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Granddaughter takes in grandmother with dementia, becomes internet sensation
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Technology

Granddaughter takes in grandmother with dementia, becomes internet sensation

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Kris McCabe took over care for her grandmother, Mary, who has dementia and Alzheimer's.
  • McCabe shares their life on social media as 'Life with Grams,' gaining a large following.
  • The posts aim to help others understand dementia and honor her grandmother's wish not to be forgotten.

Kris McCabe, then 29, decided to become the primary caregiver for her grandmother, Mary, when she was moved to a nursing home after her dementia and Alzheimer's diagnosis worsened. Initially, Kris's family encouraged her, believing Mary would prefer to be with her granddaughter, with whom she shared a particularly close bond.

Despite initial doubts from the nursing home director, who predicted Kris would return within months, she has now been caring for Mary, now 88, for nine years. To cope and connect with others facing similar challenges, Kris began sharing their life on social media under the handle 'Life with Grams.'

Mary, when she could choose, would surely want to be with her.

โ€” Kris McCabeKris's mother and sister encouraged her to take over her grandmother's care, believing it was her grandmother's preference.

Their posts, which capture tender, humorous, and difficult moments of living with a progressive illness, have garnered hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. While the content offers comfort and a sense of community to many, Kris also faces criticism regarding the online portrayal of someone with dementia. However, she believes Mary, who was always open and fearless, would approve, especially given her own mother's battle with Alzheimer's and her wish for Mary to ensure she was never forgotten.

Through their shared experiences, Kris aims to create lasting memories and educate others about dementia and Alzheimer's, hoping their story inspires many.

I will probably see you again in a few months.

โ€” Nursing home directorThe director's prediction of Kris's inability to cope motivated her further.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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