Taking Care of Parents with Dementia

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

When Romie is at his other full-time job, I am home with Lola. This has been our daily schedule since 2007 when Lola moved in with us, our only “break” is when we are at our other jobs. What this different lifestyle has taught me is lots of ups and downs, plus lots of tears out of frustration. I have to remind myself that this isn’t who Lola is, this person who moves super slow and looks at you as if you’re a total stranger … It’s not her, it’s the dementia. Sometimes when it becomes too overwhelming, I try to imagine what she may be going through but is unable to communicate because of the disease. It’s upsetting but allows me more patience that I need to give to her.

Exercise for Older Adults with Arthritis

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

Romie does everything for his mother— everything. He ensures that not only is she eating and drinking for her health, but working out is also included every other day. I’m sure Lola doesn’t look forward to “gym” time, but sometimes Romie gives her “no-no food” on special occasions, such as Christmas, and it comes with a price. :) “Lola’s Workout Video for Yo’ Mama” on YouTube is a must-see so check it out!!

Taking Care of Your Parents at Home

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

Romie is the youngest of nine siblings (one sibling after him died at birth). He has such a huge nurturing heart, and much of that has to do with his faith; his bible is always in his hands every morning when he wakes up. Each Sunday, he gets Lola ready for church and this can get challenging when she tends to move slower on Sundays (haha!). Sometimes, before he even gets a chance to get himself ready, our young niece Kaylee is with us on the weekends so he’s getting her ready, too … Yeah, all this commotion happens while I sleep in. (I felt like I needed to confess that!)

Living with Dementia Parent

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

Because of Romie’s other full-time job, we get to travel often as a family; we visit his relatives in Manila, Philippines almost every single year. It’s more than just a visit, it’s a chance for family back home to spend as much time as they can with Lola and help make her time as memorable and comfortable as possible. However, sometimes her dementia makes it difficult for her to remember a lot of things she used to know by heart, faces are not quickly identified. The one face she always ask for is Romie’s.

Take Care of Your Parents in their Old Age

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

On our last trip back to Thailand I posted this cell phone image and its story from Bangkok, I didn’t realize the impact it would have at the time when I put it on Facebook. I’m still overwhelmed with emotions as I copy the story here: [Get your tissues ready]: My mom (Chitta Nix) was buying drinks at one of the food carts when the vendor and another lady asked her about Romie & Lola … English Translation: “We’ve been watching them the last 10 minutes and in tears to learn that your son-in-law is taking care/feeding his mom. In my 47 years, I’ve never seen anything so sweet. You both are blessed to have him.” (Romie does this every day.)

The post generated 6,500+ views organically. (Wow, that’s a lot for us!)