About Carla

After realizing my mother was having continuing memory problems, I moved her in with me and took care of her from age 79 to age 90. I handled meal prep, grocery shopping, housekeeping, administering medications and transportation to medical appointments. I also took her on short rides when she just wanted to go out for a while. She did have dementia, so the short rides were all she needed before she was ready to return home again. When she was still well enough to walk, we would take walks outside our apartment building or down the long interior halls. I had an iPod with a playlist of music she enjoyed. Providing her music to listen to was especially helpful at her medical appointments while waiting to see the doctor. Having music to listen to kept her entertained and calm instead of anxious during the wait. From the experience I gained caring for my mother, I feel I could use these skills again to care for others' loved ones and look forward to doing so.