Clearing a storage unit with care for a mother living with Alzheimer’s. (Ongoing Project)

In the quiet work of clearing a storage unit, we honor a daughter's memory of love and loss amid her mother's Alzheimer’s journey.

A Daughter's Story

A daughter serves as her mother’s caregiver—an honorable and profoundly difficult role, especially while navigating Alzheimer’s. It’s a degenerative journey, where no two days are the same and each brings its own challenges. She invited me into this tender process to help carefully and compassionately pare down her mother’s belongings, many of which hold memories her mother may never recall again, but which are still held with deep love and respect.

Sorting

We’re still moving through the process of sorting her mother’s belongings, taking our time and honoring the emotional weight of the experience. There’s no rush—our priority is to move gently and thoughtfully, without adding stress to an already tender moment.

Touring Her Studio

We toured her mother’s studio—a small, thoughtfully pared-down space containing only the essentials—to discuss systems best suited for someone living with Alzheimer’s. These included a designated memory station, intentional use of color through decor, and a color-coded closet with clear labeling to support daily routines. We’ll begin work on the unit once the storage cleanout is complete.

Integrate Items That Bring Joy

Familiar joy reduces anxiety. As memory fades, the world can feel confusing or even threatening. Objects tied to happiness—photos, favorite colors, music, textures—create a sense of recognition and emotional safety, even when names or timelines are lost.