Caregivers: Remember to have fun with your loved one

“I remember that when I was helping care for my mom at home, it was easy to become focused on her health needs, nutrition, exercises, and doctor appointments but forget to have fun together,” says Kayla Cook, owner and director of Caring Excellence Personalized Home Care Services. “One day when she was not responsive to therapy and wouldn’t eat, we…

…went on a ‘road trip.’ It wasn’t far, just to beautiful Cave Hill Cemetery where her husband of close to 50 years was buried. It was a lovely fall day, and we sat in the shade of a tree near his monument. My mom and I ate ice cream together and shared memories of my father. By doing this she had exercise, nutrition, and cognitive stimulation, and we created a precious memory that I have held on to.”