AlzheimersNotes.com
We all need something to uplift us when we’re discouraged in life and with the frustrations of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient.  One of the places I’ve found for “feel good” or thought provoking moments is Nancy Kirk’s The Monday Minute.  You have the choice of listening to it or reading it. 
Nancy is a quilter who specializes in quilt and fabric dating as well as quilt restoration.  However, her inspiration and philosophy will uplift anyone. 
I subscribe to her e-mail newsletter, so each Monday receive her tidbit of inspiration… often when I’m struggling to keep inspired.  This week she mentions Pretty …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com

With the beginning of September and the youngsters in our household  back in school, our thoughts turn to autumn.  Often there’s a nip in the air at night which reminds us fall is “around the corner.”
The Arts Bloggers share their weekly inspiration which I thought I’d share with you.  My mom, during her Alzheimer’s years, used to like to sit and watch me when I worked at crafts or my writing.  Sometimes she’d chat and reminisce.  Other times she simply sat contentedly…at least for a short time.
Crocheted baby sweater and cap
Caron Yarns commissioned Noreen to design an adorable baby sweater …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
As youngsters get ready to return to school (and some schools already have started), there may be apprehension.  Grace at  Kids Health Notes has some tips and resources for parents and children that may help make this day easier and even enjoyable. 
Do you have any suggestions or helpful resources for going back to school that work in your home?  Do you have any extra juggling because you have an Alzheimer’s family member in your home?
(Amazon image; click here for details)
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

AlzheimersNotes.com
The giveaway for Heartwarmers of Spirit - Trimuphs Over Life’s Challenges is nearing an end over at my Quilting and Patchwork blog.  It will close Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 11:59 PM (eastern).  If you’d like a chance for this uplifting anthology, in which I have a story, be sure to get your comment at the end of the above post (click on the giveaway link above).
(Amazon image: click here for details)
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

AlzheimersNotes.com

Tea time is a sharing time so I’ll be sharing my thoughts and those of readers who contribute through their comments.  We’re sitting down to a “virtual” tea party and finding encouragement from one another in the Alzheimer’s caregiver journey.
Dixie left this message, and I think many of you can relate:
I am a nurse at an Alzheimer’s Care facility.
I see the daily struggles and heartache that families go through. I have always thought that Alzheimer’s is one of the diseases that affects the whole family-perhaps more so than any other, on so many levels.  
It is true that Alzheimer’s affects family members …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
Periodically I receive questions from readers.  I find that readers with experience in different aspects of Alzheimer’s research and caregiving may have the answers.
Here is a question from Kathy.  It’s an interesting one:
I heard that you should not wear white when dealing with Alzheimer’s patients as they have a tough time distinguishing your outline and may perceive a visitor at first glance as only a head without a body. Is this true?
If anyone has an answer for Kathy, do leave a comment!
(Amazon image)
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

I just finished reading a wonderful little book called High Heels to Hormones (A Woman’s Guide to Spine Care) by Christina Lasich, M.D.  Short and easy to read with plenty of cartoons to get the points across, I’d recommend it to any woman who suffers from back pain, and especially to anyone who is the role of caregiver.
Caregivers, after all, are at great risk of back injury and would find this book useful for learning more about how to prevent and manage back pain.
Christine has been kind enough to write a guest post for Alzheimer’s Notes looking at ‘Three Tips for Avoidng …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
Have you considered a home business so you can afford to stay home to care for your Alzheimer’s family member?  Perhaps you already have one.  Are you knowledgeable about home business taxes?
Jean Murray, at Small Business Boomers, has a great post with information and resources concerning what the IRS (Internal Revenue Service in the US) considers a true business. You might like to check out her, Boomers Retiring to “Fun” Businesses: Is birdwatching a business?
She mentions some of the criteria the IRS uses to determine whether you’re entitled to deduct your losses from the business you’re operating or starting up.
(Amazon image) 
(c)2008 …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
Christmas in July has become a popular event, whether you’re doing crafts, desiring an outing to a holiday shop (they’ve become very popular and often carry many other craft items), or simply want to start preparing early so your life doesn’t become too frantic in December with balancing caregiving responsibilities with family activities.
At my Quilting and Patchwork blog, I’ve been participating in a Christmas in July series with other bloggers, posting something about the holiday season every few days.  Here are some of the posts if you’d like to check them out for ideas and information.
13 Holiday Recipes for Quilters …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com 
 Your Alzheimer’s parent or spouse requires more and more care, so you find it difficult to juggle caregiving and your job.  Or you simply need extra income to pay the additional bills caregiving entails.
If you’re considering online or eBay businesses, check out the helpful information at the new blog at b5media’s Business Channel, eShopOwner.com, by Suzanne Wells.
Suzanne has a number of posts concerning the in’s and out’s about setting up an eBay store. She does this in the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) format.
For instance, in FAQ#1, Suzanne discusses, What Should I Sell?, and differentiates between the hobby and serious eBay …read more