Sometimes we feel it doesn’t matter if we celebrate holidays and special occasions with family members who have Alzheimer’s. 

“They don’t know what day it is.  So what does it matter?” we often hear commented or may even say ourselves.

However, just the fact you made them feel special, took time to visit (if they don’t live with you) or arranged a celebration often brings a smile, a story, a comment that lets you know they do care, even when they can’t express it too well.  Also, it may make you feel good…and all caregivers need that boost to their spirits.

I often remember what my granddaughter said, when she was about six years old.  Someone asked why she visited her great grandmother (my mom) when Grandma DeeDee didn’t know her.

“Because it makes her feel good,” Kara replied.

So take time to make your grandparent or your child’s grandparent feel special on this day!

Tell your children and grandchildren  stories about that grandparent so those memories aren’t forgotten        and lost to your family history.

How are you remembering Grandparents’ Day?

Post from: Blisstree

Remembering Our Grandparents With Alzheimer’s on Grandparents’ Day

As you would expect, there are a number of articles available aimed at parents:

Alzheimer’s: Helping Children Understand the Disease. (Mayo Clinic)

Helping Teens Cope with Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer’s Association)

Alzheimer’s in the Family: How Parents Can Help Children Cope.

Parent’s Guide: Helping Children and Teens Understand Alzheimer’s Disease. (Alzheimer’s Association)

But there are also resources available for children and teens that will help them learn and understand Alzheimer’s Disease and how it effects their grandparent.

Alzheimer’s Disease (Neuroscience for Kids)

Alzheimer’s Disease

Just for Children: Helping you Understand Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer’s Association)

Just for Teens: Helping You Understand Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer’s Association)

Inside the Brain: An interactive tour (Alzheimer’s Association)

Helping Children Understand Alzheimer’s Disease. (Alzheimer’s Society)

What’s Happening to Grandpa? (Alzheimer’s Association)

The Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan has Just4Kids website that has features such as visual audio books (My Grandpa George and Grandpa Doesn’t Know It’s Me), interactive quizzes, puzzles, and word searches all designed to help children understand Alzheimer’s Disease.

101 Ways to spend time with a person with Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Association)

Hope these resources help anyone having to explain Alzheimer’s Disease to their children…

Post from: Blisstree

Helping Children Understand Alzheimer’s Disease.

Post from: Blisstree

Living with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Our mothers had Alzheimer’s and resided in the same nursing home.  My friend’s children and grandchildren had difficulty seeing Grandma in this condition.

I haven’t written any books on the topic, although I’ve done many articles and a chapter in my book. (See previous post.)  However, I keep on the lookout for books children can read or have read to them that will help them when their grandparents or great grandparents experience Alzheimer’s or a similar condition.

Two are pictured below.

Post from: Blisstree

Books for Children about Alzheimer’s