Alzheimer's Blogging
We don't get many clouds in the sky here in sunny Phoenix, but today the sky is pretty with the clouds making designs and the sun peering around them. I am working today on the ambulance in this terrible heat. The sad part is that it is so hot the ambulances don't really cool off very well. So usually I have sweat dripping down my back and my poor patient is complaining asking me when I am going to put on the air conditioner.
Today I had a cute 91 yr old female. She lives in a independent living and was walking in the dining room for lunch when she fell. Unfortunately she fell on her hand and probably broke her wrist. I love the fact we have independent living faculties. This way the person can still live on their own, don't have to cook and there is a nurse on duty if needed.
Remember life is short, so be kind, and enjoy the gift that God gave you.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino'
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&feature=player_embedded
Above is a YouTube of my father in law. It shows him dancing and having fun and than, to where he is so confused that he doesn't even know he owns his own house. It also shows him sitting outside in 0 degrees weather and you can tell by my voice how aggravated I am as I am filming him, and coaxing him to come back in doors. Finally it shows how he can't even put together a baby puzzle or unlock the front door.
Taking care of my father in law was not an easy job. Times I got frustrated, and angry. I felt so isolated, after all the world doesn't stop, despite the sense our world is frozen in time. The reason I wrote my book was to let other caregivers know that they are not alone and other caregivers are experiencing the same frustrations.
I have been blogging with experiences I encounter while on the ambulance with Dementia/ Alzheimer's patients. I hope I have been sharing some helpful thoughts, anecdotes, and advice to help anyone dealing with the same situation.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&feature=player_embedded
Above is a YouTube of my father in law. It shows him dancing and having fun and than, to where he is so confused that he doesn't even know he owns his own house. It also shows him sitting outside in 0 degrees weather and you can tell by my voice how aggravated I am as I am filming him, and coaxing him to come back in doors. Finally it shows how he can't even put together a baby puzzle or unlock the front door.
Taking care of my father in law was not an easy job. Times I got frustrated, and angry. I felt so isolated, after all the world doesn't stop, despite the sense our world is frozen in time. The reason I wrote my book was to let other caregivers know that they are not alone and other caregivers are experiencing the same frustrations.
I have been blogging with experiences I encounter while on the ambulance with Dementia/ Alzheimer's patients. I hope I have been sharing some helpful thoughts, anecdotes, and advice to help anyone dealing with the same situation.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging:
I live in sunny Phoenix, Az and the weather is hot. I work on an ambulance and when we sit and drive to post to different places our vehicle does not cool off very well. But I do the job because I love my patients. Especially my elderly ones. The people with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Sometimes I feel like they are misunderstood. I know how angry they can get or how violent they can be. I also know how sweet they are.
I took care of my father in law until he died with his Alzheimer's. He was such a good man before Alzheimer's took over his mind. He was kind, and considerate. My children use to love when grandpa would come over for a few weeks every year. You see he lived in the Chicago area and we moved around a lot. We lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, and Maryland. Yet my father in law would come by to visit us for a few weeks, and help us out around the house.
I am writing today because I have read a few posts from some concerned people about their loved ones in faculties that they are not happy with. It breaks my heart but you do have to keep looking until you find the right place. I just want to give you and FYI. It is important to keep a folder and any information that is about your loved one make sure you get a copy of it. I don't care if it is about new medication and why. Or a doctors visit. You need to have all his medical history written down, and any medication he is on along with his allergies. If he had any labs taken make sure you get a copy of it for your records.
You are doing the best you can. So make sure you also get respite care and a good support group. Check out Alzheimer's Association for a support group in your area. If you don't take care of yourself how can you take care of your loved one. God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
I live in sunny Phoenix, Az and the weather is hot. I work on an ambulance and when we sit and drive to post to different places our vehicle does not cool off very well. But I do the job because I love my patients. Especially my elderly ones. The people with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Sometimes I feel like they are misunderstood. I know how angry they can get or how violent they can be. I also know how sweet they are.
I took care of my father in law until he died with his Alzheimer's. He was such a good man before Alzheimer's took over his mind. He was kind, and considerate. My children use to love when grandpa would come over for a few weeks every year. You see he lived in the Chicago area and we moved around a lot. We lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, and Maryland. Yet my father in law would come by to visit us for a few weeks, and help us out around the house.
I am writing today because I have read a few posts from some concerned people about their loved ones in faculties that they are not happy with. It breaks my heart but you do have to keep looking until you find the right place. I just want to give you and FYI. It is important to keep a folder and any information that is about your loved one make sure you get a copy of it. I don't care if it is about new medication and why. Or a doctors visit. You need to have all his medical history written down, and any medication he is on along with his allergies. If he had any labs taken make sure you get a copy of it for your records.
You are doing the best you can. So make sure you also get respite care and a good support group. Check out Alzheimer's Association for a support group in your area. If you don't take care of yourself how can you take care of your loved one. God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Well it was a full moon and a very eventful shift. One call was messed up. We got called for chest pain and brought this patient to a hospital whom put her in the lobby instead of a room. Just an FYI, just because a ambulance brings you to a hospital, doesn't mean they can't put you in the lobby with everyone else. So this patient sat there for 4 hours before they looked at her. They gave her a GI cocktail and sent her home. We came to pick her up and the patient told us she was still having chest pain. So after we loaded her in our ambulance we took her to a new hospital. Another FYI if you must get a second opinion.
On a pleasant note we got a patient in his 80's with Alzheimer's. We were bringing him back to the Nursing Home. He had fallen and both eyes were black and blue with a cut on his temple. Anyway his wife was waiting for us at the Nursing Home. This male patient is in a lock down unit for Alzheimer's / Dementia patients. But his wife is next door in a assisted living. So she told me they had been married for 60 yrs and she gets to have all her meals with him. I love the fact that this faculty has a place for the both of them to be taken care of and they can still be with each other all day long.
We only live once, so live, laugh, and love.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Well it was a full moon and a very eventful shift. One call was messed up. We got called for chest pain and brought this patient to a hospital whom put her in the lobby instead of a room. Just an FYI, just because a ambulance brings you to a hospital, doesn't mean they can't put you in the lobby with everyone else. So this patient sat there for 4 hours before they looked at her. They gave her a GI cocktail and sent her home. We came to pick her up and the patient told us she was still having chest pain. So after we loaded her in our ambulance we took her to a new hospital. Another FYI if you must get a second opinion.
On a pleasant note we got a patient in his 80's with Alzheimer's. We were bringing him back to the Nursing Home. He had fallen and both eyes were black and blue with a cut on his temple. Anyway his wife was waiting for us at the Nursing Home. This male patient is in a lock down unit for Alzheimer's / Dementia patients. But his wife is next door in a assisted living. So she told me they had been married for 60 yrs and she gets to have all her meals with him. I love the fact that this faculty has a place for the both of them to be taken care of and they can still be with each other all day long.
We only live once, so live, laugh, and love.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Friday, June 25, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Check out Alzheimer's Weekly for an article called: Under 45? Fight Stroke
Warning signs of stroke include sudden:
•Weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
•Numbness or tingling of the face or one side of the body.
•Confusion or trouble understanding.
•Trouble speaking.
•Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
•Trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination.
•Severe, unusual headaches.
If you experience stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Every second counts. Time is brain.
A 41-year-old gentleman suffered a stroke which is highlighting the problem of strokes in young people.
A large proportion of strokes are preventable by controlling blood pressure, treating atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) and stopping cigarette smoking.
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Check out Alzheimer's Weekly for an article called: Under 45? Fight Stroke
Warning signs of stroke include sudden:
•Weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
•Numbness or tingling of the face or one side of the body.
•Confusion or trouble understanding.
•Trouble speaking.
•Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
•Trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination.
•Severe, unusual headaches.
If you experience stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Every second counts. Time is brain.
A 41-year-old gentleman suffered a stroke which is highlighting the problem of strokes in young people.
A large proportion of strokes are preventable by controlling blood pressure, treating atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) and stopping cigarette smoking.
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging:
It is hot here in Phoenix, Az this time of year. My ambulance is having trouble cooling down for my patients. Today I had a couple in their 70's which I picked up from an urgent care. Sad thing is they called a wheel chair van company to pick them up and bring them to the hospital. Only the company would not bring them to the hospital and brought them to an urgent care across the street from the hospital.
I was told that this gentleman was having trouble urinating and his flanks were painful. His abdomen was distended like a volley ball. He tried to void and he showed me a container with 300cc full of urine in it for the whole day so far. So his doctor wanted him to go to the ED and have a Foley put in.
What bothers me in all of this is the fact they had to pay for the wheel chair van and now an ambulance. It is hard enough to live off of social security but when medical bills take it away how are they suppose to live and eat. We need to change some things with our medical and help our elderly live a better life.
We helped this gentleman on our gurney and folded up his wheel chair and brought him across the street to the hospital. Such a great couple and what a lesson to learn. Please be an angel and practice random acts of kindness.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
It is hot here in Phoenix, Az this time of year. My ambulance is having trouble cooling down for my patients. Today I had a couple in their 70's which I picked up from an urgent care. Sad thing is they called a wheel chair van company to pick them up and bring them to the hospital. Only the company would not bring them to the hospital and brought them to an urgent care across the street from the hospital.
I was told that this gentleman was having trouble urinating and his flanks were painful. His abdomen was distended like a volley ball. He tried to void and he showed me a container with 300cc full of urine in it for the whole day so far. So his doctor wanted him to go to the ED and have a Foley put in.
What bothers me in all of this is the fact they had to pay for the wheel chair van and now an ambulance. It is hard enough to live off of social security but when medical bills take it away how are they suppose to live and eat. We need to change some things with our medical and help our elderly live a better life.
We helped this gentleman on our gurney and folded up his wheel chair and brought him across the street to the hospital. Such a great couple and what a lesson to learn. Please be an angel and practice random acts of kindness.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Yesterday was fathers day. My father lives in N Carolina so he got a card from me in the mail and a phone call yesterday. My four daughters came over yesterday and gave their dad a tent and a new fishing rod. Around the dinner table sat three fathers and a granddad. We had six grandchildren over also. I enjoyed praying and thanking God for family.
I do remember fathers day when my father in law was alive. When he was younger we would have barbeque's at his house and he would always tell jokes. When his Alzheimer's took over his mind the celebration was not as much fun, but we were still thankful that dad was here. We missed him this Fathers Day.
I know many of you celebrated with a father who didn't know who you are. I know how hard that is when your father can't call you by your name. Put your mind back to younger times and how much fun you had when his mind was not shorted out. Thank God for the time you had together. My heart is with you.
Dear Lord,
Please take care of these families who are dealing with Alzheimer's. It is a hard task and we know you are in charge. Thank you for your blessings.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Yesterday was fathers day. My father lives in N Carolina so he got a card from me in the mail and a phone call yesterday. My four daughters came over yesterday and gave their dad a tent and a new fishing rod. Around the dinner table sat three fathers and a granddad. We had six grandchildren over also. I enjoyed praying and thanking God for family.
I do remember fathers day when my father in law was alive. When he was younger we would have barbeque's at his house and he would always tell jokes. When his Alzheimer's took over his mind the celebration was not as much fun, but we were still thankful that dad was here. We missed him this Fathers Day.
I know many of you celebrated with a father who didn't know who you are. I know how hard that is when your father can't call you by your name. Put your mind back to younger times and how much fun you had when his mind was not shorted out. Thank God for the time you had together. My heart is with you.
Dear Lord,
Please take care of these families who are dealing with Alzheimer's. It is a hard task and we know you are in charge. Thank you for your blessings.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging:
MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON FROM HOME TO HOME.
This week in Alzheimer's Weekly is an article on a program that gives nursing home residents personal and financial help to live on their own. The program, known as Money Follows the Person, is the nation’s most ambitious effort to move people out of nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities. It aims to help people live on their own and also save tens of millions of dollars for Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor and disabled that pays for two-thirds of nursing home bills in the U.S.
You do not want your loved one to stay in an institution if he or she can be viable at home do you? There are a lot of people who live in nursing homes that don't need to be there. So far only 29 states are participating in Money Follows the Person. I feel bad that my state of Arizona is not involved in the program. Please check out www.alzheimersweekly.com and look up this article: Money Follows The Person From Home to Home.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON FROM HOME TO HOME.
This week in Alzheimer's Weekly is an article on a program that gives nursing home residents personal and financial help to live on their own. The program, known as Money Follows the Person, is the nation’s most ambitious effort to move people out of nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities. It aims to help people live on their own and also save tens of millions of dollars for Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor and disabled that pays for two-thirds of nursing home bills in the U.S.
You do not want your loved one to stay in an institution if he or she can be viable at home do you? There are a lot of people who live in nursing homes that don't need to be there. So far only 29 states are participating in Money Follows the Person. I feel bad that my state of Arizona is not involved in the program. Please check out www.alzheimersweekly.com and look up this article: Money Follows The Person From Home to Home.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging
I thought today I would write something from my book. We took care of my father in law with his Alzheimer's until his death June 13, 2004.
June 21, 2003
As the days go by now, our routine doesn't seem to be helping him anymore. He doesn't seem to remember how to do anything or maybe he just doesn't want to remember. He still fights me when I make him take a bath. It's been almost a year now and you'd think that he'd be use to this. When I leave he bathroom, he sneaks out of the bathtub. When I come back to check, he'll be dry and there's no towel in the bathroom. He tells me that he's already washed up and that the water "dissolved into his skin."
After he's had breakfast, he'll ask me, "When can I shave?" Of course, he doesn't remember that we did that already. He's always excited about going for a car ride, but after about ten minutes, he begins to complain and begs me to go home. He still likes to wash dishes. Now he looks for the glass dishes (that we use everyday) and I have to catch him before he puts them away dirty. He has no idea what a dishwasher is, so I'm safe there.
He still forgets when he ate and asks to eat again an hour later. I ran out of Risperdal recently and I was quickly reminded of how much that medicine helps Dad. Without the Risperdal, he wouldn't sleep and became verbally abusive again. I was so glad to get him back on the medication.
I'm now putting a restrainer on him at night so I can sleep. He's managed to get out of it, but I'm still experimenting with different ways to tie it. I don't use it every night, just the nights when he refuses to sleep.
He still needs to walk to the mailbox and back, no matter how dark it is outside.
It's hard to do things as a family now, because he complains so much.
Sometimes I can get through it and sometimes it gets to me. Then I get mad at myself for being so selfish. For Father's Day, we went miniature golfing. I was hoping that he could play along with us, but he complained so much that we told him to sit in a chair and watch the greens where he could watch us. But he kept getting up and looking lost, unable to find us. So I made him walk the 18 holes with us and he was upset because he wanted to sit. It does make for a tiring day.
Dad is spending a lot of time outside now that it is warmer and , to my surprise, he's not running away. He's busy taking leaves and branches out from under the bushes. My son Erik is getting married soon and we'll have to put him in a nursing home for a couple of days while we go to the wedding. He's not alert enough to travel and he'll make it the event very difficult for us if we take him. I wish the old Joe was with us so Erik could have grandparents from both sides of the family.
We cannot take life for granted. You never know what is going to happen tomorrow and how you will be living. So you have to really live today like it is your last.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub Co
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
I thought today I would write something from my book. We took care of my father in law with his Alzheimer's until his death June 13, 2004.
June 21, 2003
As the days go by now, our routine doesn't seem to be helping him anymore. He doesn't seem to remember how to do anything or maybe he just doesn't want to remember. He still fights me when I make him take a bath. It's been almost a year now and you'd think that he'd be use to this. When I leave he bathroom, he sneaks out of the bathtub. When I come back to check, he'll be dry and there's no towel in the bathroom. He tells me that he's already washed up and that the water "dissolved into his skin."
After he's had breakfast, he'll ask me, "When can I shave?" Of course, he doesn't remember that we did that already. He's always excited about going for a car ride, but after about ten minutes, he begins to complain and begs me to go home. He still likes to wash dishes. Now he looks for the glass dishes (that we use everyday) and I have to catch him before he puts them away dirty. He has no idea what a dishwasher is, so I'm safe there.
He still forgets when he ate and asks to eat again an hour later. I ran out of Risperdal recently and I was quickly reminded of how much that medicine helps Dad. Without the Risperdal, he wouldn't sleep and became verbally abusive again. I was so glad to get him back on the medication.
I'm now putting a restrainer on him at night so I can sleep. He's managed to get out of it, but I'm still experimenting with different ways to tie it. I don't use it every night, just the nights when he refuses to sleep.
He still needs to walk to the mailbox and back, no matter how dark it is outside.
It's hard to do things as a family now, because he complains so much.
Sometimes I can get through it and sometimes it gets to me. Then I get mad at myself for being so selfish. For Father's Day, we went miniature golfing. I was hoping that he could play along with us, but he complained so much that we told him to sit in a chair and watch the greens where he could watch us. But he kept getting up and looking lost, unable to find us. So I made him walk the 18 holes with us and he was upset because he wanted to sit. It does make for a tiring day.
Dad is spending a lot of time outside now that it is warmer and , to my surprise, he's not running away. He's busy taking leaves and branches out from under the bushes. My son Erik is getting married soon and we'll have to put him in a nursing home for a couple of days while we go to the wedding. He's not alert enough to travel and he'll make it the event very difficult for us if we take him. I wish the old Joe was with us so Erik could have grandparents from both sides of the family.
We cannot take life for granted. You never know what is going to happen tomorrow and how you will be living. So you have to really live today like it is your last.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub Co
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Today on my ambulance I picked up a 91 yr old female. She was complaining of right hip pain. I checked her medication to see she was on some pretty strong pain medication but she told me they didn't work. After I got to chat with her for a while I found out that this women lives with her daughter and she states her daughter doesn't take care of her properly. She actually wants us to find her a nursing home to live in so that someone will watch out for her.
Next on the gurney in front of me was an elderly man lying with his wife standing next to him. I would want to guess they were in their eighty's. He talked very slow and soft. He looked like he was not all the way with it. But his wife was at his side, tending to him, trying to care for him the best she knew how.
Isn't that what life is about. Taking care of each other. Let's learn from these two different situations. Remember you only live once. Take this gift from God and show his mercy and love.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Today on my ambulance I picked up a 91 yr old female. She was complaining of right hip pain. I checked her medication to see she was on some pretty strong pain medication but she told me they didn't work. After I got to chat with her for a while I found out that this women lives with her daughter and she states her daughter doesn't take care of her properly. She actually wants us to find her a nursing home to live in so that someone will watch out for her.
Next on the gurney in front of me was an elderly man lying with his wife standing next to him. I would want to guess they were in their eighty's. He talked very slow and soft. He looked like he was not all the way with it. But his wife was at his side, tending to him, trying to care for him the best she knew how.
Isn't that what life is about. Taking care of each other. Let's learn from these two different situations. Remember you only live once. Take this gift from God and show his mercy and love.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 13, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Being a grandparent is so much work, fun and rewarding. We took five of our grandchildren on a camping trip. One of my kids came with, thank heavens, because it would have been hard to watch the kids while putting up three tents. Giggle. Putting up the tent, going on a hike, going on a hayride, a fire and roasting marshmallows was the most fun. It brought back some wonderful memories.
When my kids were young we use to go camping with my father in law Joe. He was a handy man and could do anything. Thank heavens because Jimmy had trouble putting up our tent and didn't have a lot of patience. Joe helped him and showed him what to do. As I watched Jimmy putting up the tent I gone years ago when Joe was alive and putting up the tent for my kids.
Joe helped us with our campfire and showed us how to help our children with roasting the marshmallows for the smores. HEHE We did this with our grandchildren showing my daughter what to do, and trying to explain to these small ones that fire is dangerous. We had a seven yr old, four year old, two- two yr olds and 14 yr old.
The hardest part of Alzheimer's is when the loved one forgets us. Joe didn't know who we were. He gave me the nick name of "lady" and he some how knew I was taking care of him. But in my memories he is still alive. He was with us in spirit when we took the grandchildren camping.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Being a grandparent is so much work, fun and rewarding. We took five of our grandchildren on a camping trip. One of my kids came with, thank heavens, because it would have been hard to watch the kids while putting up three tents. Giggle. Putting up the tent, going on a hike, going on a hayride, a fire and roasting marshmallows was the most fun. It brought back some wonderful memories.
When my kids were young we use to go camping with my father in law Joe. He was a handy man and could do anything. Thank heavens because Jimmy had trouble putting up our tent and didn't have a lot of patience. Joe helped him and showed him what to do. As I watched Jimmy putting up the tent I gone years ago when Joe was alive and putting up the tent for my kids.
Joe helped us with our campfire and showed us how to help our children with roasting the marshmallows for the smores. HEHE We did this with our grandchildren showing my daughter what to do, and trying to explain to these small ones that fire is dangerous. We had a seven yr old, four year old, two- two yr olds and 14 yr old.
The hardest part of Alzheimer's is when the loved one forgets us. Joe didn't know who we were. He gave me the nick name of "lady" and he some how knew I was taking care of him. But in my memories he is still alive. He was with us in spirit when we took the grandchildren camping.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 10, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING
Today I picked up a 46 yr old male who has renal failure and diabetes. He lived at home with his wife, and the story is he was having flank pain and throwing up black liquid. Only weird thing is I picked them up at eleven am and I could smell the alcohol on his breath. He freely admitted to me he had been drinking heavily about four days now and doesn't feel good. My question is why would a person abuse their bodies for so long and than call an ambulance? He was not a happy soul and he only had negative things to say about his wife whom another ambulance came to pick her up. The hospital told me they were frequent flyer's but I am having trouble understanding why???
Please, think before you abuse your body. Drinking can only cause cirrhosis of the liver. Smoking can only cause cancer to the lungs. And we know drugs are a lot worse. Please take care of your self. This gentlemen may be surprised as dementia happens while he is killing his brain cells with all the drinking he is doing.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Today I picked up a 46 yr old male who has renal failure and diabetes. He lived at home with his wife, and the story is he was having flank pain and throwing up black liquid. Only weird thing is I picked them up at eleven am and I could smell the alcohol on his breath. He freely admitted to me he had been drinking heavily about four days now and doesn't feel good. My question is why would a person abuse their bodies for so long and than call an ambulance? He was not a happy soul and he only had negative things to say about his wife whom another ambulance came to pick her up. The hospital told me they were frequent flyer's but I am having trouble understanding why???
Please, think before you abuse your body. Drinking can only cause cirrhosis of the liver. Smoking can only cause cancer to the lungs. And we know drugs are a lot worse. Please take care of your self. This gentlemen may be surprised as dementia happens while he is killing his brain cells with all the drinking he is doing.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging:
I am asking for some help with a baby who has Neuroblastoma Cancer in his stomach. This child was born Feb 13, 2010. I would like to invite you to a $5 cancer benefit concert.
Konner on Fox News www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/health/baby-has-rare-cancer-4-16-2010
AZ journal published a short story www.azjournal.com/news/126/ARTICLE/5539/2010-05-12.HTML
Konner has also been featured on Team Unite www.teamunite.net/teams.html
I know this doesn't have anything to do with Alzheimer's but it does have to do with a disease.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
I am asking for some help with a baby who has Neuroblastoma Cancer in his stomach. This child was born Feb 13, 2010. I would like to invite you to a $5 cancer benefit concert.
Konner on Fox News www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/health/baby-has-rare-cancer-4-16-2010
AZ journal published a short story www.azjournal.com/news/126/ARTICLE/5539/2010-05-12.HTML
Konner has also been featured on Team Unite www.teamunite.net/teams.html
I know this doesn't have anything to do with Alzheimer's but it does have to do with a disease.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Monday, June 7, 2010
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Today was an eventful day. Unfortunately I picked up a gentlemen the same age as me only he just had his leg amputated two weeks ago. He is diabetic and needs IV antibiotics so he was in a nursing home. I am just writing this to inform you that it is important to keep exercising, and eating healthy or if it isn't Alzheimer's it could be something else that can creep in your world. Please treat your body like a temple. Pray, read your bible, exercise, eat properly, don't smoke and keep your mind busy with tasks that make you think.
My prayers are out to this gentlemen and I wish him all the best in the world. But that won't give him his leg back. You need to pick the way you want to live and remember you only get one chance.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Today was an eventful day. Unfortunately I picked up a gentlemen the same age as me only he just had his leg amputated two weeks ago. He is diabetic and needs IV antibiotics so he was in a nursing home. I am just writing this to inform you that it is important to keep exercising, and eating healthy or if it isn't Alzheimer's it could be something else that can creep in your world. Please treat your body like a temple. Pray, read your bible, exercise, eat properly, don't smoke and keep your mind busy with tasks that make you think.
My prayers are out to this gentlemen and I wish him all the best in the world. But that won't give him his leg back. You need to pick the way you want to live and remember you only get one chance.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Alzheimer's Disease:
Like everyone, I am looking forward to the golden years. I am looking forward to retiring and enjoying some time traveling with my husband. But if I am not careful, dementia can creep up on me and take the golden years away from me. Sometimes I am afraid that my memory is not as sharp as it use to be. I know that I need to exercise and eat right to prolong dementia. I don't drink but I have read that if I did and if I drank 5 to 7 drinks a week, thanks to ethanol molecule in alcohol because it acts as a blood thinner and a anti-oxidant. And last but not least I need to exercise my brain to help keep it sharp.
MMM I do work so hopefully I am keeping my brain sharp. I love to exercise like swimming laps or dancing with Richard Simmons. I try to eat right. I wonder if keeping up with my grandchildren helps. Most of them are under seven years old.
Do you self a favor and take care of your self. You only have one life to live. You don't get a second chance.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Like everyone, I am looking forward to the golden years. I am looking forward to retiring and enjoying some time traveling with my husband. But if I am not careful, dementia can creep up on me and take the golden years away from me. Sometimes I am afraid that my memory is not as sharp as it use to be. I know that I need to exercise and eat right to prolong dementia. I don't drink but I have read that if I did and if I drank 5 to 7 drinks a week, thanks to ethanol molecule in alcohol because it acts as a blood thinner and a anti-oxidant. And last but not least I need to exercise my brain to help keep it sharp.
MMM I do work so hopefully I am keeping my brain sharp. I love to exercise like swimming laps or dancing with Richard Simmons. I try to eat right. I wonder if keeping up with my grandchildren helps. Most of them are under seven years old.
Do you self a favor and take care of your self. You only have one life to live. You don't get a second chance.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 5, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
General Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
When I first did research for Alzheimer's it was said that there was only 3 stages. Since I have read that they have changed that to many more. I am going to go through the old way with the 3 stages and you can see where your loved one lies within.
Stage 1
gradual short-term memory loss
losing and hiding things
wandering
experiences emotional changes
displays odd and inappropriate behavior
tends to be suspicious and / or accusing
Stage 2
severe memory loss
difficulty speaking
difficulty communicating
difficulty understanding
restlessness
easily agitated
bad hygiene practices
tendency to wander and / or get lost
"sundowning"
sleep disturbances
behaving childishly
hallucinating
resents caregivers
displays anger
clinging behavior
Stage 3
severe speech impairment
displays very little awareness of surroundings
extreme loss of mental functions
refuses to eat
displays complete dependency
incontinence
inability to perform most activities
I hope this helps you with as you study your loved one trying to figure out where they stand.
www.sagetest.osu.edu Also try this self test screening for dementia. I hope this all helps.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
General Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
When I first did research for Alzheimer's it was said that there was only 3 stages. Since I have read that they have changed that to many more. I am going to go through the old way with the 3 stages and you can see where your loved one lies within.
Stage 1
gradual short-term memory loss
losing and hiding things
wandering
experiences emotional changes
displays odd and inappropriate behavior
tends to be suspicious and / or accusing
Stage 2
severe memory loss
difficulty speaking
difficulty communicating
difficulty understanding
restlessness
easily agitated
bad hygiene practices
tendency to wander and / or get lost
"sundowning"
sleep disturbances
behaving childishly
hallucinating
resents caregivers
displays anger
clinging behavior
Stage 3
severe speech impairment
displays very little awareness of surroundings
extreme loss of mental functions
refuses to eat
displays complete dependency
incontinence
inability to perform most activities
I hope this helps you with as you study your loved one trying to figure out where they stand.
www.sagetest.osu.edu Also try this self test screening for dementia. I hope this all helps.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 3, 2010
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING
What an eventful day I have had. Heck it has been an eventful few days. I worked my 24 hr shift on Monday. When I got off Tuesday morning, and I ended up staying late at work, I had to pack and iron. Around two pm I got to see my oldest grandchild graduate eight grade. (Am I that old?) Then I had to run to the airport to grab a plane which ended up being late an hour and flew to OKC. My oldest daughter picked me up and it was around midnight her time. Got up a few hours later, packed a car. My daughter and I took turns driving back here to AZ with her three children in the car. Since she is a teacher, she gets the summer off, and I get the pleasure of her company for a few weeks in the summer. I love having my three grandchildren this way. The ages are seven, four and two years old. They didn't do to bad with our 18 hr drive. We had a lot of potty stops since the two year old is still being potty trained. And around dinner time we actually found a McDonald's with a playground so that they could play and run for an hour before we got back on the road. We finally arrived at two AM this morning. I guess being a baby boomer myself I have learned real early in life to enjoy each day like it is gift. Whether it was taking care of my father in law with his Alzheimer's or keeping my grand kids for a few weeks. Thank you God for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
What an eventful day I have had. Heck it has been an eventful few days. I worked my 24 hr shift on Monday. When I got off Tuesday morning, and I ended up staying late at work, I had to pack and iron. Around two pm I got to see my oldest grandchild graduate eight grade. (Am I that old?) Then I had to run to the airport to grab a plane which ended up being late an hour and flew to OKC. My oldest daughter picked me up and it was around midnight her time. Got up a few hours later, packed a car. My daughter and I took turns driving back here to AZ with her three children in the car. Since she is a teacher, she gets the summer off, and I get the pleasure of her company for a few weeks in the summer. I love having my three grandchildren this way. The ages are seven, four and two years old. They didn't do to bad with our 18 hr drive. We had a lot of potty stops since the two year old is still being potty trained. And around dinner time we actually found a McDonald's with a playground so that they could play and run for an hour before we got back on the road. We finally arrived at two AM this morning. I guess being a baby boomer myself I have learned real early in life to enjoy each day like it is gift. Whether it was taking care of my father in law with his Alzheimer's or keeping my grand kids for a few weeks. Thank you God for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
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