Lisa Breckenridge

Five years ago today we lost the brightest light in our family, my sweet mom, Miss Mimi.

Alzheimer’s took her slowly. By the end she barely resembled the firecracker who could walk into any room and make it warmer. But there was still the occasional spark and you could feel her warmth. I learned a lot about how to love her during this period which is often referred to as the long goodbye.

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, a few more things I wish I’d known sooner:

💛 Sudden confusion? Call the doctor. A sudden change can be an infection (often a UTI) or a medication issue, not just the disease.

💛 Do the paperwork early. Power of attorney and healthcare wishes, while they can still tell you what they want.

💛 Take care of you. Grief starts long before goodbye. The Alzheimer’s Association helpline is free and open 24/7: 800-272-3900.

To my sister, who carried the hardest part every single day: thank you isn’t enough.

Miss you, Mom. Always. Forever. And beyond.

#Alzheimers #AlzheimersAwareness #Caregiving #DementiaCare #GriefJourney