Discover Glass Full of Tears

One of the very interesting and informative books for caregivers, written from a wife's viewpoint, is Glass Full of Tears, Dementia Day-By-Day by June Lund Shiplett.  Here June relates the frustrations and joys of caring for her husband as he developed dementia.

Whether your family member has Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia, June's account may help you get through each day.  You'll realize you aren't alone.

I met June when we taught at a writers' workshop and then attended a book signing for our books.  Coincidentally, I was caring for my mom, who had Alzheimer's, at the time June was promoting her book and speaking to groups.

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

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?