May 2012
1 post
Anonymous asked: Do you have a video clip on your website or blog with the woman that sang "You are my sunshine" to her husband? I saw your presentation about 4 years ago and that has stuck with me as it is one of my favorite songs and I was enlightened to alternate ways of communication.
March 2012
2 posts
January 2012
1 post
December 2011
11 posts
Most Recent "Post to Win" Story!
The bulletin board has been seeing some action the past couple of days — thanks to everyone who has taken the time to write! If you haven’t yet participated and want to, it’s super simple and your story automatically enters you to win our Family Cares DVD and a set of bean bags. You have until 9am (central) on January 6th to reflect and share!
Here is the most recent...
Listen to this message from Rachel about...
Tour Topics (Family Focused) →
Being a caregiver to a loved one with dementia is anything but easy. Here are some of the topics we covered throughout our dementia care tour last month…
- Rachel
WKYU-FM Radio Special →
Dan Modlin (News Director at WKYU) attended our program in Bowling Green, KY, last month and featured an 8 minute piece on “Dealing with Dementia” early Monday morning. It’s always nice when a reporter “gets it” and leaves out stigmatized words like sufferer or victim. He did a great job of focusing on the possibilities in dementia care, highlighting local service...
Tending the Desire to Contribute
I’m a fair bit late on posting some of the ideas that were discussed in Richmond, VA, a few weeks back (at the Alzheimer’s Association Educational Conference sponsored by the Greater Richmond chapter)…but it’s better late than never! Especially considering how relevant our program topic was to the Thanksgiving holiday. The presentation titled “Tending the Desire to Contribute: A Spotlight on...
November 2011
7 posts
From Bowling Green, KY
For some family members it feels as though a loved one with dementia is intentionally trying to drive ‘em nuts…asking the same question over and over…making accusations they very well know are untrue…forgetting to do a simple task time and time again. The caregiver says: “TRY HARDER!” but the person with dementia likely feels, “I’m giving this all I’ve got.” What if the caregiver suspicion...
From Louisville, KY
A husband and wife attended this program in great spirits, open to sharing stories and insights. He has Alzheimer’s (early stage). She supports and respects him dearly. Their 30+ year love is unmistakable.
Whenever she forgets a word or loses a thought, he lovingly teases: “I think your head is lying too close to my head at night!”
Their ability to smile, laugh, live life to the fullest and...
From Frankfort, KY
When a spouse has dementia, how do you deal with a refusal of medication?
One idea discussed: Make the taking of medicine “an event” – where both of you (husband and wife) take pills at the same time together each day. This way, no one feels singled out and the “togetherness” encourages participation. As an added level of humor, toast the moment by saying: “Cheers!” or “Bottoms Up!”
A Series of Great Programs
Over four and a half days this past week we worked with nearly 450 family and professional caregivers in Huntington, West Virginia, Lexington, Frankfort, Louisville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Owensboro and Paducah, Kentucky as well as Evansville, Indiana. Many thanks to all who attended our presentations…and a special shout out to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky and Southern...
October 2011
6 posts
Raymond by Brett Eldredge →
Over the years I have been touched by different songs related to dementia (i.e. Ellsworth by Rascal Flatts), but this one might just be my favorite. Tim (my husband) teases me for being all “country” now, but oh well. Good music is good music! And the lyrical message is spot on in sync with my philosophy about how to be there for someone in a time of need.
- Rachel
[please excuse...
On Facebook
We have been behind the times…but NO LONGER! It’s official - we have a facebook page! Here’s to making great connections and sharing lots of good info!
- Rachel
Always a Mother
Explanation: During a conversation with a dynamic group in Kentucky, we discussed what is implied and what can happen when you speak in past tense to a person who has dementia. An audience member shared one of her experiences...
Caregiver: "You must have been a mother."
Elder: "Oh no, honey, I AM a mother."
Side Thought: Some of you may already know this, but I am pregnant with my first child (due in January). This has already been an incredible experience, unlike any other in my lifetime. Only now can I begin to understand the correction made in this quick exchange. Memory loss doesn't necessarily diminish the satisfaction and joy of being a mother. What a role to cherish. - Rachel
September 2011
2 posts
7 tags
“It is what it is, but it will be what you make it.”
– Pat Summitt’s response when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease @ 59 yrs old
July 2011
3 posts
June 2011
7 posts
A Good Name To Know... →
…Heather McKay. Mom and I just heard her speak in Columbia to an audience of family members struggling to care for loved ones with dementia, and she is fabulous. I appreciated her straightforward answers and insight. For example, in a discussion about dealing with intense moments she made the point that we all need to feel empathy from others at those times and embrace redirection because...
“Complaining is an activity. You need to learn how to complain.”
– a humorous quote from Heather McKay at the Alzheimer’s Association Mid-Missouri Educational Conference on June 23, 2011, explaining an option for connecting to someone with dementia who needs to “trouble-talk”
Thanks Exira, IA!
Mom and I spoke Monday (evening program) and all day Tuesday at the Exira Rec Center in Exira, IA. The turnout was fabulous (family and professional caregivers) and a huge thanks to everyone who helped make the event possible! Jolene and Betty — you are top notch conference planners!!! Best wishes to everyone who attended!
- Rachel
May 2011
12 posts
“I’ve always wished I could sing…and right now I wish you could, too.”
– a person with dementia responding to a caregiver’s singing voice
"Romance at Any Age" by Kareen King →
I got an e-mail today from Kareen which prompted me to visit her amazing blog! Yesterday’s post is a sweet, quick read if you have a minute. If you have more than that, check out her entire blog…because it’s rockin’ fantastic!
- Rachel
Perspective
(n) a particular way of regarding something
Last night I had an interesting conversation with a new friend. His grandmother had Alzheimer’s Disease. His grandfather cared for her at home as long as he possibly could…until they made the decision to move into a care community. Though the extra professional assistance helped them cope with the disease, his grandfather’s heart...
“Friendship doubles our joy and divides our sorrow.”
– Swedish Proverb
Dementia Care: A Global Concern and Social Work... →
Congratulations to Dr. Daniel B. Kaplan for his recently published article in the journal of International Social Work! If you click on the link above you will be directed to his abstract and have an option to purchase the full text. No doubt this guy (I’m fortunate to be able to call him my friend) will help change the history of dementia care!
- Rachel
