Image: sxc.hu

They even provided some more blogs for caregivers.

If you’re looking for information and just a place to get together with other caregivers, for comfort and encouragement, perhaps you’d like to check out these blogs.  Also, you may find tips on making life more enjoyable for the person with Alzheimer’s.

If you have any more resources, do share them with us.  Caregivers need all the encouragement and support they can find during their journey with their Alzheimer’s patient.

Post from: Blisstree

More Alzheimer’s Parenting Resources

We have 5 adult cats. Mom enjoys the fact that usually there’s at least one to sit on her lap or to sleep with her nightly or whenever she takes a nap.

My mother, who was never overly fond of cats, became quite attached to one as her Alzheimer’s developed.  When we had to move her to our home, 275 miles from where she was living, my husband suggested we bring her cat.  That did help Mother settle better here and was something familiar for her.

However, don’t feel badly if you can’t have pets for your Alzheimer’s patient.  You will be the one to care for them, so it may be more than you can undertake.  Also, the animal may be overwhelming to the patient as they become advanced in their condition, as I’ll discuss in my next post.

(Adam Hersh image a Amazon)

Post from: Blisstree

The Soothing Appeal of Pets for Alzheimer’s Patients

Flowers for Valentine Teas

What Are You Planning for Valentine’s Day?

In all likelihood, those of your Alzheimer’s parent’s generation enjoyed tea parties.  They’re being revived nowadays.  So this might be a delightful way to entertain as Valentiine’s Day approaches.

Post from: Blisstree

Are You Planning a Valentine’s Day Tea?

As I mentoned to Edie, it is difficult living day to day with someone who has Alzheimer’s and can be very stubborn. They’re also often frightened by what’s happening to them, so strike out verbally and physically at those closest.  That often is the caregiver.

When I was caring for Mother, I read somewhere that you could end up becoming very angry at that person and had to be careful you didn’t harm them physically. “No never,” I thought. “She’s my mother.”

However, as the tiredness and frustrations grew, I began to understand what the author meant. I had to learn to laugh, to joke with Mother, and make an attempt to stay calm. I also realized I must get away from the caregiving at times and have space for myself.  I had to learn not to take what Mother said and did personally because she often didn’t know it was ME she was venting her frustrations on.

How have you learned to cope when caregiving seems too much?

Post from: Blisstree

When Caregiving Becomes Too Much

 Throughout the week, the Health and Wellness Channel has been focusing on Celebrities and Health. 

Some are Hollywood celebrities; others come from other walks of life.  By going public with their illness, they often make the world more aware and more willing to talk about a health situation that families keep”hidden in the closet.”

You, the caregiver,  and your Alzheimer’s patient also are celebrities and heroes in this challenge with a devastating disease.

Liz and I have written a number of posts on this topic this week.  In case you’ve missed any and would like to check them out, here is a roundup:

Celebrities Health This Week’s Theme at the Health & Wellness Channel, Alzheimer’s Notes Included

Did Ronald Reagan Have Alzheimer’s Disease While He Was President

Alzheimer’s Association Celebrities Speak – Video

Alzheimer’s Notes Visits Hollywood ThisWeek

Terry Prachett Fan Sets Up Match It For Prachett Alzheimer’s Fundraising Site

Author Terry Prachett, Another Celebrity Who Faces Alzheimer’s

More Celebrities Speak Out About Alzheimer’s

Actress Arlene Francis, an Alzheimer’s Victim & Artist

Your Alzheimer’s Patient & You Are Celebrities, too

(Amazon image; click for details) 

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Roundup of Alzheimer’s Notes for Celebrity Health & Wellness Week

This week, Alzheimer’s Notes, along with the rest of the Health and Wellness Channel, has been focusing on celebrities and health…in our case, celebrities and Alzheimer’s.  Often their coming forth with announcements about their health problems gives awareness to everyone.

However, YOU and YOUR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT ARE CELEBRITIES, too.  You cry, you laugh, you suffer, you feel pain and joy.  You become frustrated.  You struggle with caregiving and facing the realization of this disease.  Yet you find rewards in the process, too.

If you’re a caregiver at a nursing home, you’re to be celebrated for the care you give our family members.  If you’re a visiting nurse, a hospice nurse or volunteer, a researcher…you’re celebrated because of all you give to help victims and families and raise awareness of this disease. 

My heartfelt thanks goes out to all involved in the battle against Alzheimer’s…whether victim, caregiver, researcher, or encourager.

(Amazon image; click on bouquet for details)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Your Alzheimer’s Patient & You Are Celebrities, too