The evolution of style in my mom with dementia

One of my mom’s caregivers dotes on her. She works to make her look good and more often than not, mom now has on blush and lipstick and is put together. Before the 4th of July, my mom told her caregiver she had never worn red nail polish. She said my dad didn’t like it, so she never wore it. I know in general, my mom never wore nail polish at all. I had tried on and off to give her a manicure or do them together, but my mom never enjoyed the process. Only later into her disease did she appreciate having someone do her fingernails for her.

For the Independence Day holiday, this caregiver painted her nails red and added star and stripe designs as an accent on two of her nails. My mom liked the red nail polish but is a little put off by the extra design. However, she accepted the addition and is still sporting her fancy nails.

It’s nice to see that mom accepts getting her nails done, having someone put on makeup and even try new hair do’s. She didn’t allow these luxuries before, but now it’s a kindness that she accepts. I’ve witnessed so many changes in my mom over the years, these are changes that I’m happy to see.  Pleased.