Portraits of a family crisis

Laureline is an artist. Her 81-year-old mother has fallen and broken her hip. Laureline wants a turn at the "celestial rewind button." As she ponders an uncertain future, she sketches her mother, her father, and hospital scenes:








(See Laureline's blog for larger views.)

Laureline's mom was caring for her demented husband. Who will shoulder that responsibility now? The dilemma is a common one (and growing more common, unfortunately). A few books might be helpful: The 36 Hour Day, and The Mayo Clinic On Alzheimer's Disease. Local chapters of the Alzheimer's Association can also give advice. But solutions are seldom easy.