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When your parents or older relatives begin living more in the past than in the present, take advantage of their memories. They are recalling a living legacy you’ll want to preserve for future generations.
Recording my mom’s memories was a means of decreasing stress as I cared for her, first in her home, then in mine, […]
I discovered, when I was caring for Mother and Auntie who had Alzheimer’s, that the more I learned about this disease, the more I was able to help them and the less frustrated I became. Some family members find it difficult to accept that their loved one has Alzheimer’s or is developing this condition, so […]
Viewing life from the Alzheimer’s victim’s viewpoint aids us in understanding what they’re experiencing. I found the book, Living in the Labyrinth, a personal journey through the maze of Alzheimer’s, written by Diana Friel McGowin, of great help when caring for my mother.
Although Mother’s life was different, reading about Diana McGowin’s experiences and feelings as she encountered early-onset […]
So few people understand how I could find joy in caring for my mom and aunt with Alzheimer’s…and to continue writing and speaking about this experience to encourage others. Many people I’ve talked with, as I’ve spoken to groups around the country, often feel caring for a family member was a traumatic experience they’d like […]
Not many books have been written by a spouse caring for a spouse with some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, I’ve found that A Glass Full of Tears: Dementia Day-By-Day by June Lund Shiplett can give encouragement to those who have acquired this task.
When June’s husband Charlie developed Multi-Infarct Dementia, their lives changed […]
Frequently when I give talks about Alzheimer’s to caregiver groups, nursing home staff, and community organizations, my husband accompanies me. I ask Jim to add his suggestions about being a supportive spouse when one has acquired the task of caring for a parent or relative with this disease.
I know it would have been much more difficult to care for […]
A support group, whether it’s a friend or several people, aids you in coping as a caregiver. I didn’t know about support groups when my mom first showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s and I also became responsible for my aunt afflicted with the same disease. However, I was fortunate to have my neighbor to share with.
Support […]
It’s exciting to find your writing included in a popular anthology, especially when it’s a book that’s helping others. I have stories about Alzheimer’s in Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s, Caregivers Share the Joyful Times, edited by Brenda Avadian.
Imagine my pleasure when I learned from Brenda that the book is going into its second printing. […]
I discovered that by finding a friend to share the struggles and decisions of caregiving of my mom and aunt helped tremendously. At the time I realized Mother was following her sister’s path and developing Alzheimer’s, my neighbor was caring for a great aunt with this disease.
Finding a friend with whom I could discuss Mother’s condition and […]
Today I was interviewed on Concord (NH) Community TV about my life as a writer and the various books I’ve written. Actually the 30-minute show, Book Swap Cafe, was taped for airing later in April.
I’ve never appeared on TV before. However, the hosts, Anita and Becky, put me right at ease. So we had an […]
Encouraging Alzheimer's caregivers from someone who's been there.
Written by Mary Emma Allen [email] for b5media.
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