We Were Pals Once: The Story of a Dementia Caregiver

Jackson, Sarah M.

Savannah, Georgia: Savannah College of Art and Design (eLearning)

2019-03

Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Writing

Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Writing

"This thesis is a memoir about my experiences as a young dementia caregiver, told in vignettes. It explores how caregiving affected the relationship between me any my dad, a disabled Vietnam Veteran with PTSD who developed neuropathy in his legs and dementia when he was only in his early 60s. This story covers the period of 2008-2014, starting from when I was only 19, until I was 25, when my dad passed away and how I handled the aftermath. It delves into struggles I experienced as young caregiver, the effects the dementia had on my dad, and experiences with mental illness, PTSD, physical illness, and ultimately the grief, guilt, and love that came with all of it."

Keywords: dementia, caregiving, mental illness, PTSD, Vietnam veterans, neuropathy, grief

CHAIR: Goto, Andrea

Griffith, Lee

Chowske, Carrie Pack

English

Writing

Text

PDF : 79 pages

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