What a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I want to keep Barbara in my prayers this week. I met her at Borders yesterday. She lost her husband to Alzheimer's last week and the funeral is this week. I enjoyed talking to her. I think she needed to hear from someone who has had their feet in her shoes. And I always enjoy listening to someone with their story, and how they coped. Also, Thanks Barbara for buying a book. Hope it helps, and hopefully you can share it with some of the people in your support group.
Just a reminder that if you are to shy to come out in the open with this, that their are support groups out there, and they know what you are going through and will be glad to help. Also write me, and I will try to help how ever I can.
Talk to you soon,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
by Seaboard Press an imprint of J. A. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Such a beautiful day again today. It is so different than when I lived in Chicago. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE CHICAGO. But the weather is much better here. It is the winters that I am referring to. In stead of wind and snow, mixed with rain, we have sunny sky's, most of the winter. I am excited about tomorrow because it is my first Book Signing. I want to thank Borders Book Stores, for all they have done to make this possible. I am trying to get my book out there for all to see. My book has a unique way of showing the every day living with your loved one with Alzheimer's. My book is not a how to do it book. But rather the every day issues and feelings.
I want to stress how important Respite care is and how important 'Moments' are. And remember that this is a no - win situation. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is going to take your loved one away, no matter how hard you fight. But don't give up, and keep trying to give them the life they deserve. Faith, prayer, sleep, and exercise are also important for you and your loved one. Please find your self a support group. It is very important to know and share with other people that are doing the same as you.
I want to thank J. A Rock & Publishing for making this possible. I just think of all the years that dad helped us, and now while he is in heaven, he is still helping people. I want to thank Alzheimer's Weekly, and The CaregiversVoice.com for all there support.
Hope to see you tomorrow at Borders at 7320 W Bell Rd, in Glendale at noon to two pm. I will be happy to answer any questions or just listen if you need a ear.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
http://www.mariefostino.com/
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An imprint of J. A. Rock & Co., Pubs.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Good Afternoon,
I am hoping that as you look at my site you are taking advantage of the Alzheimer's sites that I have listed. They have information on subjects like, family, health, care facilities I am hoping that you are taking advantage of reading this book I put out for a good outlook on what it is like. I know that there are a lot of books out there on Alzheimer's. I think mine is just different because of the comments from my husband and children and it shows even with all the devotion we put into this, we still got aggravated. If it wasn't for our faith, we could not have gotten through this. Hope you are having a great day. Keep your head up and keep smiling. Remember be an angel and practice random acts of kindness.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal
Seaboard Press an imprint of James A Rock & Co. Publishers
www.mariefostino.com
I am hoping that as you look at my site you are taking advantage of the Alzheimer's sites that I have listed. They have information on subjects like, family, health, care facilities I am hoping that you are taking advantage of reading this book I put out for a good outlook on what it is like. I know that there are a lot of books out there on Alzheimer's. I think mine is just different because of the comments from my husband and children and it shows even with all the devotion we put into this, we still got aggravated. If it wasn't for our faith, we could not have gotten through this. Hope you are having a great day. Keep your head up and keep smiling. Remember be an angel and practice random acts of kindness.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal
Seaboard Press an imprint of James A Rock & Co. Publishers
www.mariefostino.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Good Morning,
What a beautiful day for a swim. I have a solar cover on my pool, and the water is great!!! I try to get my exercise lately by swimming an hour of laps.
It is really important to take care of your self, especially when you are taking care of someone else. I found that while I was taking care of dad, I would leave the house for 30 minutes to run, and pray. I was working on my body and my mind. And I would came back home a much calmer person. Running really helps to get rid of stress. I have such great memories of dad. I know, he is my father-in-law, but he loved me like I was his daughter and I loved him back the same way.
I have this 10 minute clip that I am going to show at my book signings/discussion. (Hope to see you there.) And on it is dad working out with me and Richard Simmons. It is also important to help keep your loved on in as good shape as they will let you. It is not always easy, and you have to get creative.
Remember that as you are taking care of your loved one, you are not alone, even though you feel like you are. Try to take some time for yourself. It is very important to do for you, because if you don't, the life will be sucked out of you, and you will not be able to help any one else.
Remember, and keep the great memories that you have alive. No one can take those away from you. But when you don't recognize the person your family member has become from the terrible disease, always rely on the memory, to bring them back, even if it is only in your mind.
Remember to LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
What a beautiful day for a swim. I have a solar cover on my pool, and the water is great!!! I try to get my exercise lately by swimming an hour of laps.
It is really important to take care of your self, especially when you are taking care of someone else. I found that while I was taking care of dad, I would leave the house for 30 minutes to run, and pray. I was working on my body and my mind. And I would came back home a much calmer person. Running really helps to get rid of stress. I have such great memories of dad. I know, he is my father-in-law, but he loved me like I was his daughter and I loved him back the same way.
I have this 10 minute clip that I am going to show at my book signings/discussion. (Hope to see you there.) And on it is dad working out with me and Richard Simmons. It is also important to help keep your loved on in as good shape as they will let you. It is not always easy, and you have to get creative.
Remember that as you are taking care of your loved one, you are not alone, even though you feel like you are. Try to take some time for yourself. It is very important to do for you, because if you don't, the life will be sucked out of you, and you will not be able to help any one else.
Remember, and keep the great memories that you have alive. No one can take those away from you. But when you don't recognize the person your family member has become from the terrible disease, always rely on the memory, to bring them back, even if it is only in your mind.
Remember to LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Good afternoon,
It is such a lovely Sunday. At our house, after church, and after Jimmy went to work, we had 'girls day'. Of course I am missing my lovely daughter Kristina, from Oklahoma, and my lovely daughter in law Betsy, from Illinois. But I still have Jennifer, Jessica, and Regina, here with my granddaughter Adias, and we ate and went to the movies, and just sat around and chatted. Life can't get any better than that!
I want to share a poem with you today. If you have bought my book, you will reconize it, since I have it written in there. It is called 'A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER'.
I asked God to take away my habit
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulatioins; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on our own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.
God said. . . AHH, finally you have the idea.
I hope you like this poem. Don't take life for granted. It is a gift, and that is why today is called the present. Have a great Sunday. Talk to you soon.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
It is such a lovely Sunday. At our house, after church, and after Jimmy went to work, we had 'girls day'. Of course I am missing my lovely daughter Kristina, from Oklahoma, and my lovely daughter in law Betsy, from Illinois. But I still have Jennifer, Jessica, and Regina, here with my granddaughter Adias, and we ate and went to the movies, and just sat around and chatted. Life can't get any better than that!
I want to share a poem with you today. If you have bought my book, you will reconize it, since I have it written in there. It is called 'A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER'.
I asked God to take away my habit
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulatioins; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on our own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.
God said. . . AHH, finally you have the idea.
I hope you like this poem. Don't take life for granted. It is a gift, and that is why today is called the present. Have a great Sunday. Talk to you soon.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
Friday, September 19, 2008
What a beautiful day it is today. Here in sunny Arizona, it finally is cooler, with a slight wind, yet warm without being hot. My book signing is coming up next week and I am pretty excited. I know, some of you are saying what is so special about my book. My book is on the human side of Alzheimer's. The every day trials, frustrations, and blessings. My book let's you see first hand what a day is like. From the first stage down to the third stage. It shows you how we are human, and how we feel sadness, and loneliness, but also how we are blessed. I hope I have expressed in my book, how important it is to get respite care, to get your piece of mind back. That it is alright to say you can't do this alone. Hopefully I have given ideas on activities for your loved one with Alzheimer's to help make them feel like they are contributing. Just think how sad you would feel if you could not help with anything at home. And how important it is to have hospice come in at the final stages and help out. I will share some of my book but will also ask if any one has any questions and hopefully I can answer them or point you in the right direction to answer them. Also if anyone wants to share any experience they are going through, that would be great! So remember a week from Saturday, September 27, from noon to two pm at the Borders at 7320 W Bell Ave, in Glendale. Hope to see you there. And remember to smile and enjoy your day. - Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
mariefostino.com
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
mariefostino.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Good morning,
In case you don't know, I work on an ambulance. It can be pretty rough, but I love what I do because I do inner facility. That means I go to nursing homes, or urgent cares and hospitals. I am not your lights and siren ambulance. I am your friend, hold your hand ambulance. Well at 3 am this morning, I got a call to go to a nursing home to pick up a patient to bring him to a hospital that was almost 20 miles away. This patient is running a fever, and is on antibiotics, so the nursing facility is really worried about him. As we enter the room, he is not very happy to see us. Well who would blame him, it is 3 am and he should be sleeping. When the nurse came in he was very hostile towards her and told her to leave, and she did. My partner and I sheet lifted him off his bed and onto our gurney. As we were going to leave the building, I decided that maybe I should put in my IV before going to the truck. My patient was not happy with us taking vitals, but especially not happy to be poked in the arm with a needle, as he was swearing at me, and swinging punches at me. And well needless to say, I did not get the IV in. But I can vividly remember one Christmas Eve when I had to leave to pick up a couple of my kids from the airport and dad did not want to go.
It happened on December 24, 2002 - I told dad that we were going to the airport to pick up his grandchildren. He decided that he was not going with me, and when I told him he didn't have a choice he began yelling and screaming and swearing, and went to the floor, refusing to budge. As my son grabbed his waist and I grabbed his legs, dad got ahold of my hair and began pulling, while yelling for the police.
My partner was afraid for me, and asked me to sit in the captains chair behind the patient so that he would not hurt me. But I could see my father in law all over again, so I just did my vitals and held his hand through the drive. Poor thing, every time the blood pressure cuff would go off, and squeeze his arm, he would give me a nasty look, and than start squeezing my hand harder and harder. As it would ease up, than his grip would ease up also.
Alzheimer's is such an awful disease. The hardest part is to remember that it takes over your loved one, with out permission. All you can do is be there for them. Remember that life is a gift from God, so obey his will and enjoy his gift, and live each five minutes like it is your last.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
In case you don't know, I work on an ambulance. It can be pretty rough, but I love what I do because I do inner facility. That means I go to nursing homes, or urgent cares and hospitals. I am not your lights and siren ambulance. I am your friend, hold your hand ambulance. Well at 3 am this morning, I got a call to go to a nursing home to pick up a patient to bring him to a hospital that was almost 20 miles away. This patient is running a fever, and is on antibiotics, so the nursing facility is really worried about him. As we enter the room, he is not very happy to see us. Well who would blame him, it is 3 am and he should be sleeping. When the nurse came in he was very hostile towards her and told her to leave, and she did. My partner and I sheet lifted him off his bed and onto our gurney. As we were going to leave the building, I decided that maybe I should put in my IV before going to the truck. My patient was not happy with us taking vitals, but especially not happy to be poked in the arm with a needle, as he was swearing at me, and swinging punches at me. And well needless to say, I did not get the IV in. But I can vividly remember one Christmas Eve when I had to leave to pick up a couple of my kids from the airport and dad did not want to go.
It happened on December 24, 2002 - I told dad that we were going to the airport to pick up his grandchildren. He decided that he was not going with me, and when I told him he didn't have a choice he began yelling and screaming and swearing, and went to the floor, refusing to budge. As my son grabbed his waist and I grabbed his legs, dad got ahold of my hair and began pulling, while yelling for the police.
My partner was afraid for me, and asked me to sit in the captains chair behind the patient so that he would not hurt me. But I could see my father in law all over again, so I just did my vitals and held his hand through the drive. Poor thing, every time the blood pressure cuff would go off, and squeeze his arm, he would give me a nasty look, and than start squeezing my hand harder and harder. As it would ease up, than his grip would ease up also.
Alzheimer's is such an awful disease. The hardest part is to remember that it takes over your loved one, with out permission. All you can do is be there for them. Remember that life is a gift from God, so obey his will and enjoy his gift, and live each five minutes like it is your last.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
Good Day everyone,
Have you looked at Alzheimer's Weekly yet? This site is full of information from Alzheimer's introduction to warning signs and planning for the future. This site has six tabs with the names: Home-News-Boards-Basics-Sites and Search. When you hit a tab it scrolls down with move tabs on various points of interest. It also has Ask Ann and Ask Nurse Dina. This site has a board with discussions between people with Alzheimer's. I was reading about Aricept and the side effects. Nurse Dina wrote, she heard from patients and other readers that Aricept sometimes creates temporary side effects that can be disturbing. Most of the time it was behavioral. This hits home with me as when I put dad on Aricept he became more combative so I discontinued it.
This site was created to serve the Alzheimer's community, wheather you are living with Alzheimer's, A caregiver, or just concerned with prevention or early testing. I highly recomend this site to any one dealing dealing with this disease.
The only way to retain love is to give it away, by Elbert Green Hubbard.
Thank you,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caregivers Journal
mariefostino.com
Have you looked at Alzheimer's Weekly yet? This site is full of information from Alzheimer's introduction to warning signs and planning for the future. This site has six tabs with the names: Home-News-Boards-Basics-Sites and Search. When you hit a tab it scrolls down with move tabs on various points of interest. It also has Ask Ann and Ask Nurse Dina. This site has a board with discussions between people with Alzheimer's. I was reading about Aricept and the side effects. Nurse Dina wrote, she heard from patients and other readers that Aricept sometimes creates temporary side effects that can be disturbing. Most of the time it was behavioral. This hits home with me as when I put dad on Aricept he became more combative so I discontinued it.
This site was created to serve the Alzheimer's community, wheather you are living with Alzheimer's, A caregiver, or just concerned with prevention or early testing. I highly recomend this site to any one dealing dealing with this disease.
The only way to retain love is to give it away, by Elbert Green Hubbard.
Thank you,
Marie
Alzheimer's A Caregivers Journal
mariefostino.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Good Morning,
Have you looked at TheCaregiversvoice.com yet? This is a wonderful site full of information to help you while taking care of your family member with Alzheimer's. People write in about their family situations and how they delt with them. Brenda Avadian, whom this site belongs to, has experience with taking care of a loved one. She moved from Wisconsin to California, to take care of her dad with Alzheimer's till his death. She is an inspirational speaker that talks about the hardships of caregiving with joyful experiences. She has a monthly advice column, and a column to voice your questions. This is a must to read. Her mission is to support groups and organizations that help people with Alzheimer's and their families.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheime's A Caretakers Journal
mariefostion.com
Have you looked at TheCaregiversvoice.com yet? This is a wonderful site full of information to help you while taking care of your family member with Alzheimer's. People write in about their family situations and how they delt with them. Brenda Avadian, whom this site belongs to, has experience with taking care of a loved one. She moved from Wisconsin to California, to take care of her dad with Alzheimer's till his death. She is an inspirational speaker that talks about the hardships of caregiving with joyful experiences. She has a monthly advice column, and a column to voice your questions. This is a must to read. Her mission is to support groups and organizations that help people with Alzheimer's and their families.
Sincerely,
Marie
Alzheime's A Caretakers Journal
mariefostion.com
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hello again,
I was just checking out the web site: ouralzheimer's.com. They have some wonderful information on drugs for Alzheimer's. And I thought I would share it with you. They have a caution which states: if you've been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, your doctor may pescribe a specific drug regimen. Every person is different, so your treatment will be tailored to your needs.
The five Drugs featured:
Aricept Oral - Cognex Oral - Exelon Oral - Nemenda Oral - Reminyl Oral
They all seem to want to improve memory, awareness, the ability to function in every day life. None of them cures Alzheimer's Disease.
You need to talk to your doctor on which medicine you should give to your loved one to help with their quality of life.
For more information on these drugs go on: OurAlzheimer's.com
Thank you and remember that life is a gift, so make each day count!
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
mariefostino.com
I was just checking out the web site: ouralzheimer's.com. They have some wonderful information on drugs for Alzheimer's. And I thought I would share it with you. They have a caution which states: if you've been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, your doctor may pescribe a specific drug regimen. Every person is different, so your treatment will be tailored to your needs.
The five Drugs featured:
Aricept Oral - Cognex Oral - Exelon Oral - Nemenda Oral - Reminyl Oral
They all seem to want to improve memory, awareness, the ability to function in every day life. None of them cures Alzheimer's Disease.
You need to talk to your doctor on which medicine you should give to your loved one to help with their quality of life.
For more information on these drugs go on: OurAlzheimer's.com
Thank you and remember that life is a gift, so make each day count!
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
mariefostino.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
Good Afternoon,
Just an FYI to any one interested in locating a support group. Alzheimer's Association has chapters all over. Since I live in the area of Phoenix, I looked up Central Arizona. I was able to find chapters in a lot of cities in Central Phoenix. They have the time, with the address and how often they meet.
SUPPORT GROUPS provide a place to help the caregiver and able to share their feelings, concnerns, and possible antidotes. It is a place of encouragement and information. I encorage anyone taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's to please find a support group. It is important to know that you are not alone. It is nice to hear that someone is going through what you are going through and they understand. And it is such a wonderful feeling when you can share something to help someone else out.
Thank you for reading this and You are in my prayers. Remember that to the world you are only one person, but to that one person you may be their world.
Sincerely,
Marie
Just an FYI to any one interested in locating a support group. Alzheimer's Association has chapters all over. Since I live in the area of Phoenix, I looked up Central Arizona. I was able to find chapters in a lot of cities in Central Phoenix. They have the time, with the address and how often they meet.
SUPPORT GROUPS provide a place to help the caregiver and able to share their feelings, concnerns, and possible antidotes. It is a place of encouragement and information. I encorage anyone taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's to please find a support group. It is important to know that you are not alone. It is nice to hear that someone is going through what you are going through and they understand. And it is such a wonderful feeling when you can share something to help someone else out.
Thank you for reading this and You are in my prayers. Remember that to the world you are only one person, but to that one person you may be their world.
Sincerely,
Marie
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Welcome to My Blog!
Hi everyone! My name is Marie Fostino! I am the author of "Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal." I currently reside in the beautiful state of Arizona. I will be using this site to add some of my personal feelings about my book and life in general. I hope you all enjoy this site. If you like this site, I encourage you to visit the site for my book at http://www.mariefostino.com. I have lots of great information on Alzheimer's Disease and what it's like being a caregiver.
Thanks for your time.
Love,
Marie
http://www.mariefostino.com
Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal
Thanks for your time.
Love,
Marie
http://www.mariefostino.com
Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
