ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. It is that time of the year again and for some of you, you are not really excited about the noise and celebration around you. Your world as you know it right now is stuck in time and moving very slow. It is not easy taking care of a person with Alzheimer's. If you have a loved one with this disease and they are in a nursing home, it is the guilt that is taking away your Christmas spirit. Unfortunately it is a lose/ lose situation. 

The Christmas before my father in law passed away, we had a simple Christmas at the house. The kids helped with decorating the tree, and the making of cookies. My father in law slept in his favorite chair in the living room. What to get him took a lot of imagination. We wrapped a box of his favorite cookies and a couple of his favorite teams on caps for his head. He seemed to like to wear base ball hats all the time. It was not a lot of money but it made him smile.

We kept Christmas low key for him. To much noise bothered him, to much sun light bothered him, and even the  young grand kids bothered him. But that was all right. He had always been there for us and it was our turn to be there for him.

Time fly fast, and the years seem to rush on by. Enjoy your loved one the best way you know how. Before you know it you will spending years without them and you will miss them.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You All.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press an Imprint of James A Rock Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com 

Alzheimer's Blogging:

It is the Christmas Season, a time to be jolly and remember loved ones. How many times have you went to see a loved one at the nursing home and forget to tell the staff thank you for taking care of your loved one. You know like when you go into a restaurant you  give the waiter a tip, to say thanks. It is time to  say thanks to the caregivers who are  giving your loved one the love and compassion they need while you are not around.

I am a hugger so I give hugs to everyone who is nice and helpful when I say thanks. That doesn't mean you have to. Not everyone likes to be touched or touch people and there is no right or wrong way to say thanks. I think it is just important to acknowledge the fact you appreciate all they do for your loved one.

Some like to give gifts, but some places may not allow you to give a gift to one special person on the staff. So maybe you can bring in a box of candy or some pizzas for the whole staff to eat and silently tell the one you really want to thank for the extra   work they do.

Everyone needs kind words and praise sometimes. And believe it or not you will feel better also.
Merry Christmas, hope you are enjoying this holiday.
Grandpa Joe and Grandma Jean, we miss you.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of Jame A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
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