Saturday, February 28, 2009

Pictures Prompt Memories for Alzheimer's Patients

I've discussed, over at my Alzheimer's Notes blog, Capture Memories of Alzheimer's Patient's Earlier Days & Travels, by referring to photos. I recalled, as I was looking at a family photo of us at the Nubble Light in Cape Neddick, Maine, childhood vacation memories and marveled at my father and mother's patience when traveling with four children in a small car.

Check out the post and see what ideas and memories photos will spark for you and your Alzheimer's patient.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Learning About Alzheimer's from Richard Taylor, Ph.D

Learning first hand what it's like to experience dementia or Alzheimer's unables us caregivers and family members to be more understanding and helpful. I often tried to realize where Mother and Auntie were coming from, what world they were living in on a particular day, what was motivating their behavior and thought processes. Putting myself into their world (at least the best I could) enabled me to be more understanding and patient...and even enjoy my foray into a time past. Hopefully this made an increasingly difficult life easier for them, too.

Richard Taylor has been diagnosed with dememtia, probably of the Alzheimer's type. His purpose now is writing and speaking to inform, help and encourage others, both victims and caregivers, as well as the general public.

Richard maintains a web site complete with videos, provides a monthly newsletter, and has written the book, Alzheimer's from the Inside Out.

I wish I'd had something like Richard's web site, blog, newsletters and videos to help me when Mother and Auntie were ill.
(Amazon image)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Alzheimer's Caregiver Blogger Published in Anthology

Alzheimer's Caregiver blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.

Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.

In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.

I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Winter Reading on a Snowy Day in Alzheimer's World

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?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Obama's Stimulus Bill's Affect on Health Care Free Choice Discussed at Alzheimer's Notes

Concern for the effect of the health care proposals in the Stimulus Bill on Alzheimer's patients is discussed at Alzheimer's Notes under, Stimulus Health Care Provisions Could Eliminate the Elderly, the Infirm and Terminally Ill.

This information somehow was buried in the multiple pages of the bill and didn't come to light with wider publicity until a couple days ago. Only now are the ramifications of this provision being realized.

Related Posts:
“Big Brother” health care provisions
Fast Tracking Govt. Control of Health Care
Eliminate the Elderly
Motto of the Stimulus Bill

Friday, February 06, 2009

Valentine's Day in Alzheimer's World

Do you and your family participate in Valentine's Day festivities? Does your Alzheimer's patient join in? Does this bring back memories for them?

This was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so. She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students. Thus, she incorporated some of these ideas into festivities for my sister, two brothers and me, even though she was a busy farm wife.

*Mother often decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts. When we were old enough, sister and I did this for her.
*She helped us with making and addressing valentines for family members. When we were in school we had exchanges there, too.
*Mother planned a special night meal for Valentine's Day, with the cake and fruit for dessert. There was only our family...four children, Mother, Father and the hired man...but we had a joyous time.
*We made decorations to hang around the kitchen (the warmest room in our farmhouse during winter), and name cards for each place setting.

Suggestions:
The Night Before Valentine's Day (picture book)
Where Is Baby's Valentine (lift-a-flap book)
My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street Board Book)
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (DVD)
Disney Valentine Assortment

What do you and your family do for Valentine's Day at your house?