Blog

Third Week of Advent Commands Us to Rejoice on Our Journey

Written by M. Estrade on 22nd December 2018 Blog

My “dementia journey radar” went off in Mass on the third Sunday of Advent, this past “Gaudete” (or “rejoice” in Latin) Sunday, as I participated from the pew with my family. I promise that I think of other topics besides dementia, which describes a group of symptoms impacting over 7 million Americans plus their families. This was just not one of those times. The lectors read the scriptures which offered a theme of joy. Joy may not be the first emotion that most dementia care partners (caregivers) flock to when thinking about their role;

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Written by M. Estrade on 13th December 2018 Blog

Today, December 12th is the Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. If you are not familiar with the story, see this 3-minute video. As Fr. McCann at Ochsner reminded today in Mass, today is about Mary being not just the Mother of Jesus, but the Mother of us all. Ask her for protection in distress, especially when dealing with dementia.

November 2018 Church Bulletin Article

Written by M. Estrade on 10th November 2018 Blog

This article was written for a Mary, Queen of Peace bulletin in November 2018. It can be produced in other church bulletins if printed in its entirety. Finding Peace with Dementia The month of November marks two special recognitions for families experiencing dementia, National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. Alzheimer’s Awareness has grown to include other causes of dementia besides Alzheimer’s disease, such as Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal Degeneration, Parkinson’s with Dementia,

What is Ambiguous Loss ?

Written by M. Estrade on 16th October 2018 Blog

It’s called “ambiguous loss,” that complicated grief that impacts many dementia care partners because their loved one is “physically present, but psychologically absent.” Professor Emeritus Pauline Boss has been studying ambiguous loss since it was the topic of her doctoral dissertation over forty years ago. I discovered ambiguous loss while listening to a podcast three years ago and it made me think about my support group members who said they were grieving the loss of the loved one,

Finding Meaning in Care Partnering

Written by M. Estrade on 7th October 2018 Blog

I believe that one of the most powerful tools in the dementia care partner’s toolbox is finding meaning in the challenging situation. I also feel that one of the most difficult topics to bring up is the same…finding meaning. After all, who am I to suggest that there is a purpose in this ordeal, or losing a spouse to the syndrome, or as some put it “becoming a parent to my parent”? Sometimes I will throw the topic it out to my support group and pray to not get dirty looks,

Welcome to the The Peace with Dementia Rosary

Written by M. Estrade on 4th October 2018 Blog

Greetings, Thank you for stopping by the site, where I hope you will leave a prayer request for yourself or others. On this site you will find brief articles, prayers, and episodes of my podcast. This is a labor of love and and something that I hope is useful. Please send feedback on any ideas to improve the Peace with Dementia Rosary experience for you. God Bless, Matt

A Ministry for Aging, Caregiving, & Cognitive Impairment

A Ministry
for Aging, Caregiving, &
Cognitive Impairment