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.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
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)
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.
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?
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
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?
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?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, December 19, 2008
My Fav b5 Posts of the Week
Favorite Posts
Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)
Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/
Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)
Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/
Thursday, December 04, 2008
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
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
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
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Christmas Shopping Suggestions
Super Shopping
To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and your other shopping, I've compiled lists and suggestions at my b5media blogs: One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer's Notes.
Alzheimer's Notes:Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Quilting & Patchwork:2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists
One Book Two Book:2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma)
Did you find one list more helpful than another? If so, which one?
ENJOY!
To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and your other shopping, I've compiled lists and suggestions at my b5media blogs: One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer's Notes.
Alzheimer's Notes:Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Quilting & Patchwork:2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists
One Book Two Book:2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma)
Did you find one list more helpful than another? If so, which one?
ENJOY!
Happy Thanksgiving from Mary Emma
Happy Thanksgiving
We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.
My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)
Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Alzheimer's Notes blog.
How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?
We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.
My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)
Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Alzheimer's Notes blog.
How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Enjoy the Small Triumphs of Caregiving
Caregiving Triumphs
As you go through the day to day tasks and frustrations of caregiving for an Alzheimer's patient, you may not think you're experiencing triumphs. However, train yourself to look for these, write them down, and share them.
At my Alzheimer's Notes blog, some of my readers have shared theirs in the post, Enjoying the Small Triumphs of Caring for Alzheimer's Patients.
What have been some of your triumphs?
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Finger Foods for Alzheimer's Patients
Finger Foods
After a certain point, it becomes difficult for Alzheimer's patients to manipulate eating utensils (cutlery). So finger foods become ideal for them. I've had numerous questions about preparing this food and what caregivers can serve for variety.
We have a very good guest post over at Alzheimer's Notes with foods and recipes from a specialist in this area. Venture over for Alzheimer's Finger Foods Suggestions.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Novenber is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Alzheimer's Awareness
This month - November - we raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and give recognition to all those involved - patients, caregivers, supporters, researchers and everyone who cares.
I shall be writing about this topic here and at Alzheimer's Notes, where I also blog.
What would you like to read about and learn about regarding Alzheimer's?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Can Alzheimer's Caregivers Become Obsessive?
Caregiving and Obsessiveness
After reading Carol Bradley Bursack's post, Obsessive Caregiving Can Be Harmful to Caregiver and Care Receivers, I realized that some caregivers could find caregiving overwhelming because they became too intense with their task.
So I wrote a post, When Caregiving Becomes an Obsession, at Alzheimer's Notes to call attention to this fact and referred to Carol's post.
You may want check this out and let me know what you think.
After reading Carol Bradley Bursack's post, Obsessive Caregiving Can Be Harmful to Caregiver and Care Receivers, I realized that some caregivers could find caregiving overwhelming because they became too intense with their task.
So I wrote a post, When Caregiving Becomes an Obsession, at Alzheimer's Notes to call attention to this fact and referred to Carol's post.
You may want check this out and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Voting By Dementia/Alzheimer's Patients...Should It Be Allowed?
Voting or Not to Vote?
This question arises as election time approaches and is especially of concern during Presidential Elections.
I've written about this at my Alzheimer's Notes blog at b5media and received some interesting comments. You may want to check my posts out and see what you think of this situation.
Should Dementia/Alzheimer's Patients Vote?
More on Voting and Alzheimer's Patients
What do you think?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Alzheimer's Patients & Voting
Should Alzheimer's Patients Vote?
This is a question that baffles many people, especially family members of Alzheimer's patients. Check out my discussion on this topic at Alzheimer's Notes, Should Dementia/Alzheimer's Patients Vote?
Since this is a right, do we have a right to take it away from them? If so, when? Who should determine whether there is a time when they really don't know what they're doing?
This is a question that baffles many people, especially family members of Alzheimer's patients. Check out my discussion on this topic at Alzheimer's Notes, Should Dementia/Alzheimer's Patients Vote?
Since this is a right, do we have a right to take it away from them? If so, when? Who should determine whether there is a time when they really don't know what they're doing?
Monday, January 14, 2008
CHECK OUT THE "ALL ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S CARNIVAL"
Over at the b5media blog, Alzheimer's Notes, I write with Liz Lewis, the second All About Alzheimer’s Carnivals is open for entries. Here is a platform for you to write your thoughts and feelings about Alzheimer’s and caregiving.
Entering carnivals (those collections of articles about particular topics hosted at one blog) proves to be very enjoyable, I’ve found. If you’ve never entered one, simply follow the directions by clicking on the link above.
You might enjoy reading articles submitted to the First All About Alzheimer's Carnival that appeared in December, 2007, at Alzheimer's Notes.
I’ve also posted some suggestions for carnivals at my b5media Home Biz Notes blog I write with Yvonne Russell. You may like to take a look at these to familiarize yourself:
Tweak Your Topic for Carnivals
Home Biz Owners - Join the Carnival!
Participating in Showcases and Carnivals
Entering Your Home Business Post in a Showcase
You'll find enjoyment in reading the numerous entries at the Second All About Alzheimer's Carnival. So if you don’t enter (and if you do), come over to Liz’s post at Alzheimer's Notes on January 19, when she’ll publish the entries.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Entering carnivals (those collections of articles about particular topics hosted at one blog) proves to be very enjoyable, I’ve found. If you’ve never entered one, simply follow the directions by clicking on the link above.
You might enjoy reading articles submitted to the First All About Alzheimer's Carnival that appeared in December, 2007, at Alzheimer's Notes.
I’ve also posted some suggestions for carnivals at my b5media Home Biz Notes blog I write with Yvonne Russell. You may like to take a look at these to familiarize yourself:
Tweak Your Topic for Carnivals
Home Biz Owners - Join the Carnival!
Participating in Showcases and Carnivals
Entering Your Home Business Post in a Showcase
You'll find enjoyment in reading the numerous entries at the Second All About Alzheimer's Carnival. So if you don’t enter (and if you do), come over to Liz’s post at Alzheimer's Notes on January 19, when she’ll publish the entries.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Monday, December 31, 2007
Alzheimer's News at Alzheimer's Notes - Senior Testing
Yoy might enjoy keeping up to date with what's going on at my Alzheimer's Notes blog at b5media, where I co-blog with Liz Lewis. We balance one another really well and enjoy this joint venture.
A topic gets you thinking is Should All Seniors Be Tested for Alzheimer's? And my personal reflections since I'm a senior, Do I Want to Be Tested for Alzheimer's?
Do I want to be tested? More specifically, do I want someone to say, “You MUST be tested for Alzheimer’s or your likeliness of acquiring it?”
A topic gets you thinking is Should All Seniors Be Tested for Alzheimer's? And my personal reflections since I'm a senior, Do I Want to Be Tested for Alzheimer's?
I asked for others to share their thoughts. So I’ll begin:
Do I want to be tested? More specifically, do I want someone to say, “You MUST be tested for Alzheimer’s or your likeliness of acquiring it?”
What do you think? Do you want to be tested? Let us know what you think.
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
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