Newsletter & Quote from Richard Taylor, PhD

Richard Taylor has published another of his monthly newsletters, giving us insight into the life of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  He travels and speaks around the country.

I found so poignant, this quote from Richard's newsletter: Please, just be, that is what we are trying to do, that is what we sometimes need your help to enable us to fully be who we are at the moment.

This is what I learned as a caregiver for my mom and aunt, even though they couldn't verbalize specifically what they wanted me to be.  I learned "to live in this moment in time," with Mother and Auntie and enjoy that moment...to be whomever they wanted me to be and to visit them wherever they might think they were.  I learned it could be an adventure, not one we may have wished, but one we were experiencing.

Friends Sharing About Alzheimer's

Yesterday a friend asked me how I coped with caring for my mom who had Alzheimer's.  Her mom now is living in a nursing home and seeming to be battling the same disease.

• You cope by taking one day at a time with that person. 
• You cope by learning all you can about the disease to better understand.
• You cope by planning ahead...yes, you must consider that they won't get better, but will fall further into their Alzheimer's world.
• You give them pleasure by being whomever they wish for the day.
• You look at this as an adventure.

You find someone who has been there, with whom you can talk and share.

Children's Approach to Alzheimer's

"I make Grandma happy," my granddaughter remarked (7-years old at the time), when someone asked why she visited when her great grandmother (my mother) didn't know her and couldn't talk well.

Kara's response made me realize I hadn't made a mistake to take Kara and her young brother on my visits to see Mother in the nursing home.  They were learning about growing older, forgetfulness, illness and being family.  Caring for one another would become part of their lives.

The youngsters enjoyed their visits.  We had various rituals that Mother enjoyed.  We shared meals or afternoon tea with her.  Kara and Alex joined in activities with the other residents.  (Mother's Alzheimer's was too advanced for her to do this now.)  They drew pictures for her and made cards.  We sang songs.

If you treat the visits as an ordinary part of life, youngsters generally won't be afraid to visit relatives in nursing and assisted living homes.  They'll show fear and reluctance mainly if the adults do. 

These may be Kara and Alex's only memories of my mother, but they'll have fond memories rather than scary or distasteful ones, just as I do.

(Image: sxc.hu)

Finding the Joy in Alzheimer's
Finding the Joy in Alzheimer's (Book II)
(I have essays in both of these books.)

Sharing Comfort Among Alzheimer's Caregivers

"Mary, I'm so glad we talked," Kay said.  "Now I know I'm not the only one experiencing these problems with Mom."

Even though my mom and aunt, both of whom had Alzheimer's, have passed away, I still find that sharing my experiences involving them helps to comfort others and enables others to understand the person they're caring for.  Kay has been caring for her 94 year-old mother, who now is in a nursing home, but seems to have developed Alzheimer's or some form of dementia.  Mom gets mixed up about who people are, suspects those around her of plotting against her, and in general becoming a different person from the one they've known all their lives.

Kay's talk with me seemed to reassure her that what she and her mom were experiencing was "normal" in the circumstances.

So many people don't want to talk about their experiences while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.  They want to put it all behind them once that person is gone.  However, if you can find the incentive to share, you just might be helping others.

Something to think about!

(In the above book, Finding the Joy in Alzheimer's, I share some of my experiences with Mother.  Other caregivers have much to share, too.)

More Posting Needed, I See

Since I'm gaining followers here at "Notes," I'd better give you some updated material.  Although my mom and aunt have passed away, I still find I should share with others in hopes of making your journey as a caregiver easier.

So...back to sharing here.  Also, I hope you'll share with me...what your needs are and how you're getting along with your caregiving.

Another Alzheimer's Resource

Alzheimer's Weekly & Dementia Weekly Newsletter is delivered to you via e-mail from the Alzheimer's Weekly web site.
Here you'll find many updates about these conditions delivered in a very readable and attractive format.

Dr. Richard Taylor's Newsletter

To understand dementia and Alzheimers From the Inside Out, you'll want to subscribe to Dr. Richard Taylor's e-mail newsletter. (It's available online and by e-mail.)

Richard Taylor speaks and travels to encourage others and bring insight into his world. He's an author and also has a web site.

What Would You Like to Know?

As I get back to writing here about Alzheimer's and caregiving, I'm wondering what my readers would like to know. How can I help you as you deal with Alzheimer's in a loved one? I can't make the situation go away, but perhaps I can help you understand and to encourage you as you go through each day.

Perhaps I can be someone you can share your frustrations with and help you realize you can survive.

Getting Back to Writing about Alzheimer's

Just noticed I have some followers to my blog, so I'd better get posting again! I've been busy with other blogs, one on Parenting at Blisstree, which does contain some Alzheimer's posts.

However, I'll share some more words of encouragement here at Notes from an Alzheimer's Caregiver.

Although I no longer actively care for a family member (both Mother and Auntie have passed away), I do have memories of the trials and joys and hope I can encourage others by sharing.

I also give talks on Alzheimer's and caregiving and provide information about scrapbooking and journaling activities with those experiencing memory loss.

(Image from sxc.hu)

Obama's Proposed Health Care - Euthanasia for the Elderly & Infirm?

In all the excitement over health care for all, as proposed by Barack Obama and his team of White House administrators and Congressional colleagues, will people look carefully at what it contains? Or will they blindly accept what seems like a good deal without scrutinizing the details, like refusal of treatment for the elderly and those deemed uncurable (by administrators, not doctors and medical staff)?

Check out the article at Alzheimer's Notes, Obama's New Health Care - Will It Result in Elder Neglect & Euthanasia?

March Blizzard Memories of Alzheimer's Patients

Does your Alzheimer's patient have memories of blizzards and snowstorms, either in their childhood or yours? My grandfather often told us about his experiences in the March 11th Blizzard of 1888 in New York State, when he worked on a farm. Those have become ingrained memories for me, even though I wasn't around in those days. My mom often related the stories Grandpa told of those days. Even in her Alzheimer's years, a big snow storm would set her to reminiscing.

For some reading about the catastrophic Blizzards of 1888, first in the West and then on the east coast:

City of Snow: The Great Blizzard of 1888 by Linda Oatman High.
In All Its Fury: A History of the Blizzard of January 12, 1888 by W. H. O'Gara.
Blizzard! The 1888 Whiteout by Jacqueline A. Ball.
Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America by Jim Murphy

More recent blizzards & storms:
One to Remember: The Relentless Blizzard of March 1966 by Douglas Ramsey
Northeast Snowstorms by Louis W. Uccellini

Fiction:
Lost in the Blinded Blizzard (Hank the Cowdog) by John R. Erickson

Books About Daylight Saving Time & Spring

Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time

Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Thorughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

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.

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)

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.

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

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?

Check Out the Giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork

Giveaways

If you're a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book.? It's in progress over there.

Perhaps you're not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi. Maybe your Alzheimer's family member is a quilter and still enjoys reminiscing about the quilts in her life.

Tea Parties for Alzheimer's Patients

If you are considering tea parties for the Alzheimer's patients or other caregivers in your life...and they can be such fun activities for all of you...you might like to check out these posts at my Alzheimer's Notes blog.

Tea Time at Alzheimer's Notes - Caregivers Sharing
Tea Time at Alzheimer's Notes - Tea Time With Mother

Giveaways Just for Fun...Here Are Some With Gifts for Youngsters

One Book Two Book Giveaways

Fan of giveaways? You'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.

Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!

Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway