Posts by Louis Summers

🌿 A Simple Task That Becomes Difficult It might seem like a small thing. Changing clothes is part of everyday life—something most of us do without thinking. But in dementia care, even this simple routine can become a point of resistance. They may say: Or they may simply refuse—turning away, becoming upset, or shutting down…

🌿 The Search That Keeps Happening It often begins with something small. A missing remote.A misplaced wallet.A purse that “was just here.” At first, it feels like ordinary forgetfulness. But then it happens again.And again. Soon, the searching becomes more urgent. “Someone took it.”“I know I didn’t move it.”“Things keep disappearing.” And suddenly, it’s no…

🌿 A Disorienting Start Morning used to be simple. Wake up. Stretch. Begin the day. But with dementia, mornings can feel unfamiliar—sometimes even frightening. Your loved one may open their eyes and not recognize where they are.They may not know what time it is… or what day… or even who is with them. You might…

🌿 The Moment You Notice It’s subtle at first. You’re speaking to them… but their eyes drift away.You sit together… but they don’t quite meet your gaze. You try again—gently calling their name, leaning in slightly, hoping for that familiar moment of connection. And sometimes, it comes.But often, it doesn’t last. Eye contact—something so natural,…

🌿 When the Silence Grows At first, you might not notice it right away. You’re the one starting most conversations—but that doesn’t feel unusual. Then, over time, something shifts. The questions stop.The comments fade.The little observations they used to make throughout the day… disappear. And one day, it becomes clear: If you don’t speak first,…

🌿 When the Reaction Doesn’t Come You share something meaningful. A story. A memory. A small piece of your day. And you wait—almost instinctively—for the response that used to follow. A smile.A laugh.A look of concern or warmth. But instead… there’s very little. Maybe a brief glance.Maybe no visible reaction at all. And in that…

🌿 A Shift You Didn’t See Coming There’s a moment in caregiving that doesn’t arrive all at once. It happens gradually. You start managing medications.Scheduling appointments.Helping with daily routines. At first, it feels like you’re simply supporting someone you love. But over time, something begins to shift. The conversations change.The roles adjust.The balance quietly disappears.…

🌿 Grieving Before Goodbye It doesn’t always begin with a clear moment. Sometimes it’s a quiet thought that catches you off guard: “What will it be like when they don’t know me anymore?”“How much time do we have left like this?” Or it shows up in smaller ways—A pause when you notice a new changeA…

🌿 The Moment Feels Different It might happen in the middle of an ordinary conversation. You mention a family trip.A favorite holiday.A story you’ve told and retold together over the years. You smile as you bring it up… expecting that familiar spark of recognition. But instead, there’s a pause. A blank look.A polite nod.Or a…