AlzheimersNotes.com 
         You’re caring for your parent or spouse, perhaps a friend, because you care for them, because no one else is handy, because you feel responsible.  However, often you weary of the demands of the caregiving task, especially when you have to juggle other aspects of your life.
Do you feel, even subconsciously, like a doormat?
Check out this article, Don’t Be a Doormat, at WebMD Daily and receive some tips on saying “No”…not in an uncaring or callous way, but in a diplomatic, firm, yet loving way that helps keep you from burning out.
For many women [and men], saying “No” doesn’t …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
Alzheimer’s in the Blogosphere, at Battling Alzheimer’s by Michael Davidsen, included Alzheimer’s Notes and Liz Lewis’ post, Brain Food for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, in a round-up of blogs about this disease and caregiving.
The blog posts include articles and stories about Alzheimer’s, caregiving, humor and information, by victims, caregivers, family members, and researchers.  If you take time to check out these posts and poscast reruns, you’ll have a much better understanding of the disease and what those involved encounter. 
Hopefully you’ll receive comfort and inspiration, too. 
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

AlzheimersNotes.com 
It’s exciting when you’re asked to share your knowledge and story at another web site or blog.  My story concerning one situation with Mother, Resolutions Aren’t Static in an Alzheimer’s World, appeared at CareStation on the AGIS site.
As soon as we resolve to follow a specific agenda or schedule when caring for our family member with Alzheimer’s, everything changes! Thus, many of our New Year’s resolutions don’t remain static.
I hoped to share here the fact that even though your life and caregiving tactics may change frequently, you can get through it.  Mother’s Alzheimer’s condition often necessitated changes in my husband’s and my …read more

 AlzheimersNotes.com
   Blogging has become an important part of many caregivers’ lives, as well as numerous other people.  It keeps caregivers in touch with others in similar situations and helps them they can find encouragment.
Also, Alzheimer’s patients can visit one another’s blogs, leave comments and e-mail others so they don’t feel so alone in their unique world.
Whole Alzheimer’s patients and caregiver support communities have grown up around bloggers who link their blogs on blogrolls and web rings.   
The question, “Why do you blog?” has become the determining factor in the final (8th)week of the challenge at the b5 Business Channel.  The blogs have …read more

Alzheimer’s Notes.com 
Many of you probably have a dog in your life.  Perhaps this pet helps entertain your Alzheimer’s patient.  Also, a dog may entertain you and help relieve the stress of your hectic days.  Dogs also are welcomed in many nursing homes where they provide therapy for the residents.
When Mother lived in her home, there was Tiny, who ate so much she became roly-poly.  In our multi-generational home in New Hampshire, we have Ginger.  She loves to romp in the  snow, but her paws get cold.
So when I read this post at Jen’s Domestik Goddess, How to Teach a Dog to Wear Boots, I simply …read more

 AlzheimersNotes.com
Do you enjoy tea time with your Alzheimer’s family member…or have memories of family rituals involving them?  Afternoon tea was an everyday occurrence at my grandmother’s when I was growing up. 
Nanny would have her cup of tea while my aunts often sipped their coffee.  When I visited them at their Trails End Farm, I looked forward to 3 o’clock when we stopped quilting, sewing, cooking, cleaning or other tasks and sat at the table with tea, coffee, milk and cookies while we laughed and chatted.  Anyone visiting was invited to join in.
Tea for hospitality became a habit with my mom, too, one …read more

AGIS and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) have teamed up to create a new Alzheimer’s and Dementia caregivers resource providing comprehensive online support for people caring for family and loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
This new section includes research and medical information, current treatment options, warning signs and an Ask the Expert area that is maintained by a team of AFA licensed social workers. There is also a local search feature that will give caregivers access to specialized resources and facilities within their own community.

I often mention my mom in my writing here at Alzheimer’s Notes and have told her Alzheimer’s journey in my book, When We Become the Parent to Our Parents.  However, some of you might like a glimpse of Mother in her life before Alzheimer’s.
At the b5 Business Channel and Home Biz Notes, where I’m a co-blogger with Yvonne Russell, we’re involved in an 8-week “apprentice” type competition.  This week we were asked to give the prototype business owner inspiration by relating a success story.  I decided to tell about My Mother, the Country Grocer…Success Isn’t Always What You Think.  I …read more

This time of year, in the northern part of the United States, presents dangerous conditions for Alzheimer’s patients who wander.  The weather is very unforgiving and most won’t survive if they’re outside very long.
I know first hand and was very fortunate when my mom disappeared one morning in December when the weather, with wind chill was below zero.  I thought she was comfortably in bed, and would only wander around her kitchen and living room if she arose while I slept nearby.
I awoke and found Mother wasn’t in the house.  I looked out the front door into the blowing snow and …read more

Get your free copy of Coach Broyle’s Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.

Written by the Athletic Director of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, this 92 page book offers his personal perspective (he cared for his late wife Barbara) on caregiving.