tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post4912514719908986171..comments2024-01-11T23:55:40.302-08:00Comments on Alzheimer's Canyon: Jane: How Can I Help?Jane and Skyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734376990598714240noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-47345925556509441052017-08-30T09:09:27.542-07:002017-08-30T09:09:27.542-07:00Wow. That's really interesting. Thanks for sha...Wow. That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing!Jane and Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10734376990598714240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-66443391185666008412017-08-30T09:03:36.424-07:002017-08-30T09:03:36.424-07:00As I encounter partners, BFFs, etc., of those who ...As I encounter partners, BFFs, etc., of those who face dementia, I feel I have a delicate challenge. What and how to share of my own experience losing my mother to Alzheimer's over a nine-year period. The part I usually choose is that there will be memories you will cherish long after your loved one is gone from every stage of the disease, almost to the end. I expected after grieving to remember fondly how they were before they were stricken. It was a bit of a surprise to have many good memories from their period of decline.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18380915143184556261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-39294567206229156332017-08-13T06:25:03.529-07:002017-08-13T06:25:03.529-07:00Thank you!!Thank you!!Pat G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/18082707591279440358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-70911642915182794212017-08-12T15:46:16.449-07:002017-08-12T15:46:16.449-07:00Thanks, Judy. That's really interesting that y...Thanks, Judy. That's really interesting that you would prefer that people just pick something to do, and do it (with your permission). I would never want that! Glad to get your perspective. Maybe the better question is -- "What can I do for you -- or would you prefer for me to just pick something and do it?"Jane and Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10734376990598714240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-1644427060277218352017-08-12T15:14:09.926-07:002017-08-12T15:14:09.926-07:00In addition to reading the terrific blog post abov...In addition to reading the terrific blog post above, I strongly recommend this article: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407-story.html#axzz2kF8iBw9U<br />which emphasizes the level of closeness to the patient as a deciding factor in what to say and, more importantly, to whom.<br /><br />The one thing I disagree with Jane about (and I know whereof I speak, being halfway through chemotherapy for colon cancer) is that I would NOT recommend that people ask "How can I help?" That puts the burden right back on the patient or the caregiver to come up with something.<br /><br />Instead, I recommend just thinking of something helpful to do and do it, after checking with the patient and/or caregiver to be sure it's appreciated. Like to iron? Get to the bottom of their ironing basket! Bring food (after checking for not only food allergies, but appetite). Take the dog for a long walk. Bring over some videos and either watch them then with the patient, or leave them. Bring flowers. Clean out their refrigerator. At the very least, empty the wastebaskets when you leave.Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10800774062894760828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-61108424283430358922017-08-12T03:13:44.407-07:002017-08-12T03:13:44.407-07:00Thanks! Not as far away as you think....moved back...Thanks! Not as far away as you think....moved back to VT last year and live in Burlington. Thanks for letting AUUC know.Jane and Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10734376990598714240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-51345450890695685562017-08-11T19:59:36.733-07:002017-08-11T19:59:36.733-07:00Hi Jane and Sky. I'm sending love and hugs. Th...Hi Jane and Sky. I'm sending love and hugs. Thank you for the blog you've created. You are so far away from Saranac Lake that I'm at a loss to be able to help. When I was taking care of my mother before she went into a "memory care" assisted living residence, a visiting psychiatric nurse recommended a book, "The 36-Hour Day". I didn't know anything about Mom's condition before I started reading that book. I bought copies for my siblings and have recommended it ever since to friends in like circumstances. Just now, telling you about a book and sending love is all I know to do. I'll also let our AUUC friends know about the blog site.earthmom63https://www.blogger.com/profile/02635252956055371793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111908578786133382.post-75425429753624803212017-08-11T17:38:14.707-07:002017-08-11T17:38:14.707-07:00Sending love and hugs :)Sending love and hugs :)VtChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09765085576697900849noreply@blogger.com