel kindness, forgiveness, and compassion — we may also feel frustration, anger, grief, and more. Humans are complex. Dementia is complex. Put the two together, and the best we can do is to navigate the complexity as best we can.

There are gifts to be found in the new reality that accompanies dementia, even if they aren't things we would otherwise see as a gift. Some examples are moments of lucidity, companionable time just sitting and being together, and giving a loved one the gift of care.

When a loved one is living with dementia, we help maintain their dignity by treating them with kindness and compassion. By our example and by our words, we can help others to do the same.

The MM Caregiver Grief Inventory "is designed to measure the grief experience of current family caregivers of persons living with progressive dementia". If/when you have a few moments, it might provide some helpful insight. static1.squarespace.com/static/6372d16…