The results from my latest poll on Alzheimer’s Notes indicates that a wide majority of  people would write about their experiences as an Alzheimer’s caregiver for a family member.  Eighty-six percent responded that they would; no one said no; no one voted that they’d write if it could be done anonymously; Fourteen percent were undecided.
More caregivers and family members have become more open about this disease as it affects a family member or close friend.  They are willing to share and to seek information.  More resources have become available.
Why write?  I think my next poll will ask some questions on this …read more

At this time of year, as we approach the holiday season, Alzheimer’s caregivers often feel overwhelmed…with work, caregiving, and memories of pre-Alzheimer’s days.  I’ve gone back through the Alzheimer’s Notes archives to find a few posts that hopefully will offer you encouragment and inspiration or provide resources for you.
*Alzheimer’s Caregivers Find Encouragement in Blogs & Blogging
*Alzheimer’s Caregivers Often Feel Alone
*Our “Shrinking” World for Alzheimer’s Information & Friendships
*With the Hopelessness Can Come Joy in Alzheimer’s
*Carol O’Dell, Author of MOTHERING MOTHER, Visits Alzheimer’s Notes
     

So many people consider caring for an Alzheimer’s patient a hopeless situation, one filled with saddness and dispair.  Frequently whatever is written or filmed contains the aura of hopelessness. 
I’m glad there’s an increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s and it’s devastation to family members, victims, and society.  However, I like people to realize that, since we can’t, at this point in time, stop or ignore Alzheimer’s, it’s possible to find joy…both for the patient and yourself.
“Joy!” you say.  “She’s nuts!” 
It was frustrating, it was tiring, it was often sad caring for Mother and Auntie.  However, we did experience laughter and joy.  We all …read more

Brenda Avadian, author and editor of several books about Alzheimer’s and caregiving provides a web site, http://thecaregiversvoice.com  where you can find tips and news about this disease. Brenda also has a blog at TheCaregiversVoice.com to give you further information, news, and her thoughts on this topic.
 I enjoyed having the opportunity to contribute stories to the two anthologies Brenda edited.  These are: Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s, volumes I and II.  Here are stories about caregivers’ experiences that may be bittersweet, yet give encouragement to caregivers everywhere.
Brenda also wrote about caring for her father during his Alzheimer’s journey in “Where’s My Shoes?” My Father’s …read more

Although my father didn’t have Alzheimer’s, he declined physically and needed assistance in his daily living.  Much of this fell to Mother, before her Alzheimer’s years, and then to me.  My father-in-law was affliced by dementia in his last months.
On Father’s Day, we recall them and all they meant in our lives.  I recall, too, in later years, visiting Mother at the nursing home and watching other families spend time with their fathers on this day.
Even though you might like to take your father home, or out to eat, their entrapment by Alzheimer’s makes them very confused.  So it’s happier …read more

I began writing about Alzheimer’s disease while caring for my mother and her sister.  I discovered so many caregivers seemed to be reaching out for comfort and information whenever I mentioned Mother and Auntie had this affliction.
First through newspaper and magazine articles, then online publications and eventually a book, When We Become the Parent to Our Parents, I shared with others, hoping to offer them encouragement.  Then Brenda Avadian asked me to contribute to her books, Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s, volumes I and II.
Through the Alzheimer’s Notes blog, I’ll share with you what I, and others, have experienced and …read more