We're digging out from a blizzard that left 12-16 inches of snow, depending on whether it drifted or not. Along with show shoveling tasks, reading is on the agenda today because the grandchildren are home on winter break.
We are a family of readers in our multi-generational home (grandfather, granny, mom, dad and the two children). Books abound around the house, the library is a fun place to visit, bookstores (new and used) hold a fascination, and online bookstores are enjoyable to access. We also come from ancestors who were readers and writers, too.
Reading in an Alzheimer's World
My mother enjoyed reading, too. She could sit midst clutter in her kitchen and read. When any of us remarked that there were dishes to be washed, a floor to sweep, windows to clean, etc., Mother replied, "The chores will always be there. But I might not always be able to read."
How true this turned out to be! When Mother developed Alzheimer's, she followed words with her finger in a magazine and repeated them aloud. Eventually, she could no longer do that, so a staff member or I read to her. Then she looked at magazine pictures, after she couldn't understand words. These often brought memories they brought to mind.
Reading brought Mother pleasure and learning for many years. I even have a read book she used in school in the early 1900s. It was one of the last activities she gave up during her Alzheimer's years.
What are you and your Alzheimer's patient reading this winter?
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