Parental Caregiving Gifts

Before I Knew My Mom Had Alzheimer's, Her Weirdness Drove Me Crazy

"I think the most rewarding part of caring for elderly parents is when they call you because they don't want to bother the 9-1-1 people."

'Honey, I wish you wouldn't bring your work home with you!'

Catching Jeffrey To Change His Diaper.

"Whoa. Someone needs their diaper changed."

"No more diapers. Simply lift the lid and go here."

"I'm trying to lure in Generation X-ers. They're the new sandwich generation. They're sandwiched between caring for their kids and caring for their parents. So they drink lots and lots of coffee."

"Did you remember my mints?"

". . . and now it's his memory. Three times on Saturday he asked me what day it was. Or did I already tell you that earlier?"

Complete the jigsaw puzzle of your life

Duel in a wheelchair.

'I hope what I have isn't catching.'

Man reads note, which reads: Have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, I don't know where your dinner is.

"Do let me know if I'm getting in the way, won't you?"

"How else will I know when I'm clean as a hound's tooth?"

Father nursing his sick child

My Mother Was Absolutely Certain She Would Not Succumb to Alzheimer's. She Was Wrong.

'Let's play doctor. You be the primary care giver and I'll be the doctor you refer patients to.'

"I love how he finds joy in the simple things." "The emotional burden of alleviating his depression is crushing me."

"We'll less than two metres again, don't know where, don't know when..."

"The nurse thinks she's sneaky, but I know my meds are in the peanut butter."

"He thinks it's the weather channel."

"You want the truth? I can't remember the truth!"

'We all have trade-offs in life, Mrs. Quigley. I wanted to be a bartender.'

But mom... This is great for baby! Just think of Rex - 6 months ago, he was a tiny little puppy... and look at him now!

"My special power is supervision."

What Do You Do When You're Caring For Someone with Alzheimer's?

"You're on 'Ask Sadie.' What's your problem?!"

Hey, anyone? I'd like some attention. Waaaaa!! You okay, baby? Now I see how this works.

'My parents only said 'don't accept rides from strangers,' but I'm the one asking to go with YOU.'

'Mr. Franklin. What did I tell you about wheelies in the hallway?'

'Hug someone you love today, but don't break them in half.'

'... And as soon as it's discovered, don't play with fire!'

Family courts.

Responsibility