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 topic.  So be thinking about it and vote, as well as leaving comments.

More Related Posts:

Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s in Second Printing

Discussing Alzheimer’s on TV

Writing a Book for Children About Alzheimer’s

Liz’s Interview on Writing About Alzheimer’s

Carol O’Dell, Author of Mothering Mother

Post from: Blisstree

Poll Results – Would You Write About Alzheimer’s?

*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

Post from: Blisstree

5 Alzheimer’s Notes Posts of Encouragement

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 learned to look beyond the tears to the trumphs, beyond the rain to the rainbows…and find pleasure in one another’s company.  No it wasn’t all happiness and roses.  But we learned to laugh, to look at life from a different view, to enjoy small pleasures, to learn about another aspect of life…that of caring and serving and helping others…both the patient and other families.

             Brenda Avadian, who cared for her father with Alzheimer’s, has written about this experience, “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk Through Alzheimer’s and then compiled two anthologies Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s.  (I shared stories of Mother and Auntie in both of these.)

                            “After Martin Avadian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, his daughter, Brenda Avadian, dedicated herself to walking with other caregivers along an otherwise lonely caregiving road.”

Post from: Blisstree

With the Hopelessness Can Come Joy in Alzheimer’s

 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 Walk Through Alzheimer’s.

Post from: Blisstree

TheCaregiversVoice.Com for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

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 for all to have your celebration at the nursing home.

This can take on various forms:

*Perhaps the nursing home has a special brunch or dinner.

*If the weather is nice, take him for a walk or wheel chair stroll around the grounds.  Some have very pleasant nooks where families can stop and visit and reminisce.

*Bring grandchildren along who will make cards for him.

*Share family photos…there may be glimpses of recognition.

*Bring in some of his favorite foods.

If you’d find encouragement by learning how other daughters faced the challenges of caring for a father with dementia, you might like to read Brenda Avadian’s, Where’s My Shoes? My Father’s Walk Through Alzheimer’s

Post from: Blisstree

Caring for Father on Father’s Day

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 learned, plus resources where you can find information to aid you and your loved ones. 

If you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Welcome to the Alzheimer’s Notes Blog