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
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