Blessed are the caregivers, for they make a heaven on earth for those they love: please Zoom with us to talk about “SPOUSAL CAREGIVING THROUGH DEMENTIA”

Featured image: Danish artist Sophus Vermehren, Interior with Elderly Man Sleeping (1944). By the time of this painting, Vermehren was nearing the end of a long and successful career (1866-1950). He lived with his wife, Yelva Petrea Sophie Vermehren. Art historians believe that the elderly man on the left of the painting is a self-portrait of Vermehren and the woman beside him a portrait of Yelva. Yelva’s hand on his arm as well as the meal on the table, ready to be eaten, are evidence or her loving care of him.

Said First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a pioneer in advocating for the caregivers in families who care for those with mental health issues: “There are four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”  Many of you who  love and/or care for people with a terminal illnesses or those caught in the indeterminable progress of dementia—you know that, whatever the cause of your serious illness, we who receive such care would not have a worthwhile life without you, our caregivers.

IN my family, I—of course—know that Peter makes my very being possible with his care. I realize (but not enough and not often enough) how much energy and time I need from him. And I know that, at times, his stress and anxiety levels interfere with his health. I am grateful for the time he is giving me—more time to hang out with him, make food together, celebrate his birthday tomorrow for the 57th time: I was with him when he turned twenty, I’ll be with him when he turns 77  tomorrow.

This coming week, Peter and I will be one couple of the two caregiver/receiver couples to participate in a Zoom panel to talk about the needs of caregivers and what it feels like to receive care from someone you love.

 Dan and Lois

WE INVITE THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED AND HAVE TIME TO JOIN US AND ASK YOUR QUESTIONS.

HERE IS THE INFORMATION.

WHAT: A Zoom panel discussion called “Love, Care, and Commitment: Spousal Caregiving Through Dementia”

WHO: Two dementia Caregiver Couples and four Expert Caregiver Coaches

WHEN: Wednesday, February 5th

TIME: 3 pm PST/ 4 pm MST /6pm EST/

HOW: Register here so that you will be sent an invitation to  join the conversation