Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal:
December 1, 2002
Live is full of learning lessons. We must be open to learn and live. We are given tribulations, blessings, suffering, and we must figure out the difference and learn happiness, patience, and love in order to grow and be a better person.
I sort of knew this most of my life, but now it seems I am being tested much more severely than in the past.
I raised five children and have been in a marriage for almost 29 years. I have had to fight to be strong, been so poor that we had to live on pennies to buy milk, been moved away from family and friends great distances. I have known loneliness. I returned to school late in life, and discovered that I was dyslexic. But no trail has tested me or taught such lessons as I am learning now.
I can use your prayers when I find myself being short-tempered when I know I should not be; when I become aggravated with my situation ans should not be. I am discovering my shortcomings and learning to deal with them. I will be a better person for this trial.
I need to thank Julie for the poem,"A Beautiful Prayer." It is so true. I cannot just pray for patience, or happiness, or sparing of pain, or to make my spirit grow. I have to do this myself from what God has given me while I'm on earth. But I can ask God to help me LOVE others as much as he does.
Thank you for reading. I will try to put in a little of my journal this month as I relive one of my Christmas pasts, while taking care of my father in law with his Alzheimer's. Remember to look on line at the different Alzheimer Sites. Also find your self an Alzheimer Support Group. Some additional Web-links are:
Alzheimer's Weekly, Alzheimer's Society, OurAlzheimer's.com, TheCaregiversVoice.com, The Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and Alzheimer's Disease, Education, and Referal Center, Just to name a few.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press, An Imprint Of James A. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
QUOTE FROM ALZHEIMER'S WEEKLY: There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid. By Fredrick W. Cropp.
This is a wonderful holiday week. Happy Thanksgiving to all. It is a time to reflect on what we are so thankful for. It can also be a hard time for some as they think of their loved one with this terrible disease called Alzheimer's and how they can't really enjoy this day with them. But don't forget who they were, and the fun times you had before this disease took over their mind.
Please find your self a support group so that you can reflect and ask questions, and hopefully find solutions. God Bless You All.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press, An Imprint of James A. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
This is a wonderful holiday week. Happy Thanksgiving to all. It is a time to reflect on what we are so thankful for. It can also be a hard time for some as they think of their loved one with this terrible disease called Alzheimer's and how they can't really enjoy this day with them. But don't forget who they were, and the fun times you had before this disease took over their mind.
Please find your self a support group so that you can reflect and ask questions, and hopefully find solutions. God Bless You All.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press, An Imprint of James A. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
We all start out as infants in this world, depending on someone to nurture, love, and take care of us. We go through the discovery of everything being new, fresh, and exciting. Then the adolescent years come upon us and, as we become young adults, we learn different kinds of lessons about life from the people around us. Next, some of us go onto school while others find love, marry, and have children. Then there are those who find a career. Time goes on and we get older, as do our mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters.
One day you look in the mirror and your are twenty-years old. The next time you notice, you're thirty, forty, and the years march by. You can't figure out where the time has gone. We've all been busy with our lives doing such different things; how-ever, there's one thing we all have in common. Our parents are getting older. One day we may find ourselves expected to take care of them.
We know that, as we get older, we may lose our memory, sight, and hearing. But nothing can prepare us for what happens when our loved one's dementia turns into Alzheimer's. The caretaker inevitably feels lost and alone. Our loved ones are not themselves anymore--at least not the way we remember them. They don't know who we are and they don't know where they are.
Some of us listen to what the doctor says and put them in a the hands of professionals in a care center for the elderly. But some of us take on the challenge of caring directly for out parents, just as they once took care of us. We're not sue what in on the road ahead, but we know that we love our parents and want only the best for them.
This is such a tale--a story of a tough love. I have worked in nursing homes, and in the Emergency Medical System (EMS) taking the elderly back and forth between hospitals. and nursing homes. When it was discovered that my father-in-law was not himself and his mental health was deteriorating, my sister-in-law found she could not longer care for him.
My husband and I discussed the situation and decided that we owed it to this great man, who taught us so much throughout our lives, to care for him in his time of need.
It was hard to deal with the man he had become. We had to remember that he is now a victim of the disease--that this person was no longer really him anymore. It was a greater challenge than we could have imagined, caring for him to his dying day; but it was also rewarding.
I wanted to write and share this journal in the hope that it might help others who are taking care of, or considering caring for, their aging parents. I wanted them to know that they are not alone. Don't feel that you've failed when you're aggravated, depressed, or angry. These emotions only show that you are human. Caretakers should value those days when they are blessed with the wonderful things their loved one do. Caretakers must always remember the person they knew before the disease began to take its toll.
If you are just starting out, maybe this book will give you a better idea of what to expect.
I have found that running and enjoying a daily walk with God helped me get through terrible days and made them turn around. I hope you enjoy this book and that, in some way, it helps you face and better analyze the difficult decisions ahead.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press, An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
One day you look in the mirror and your are twenty-years old. The next time you notice, you're thirty, forty, and the years march by. You can't figure out where the time has gone. We've all been busy with our lives doing such different things; how-ever, there's one thing we all have in common. Our parents are getting older. One day we may find ourselves expected to take care of them.
We know that, as we get older, we may lose our memory, sight, and hearing. But nothing can prepare us for what happens when our loved one's dementia turns into Alzheimer's. The caretaker inevitably feels lost and alone. Our loved ones are not themselves anymore--at least not the way we remember them. They don't know who we are and they don't know where they are.
Some of us listen to what the doctor says and put them in a the hands of professionals in a care center for the elderly. But some of us take on the challenge of caring directly for out parents, just as they once took care of us. We're not sue what in on the road ahead, but we know that we love our parents and want only the best for them.
This is such a tale--a story of a tough love. I have worked in nursing homes, and in the Emergency Medical System (EMS) taking the elderly back and forth between hospitals. and nursing homes. When it was discovered that my father-in-law was not himself and his mental health was deteriorating, my sister-in-law found she could not longer care for him.
My husband and I discussed the situation and decided that we owed it to this great man, who taught us so much throughout our lives, to care for him in his time of need.
It was hard to deal with the man he had become. We had to remember that he is now a victim of the disease--that this person was no longer really him anymore. It was a greater challenge than we could have imagined, caring for him to his dying day; but it was also rewarding.
I wanted to write and share this journal in the hope that it might help others who are taking care of, or considering caring for, their aging parents. I wanted them to know that they are not alone. Don't feel that you've failed when you're aggravated, depressed, or angry. These emotions only show that you are human. Caretakers should value those days when they are blessed with the wonderful things their loved one do. Caretakers must always remember the person they knew before the disease began to take its toll.
If you are just starting out, maybe this book will give you a better idea of what to expect.
I have found that running and enjoying a daily walk with God helped me get through terrible days and made them turn around. I hope you enjoy this book and that, in some way, it helps you face and better analyze the difficult decisions ahead.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press, An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Hello
Hope you have taken advantage of the web sites available for you to help you with this terrible disease. Have you checked out the web site Alzheimer's Foundation of America? They have some Caregiving Tips: Strategies for Success:
1) Educate your self about the disease. Read books, attend workshops and consult with health care professionals.
2) Learn caregiving techniques. Key areas are communication shills, safety concerns, and managing behavioral challenges and activities of daily living.
3) Understand the experience of your loved one. Adjust your expectations. Be patient and kind.
4) Avoid caregiver burnout. Make time for yourself. Join caregiver support groups. pursue interests beyond your caregiving role, such as exercise, hobbies, journaling and art.
5) Maintain your own physical and mental health. Exercise, respite and other activities can reduce stress. Seek medical help if there are signs of depression.
6) Discuss the situation with family and friends. Support systems are critical.
7) Do cognitive stimulation activities with your loved one. Listening to music, word puzzles and memory games can easily be done at home.
8) Foster communication with physicians. Be involved in your loved one's medical care. Ask questions about the progression of the disease, express concerns and discuss treatment options.
9) Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues. Try to involve your loved one decision-making, if they are still capable of providing input, and consider their wishes related to future care and end-of-life issues.
10) Smile. kindness, humor and creativity are essential part of caregiving. Hugs, hand massage and other gentle physical contact will help your loved one feel connected and loved.
11) Think positive. Focus on your loved one's remaining strengths and enjoy your relationship while they are still able to.
12) Reach out for care. Call the Alzheimer's Foundatoin of America--866.AFA.8484, for counseling information and referrals to local resources nationwide.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Hope you have taken advantage of the web sites available for you to help you with this terrible disease. Have you checked out the web site Alzheimer's Foundation of America? They have some Caregiving Tips: Strategies for Success:
1) Educate your self about the disease. Read books, attend workshops and consult with health care professionals.
2) Learn caregiving techniques. Key areas are communication shills, safety concerns, and managing behavioral challenges and activities of daily living.
3) Understand the experience of your loved one. Adjust your expectations. Be patient and kind.
4) Avoid caregiver burnout. Make time for yourself. Join caregiver support groups. pursue interests beyond your caregiving role, such as exercise, hobbies, journaling and art.
5) Maintain your own physical and mental health. Exercise, respite and other activities can reduce stress. Seek medical help if there are signs of depression.
6) Discuss the situation with family and friends. Support systems are critical.
7) Do cognitive stimulation activities with your loved one. Listening to music, word puzzles and memory games can easily be done at home.
8) Foster communication with physicians. Be involved in your loved one's medical care. Ask questions about the progression of the disease, express concerns and discuss treatment options.
9) Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues. Try to involve your loved one decision-making, if they are still capable of providing input, and consider their wishes related to future care and end-of-life issues.
10) Smile. kindness, humor and creativity are essential part of caregiving. Hugs, hand massage and other gentle physical contact will help your loved one feel connected and loved.
11) Think positive. Focus on your loved one's remaining strengths and enjoy your relationship while they are still able to.
12) Reach out for care. Call the Alzheimer's Foundatoin of America--866.AFA.8484, for counseling information and referrals to local resources nationwide.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Have you read the CaregiversVoice.com lately? They are talking about respite care for the holiday season. If you are a caregiver traveling without a loved one this holiday season, how about considering respite care. The National Family Caregivers Association offers the following: Respite Care takes on many forms, including adult day care, surrogate caregiver coverage by other family members or friends, home health care through a professional service, or a short-term stay in a senior housing community.
One way to celebrate NFC month is to give yourself a break. Search for respite care in select senior housing communities nationwide, visit SNAP for Seniors. If you would like more assistance in locating senior housing options for respite care, call 206/575-0728 extension 2013 or email snap for seniors. Look up CaregiversVoice.com for more info.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs
www.mariefostino.com
One way to celebrate NFC month is to give yourself a break. Search for respite care in select senior housing communities nationwide, visit SNAP for Seniors. If you would like more assistance in locating senior housing options for respite care, call 206/575-0728 extension 2013 or email snap for seniors. Look up CaregiversVoice.com for more info.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs
www.mariefostino.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hope you are checking the Alzheimer's Sites on line. They are very helpful. According to OurAlzheimer's.Com, today is National Memory Screening Day! On November 18, The Alzheimer's Foundation of America and it's partners are sponsoring free memory screenings for National Memory screening Day. This event, which occurs every November, is held to help promote the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other memory-related illnesses. It also helps to encourage appropriate interventions for people suffering from memory problems. Participating sites will provide free confidential memory screenings, as well as follow-up resources and educational materials about memory and aging. Do you have a loved one that needs to be checked. Link on to OurAlzheimer's.Com for more information. Have a great day!!!
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Have you looked at Alzheimer's Weekly this week? Thought of the week! Young love is about being happy. Old love is about wanting someone else to be happy. Hope you are taking advantage of all the Alzheimer's Sites out there.
Any one who lives in Phoenix, Az. The Borders On Mills Ave has a few of my books still on there shelves. If you don't see them, just ask. Also Changing Hands has a few of my books on there shelves. Of course you can get my books on line at places like James. J. Rock Publishers - Amazone.com.-Boarders.com.-Barnes&Nobles.com. Even at Target.com.
Other news, this week is the big new movie Twlight.
Just went to see Fireproof yesterday. This is a must see movie. It is about a young fireman who is good about saving people, but now has to learn how to save his marriage. And God is the center
Thank you for reading this and God Bless You all.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Any one who lives in Phoenix, Az. The Borders On Mills Ave has a few of my books still on there shelves. If you don't see them, just ask. Also Changing Hands has a few of my books on there shelves. Of course you can get my books on line at places like James. J. Rock Publishers - Amazone.com.-Boarders.com.-Barnes&Nobles.com. Even at Target.com.
Other news, this week is the big new movie Twlight.
Just went to see Fireproof yesterday. This is a must see movie. It is about a young fireman who is good about saving people, but now has to learn how to save his marriage. And God is the center
Thank you for reading this and God Bless You all.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Good Morning, It is a beautiful day here in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. I was going through the different Alzheimer's sites on line, and I hope you are taking advantage of this, and here is the thought from Alzheimer's Weekly. THE SMALLEST ACT OF KINDNESS IS WORTH MORE THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION. I hope that you are doing well, and are getting the respite you need to keep taking care of your loved one with the terrible Alzheimer's Disease. There is nothing wrong with saying that you need help and can not do it alone. Also remember that sleep, exercise and food are real important to help you keep up your strenght. And most important of all, don't forget to pray for guidance. Don't for get to smile and have a good day.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Enroll in educational programs. That is what it says in OurAlzheimers.com. To Care for someone with Alzheimer's can be challenging. Talk openly with our loved ones doctor. Learn more ways you can care for your loved one. Take advantage of these on line sites. Alzheimer's Weekly. Alzheimer's Society. OurAlzheimer's.com. TheCaregiversVoice.com. Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referal Center. These are some ways to help educate yourself about the disease and how to cope. There are on line chat rooms if you are to embarrassed to go to a group discussion in person, Or if you don't have respite care to get away and you need to talk. Don't forget to pray. God is listening. Hope you have a great week.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Hello,
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease that millions of people live with every day. But with this disease it also affects their loved ones besides themselves. It destroys the mind, and leaves not only the person with the disease feeling helpless but also the family member taking care of the person. It hurts deeply when a loved one forgets your name and who you are. It hurts deeply when the loved one with the disease gets angry at you, when you are only trying to help them. Don't forget that there are nursing home out there to help you out. Also there are Alzheimer support groups which are a big help. Don't forget to get on line and look up material to help you out. Places like Alzheimer's Weekly, Alzheimer's Society, OurAlzheimer's.com, TheCaregiversVoice.com, The Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referal Center to name a few. I hope that my book has helped you with the realization of what it is like and opens up a door to reality to see if you are going to keep your loved one at home or put into a nursing home. Let me know what you decide, and if I have helped you at all.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease that millions of people live with every day. But with this disease it also affects their loved ones besides themselves. It destroys the mind, and leaves not only the person with the disease feeling helpless but also the family member taking care of the person. It hurts deeply when a loved one forgets your name and who you are. It hurts deeply when the loved one with the disease gets angry at you, when you are only trying to help them. Don't forget that there are nursing home out there to help you out. Also there are Alzheimer support groups which are a big help. Don't forget to get on line and look up material to help you out. Places like Alzheimer's Weekly, Alzheimer's Society, OurAlzheimer's.com, TheCaregiversVoice.com, The Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referal Center to name a few. I hope that my book has helped you with the realization of what it is like and opens up a door to reality to see if you are going to keep your loved one at home or put into a nursing home. Let me know what you decide, and if I have helped you at all.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Hope you have been reading these different Alzheimer's sites. The thought of the week from Alzheimer's Weekly: Kindness is more than good deeds. It's an attitude, an expression, a look, and a touch. It is anything that lifts another person. C. Neil Strait. Have a great week. Remember to be an angel and practice random acts of kindness.
God Bless You,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
God Bless You,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James J. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Do you ever wonder if you are really helping anyone? Do you wonder if you have a purpose in this life? I believe that we have many different hats to wear and when we finish one project that God gives us, if we are open we will have another. When I took care of dad, that took all my time, and that was what God had planned for me to do. And when I published the Journal, I believed that God wanted that done so that, with dad's help, even thought he is gone, we could still help people. But sometimes I wonder if I am helping anyone. I guess the hardest part is trying to get this journal out there for others to see all over the United States. There are so many people out there, taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's. Some are spouses, some are daughter, or sons. Some have decided to take on the challenge at home, and some decided that it was to much for them and they asked for help from a care facility. I hope that no matter which case you fit into, that you have found something to read to help you form your decision. I am hoping that this Journal is helping someone out there. If anyone has read my book, 'Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal' and it has helped you one way or another please let me know. I am sure that other readers would like your input also.
Thank you and have a great week.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakes Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock& Co.,Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Thank you and have a great week.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakes Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James J. Rock& Co.,Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Good Morning,
Such wonderful weather here in Phoenix, Az. Hope to see you at The South Mountain / Laveen Village's Festival Inc. & Wal Mart 37th Annual Community Craft, Health, Safety and Information Fair. I think the parade is from 10:00 to 12:00 noon. The booths are up till 3:00. Also the Alzheimer's Memory Walk is going on down town Phoenix. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Also I would love to come and share my experience taking care of my father in law. I think it is important to hear from other people, the struggles, the solutions, the loneliness, and that you are not alone.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
Such wonderful weather here in Phoenix, Az. Hope to see you at The South Mountain / Laveen Village's Festival Inc. & Wal Mart 37th Annual Community Craft, Health, Safety and Information Fair. I think the parade is from 10:00 to 12:00 noon. The booths are up till 3:00. Also the Alzheimer's Memory Walk is going on down town Phoenix. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Also I would love to come and share my experience taking care of my father in law. I think it is important to hear from other people, the struggles, the solutions, the loneliness, and that you are not alone.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A. Rock & Co., Pubs.
www.mariefostino.com
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