Why blog?

Living with gran gran is about my struggle to give my grandmother a dignified life during what seems to be a very difficult time.  

My grandmother has lived with me since 1998, but its been the experiences of the past 6 months that has prompted me to write this blog.  Although she has not been diagnosed, her primary care physician believes she is exhibiting symphony of dementia, something I never imagine we would be going through, but we are right in the thick of it.  We are hoping to get an official diagnostic and possibly treat her, but it is very difficult to get her to leave the house and see the doctor.  She has a pending appointment with a Neurologist soon.

It has been a shocking change which has come about quickly and it is only progressing.  At times it feels like I'm raising another child, I have two of my own, but in many ways raising gran gran feels more challenging and difficult than raising my two boys who are now 19 and 21.

I decided to do this blog for a couple of reasons.  One, I want to document her days as she forgets what happens within minutes of the occurrence.  Two, I am hoping it will give me some relief as my life has changed completely with added stress and raw emotion.  And finally, as I blog, I will be educating myself about dementia and hope to help others deal with similar situations.