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Posted on March 11, 2011 by Tryn Rose

Welcome to this home.

Comfy chair

Comfy chair for you

It’s a place to take a deep breath, find resources and hope, and have company on the journey with Alzheimer’s.

Please settle in this chair, put your feet up, wrap an afghan blanket around you like your grandmother made, have a virtual cup of tea, read awhile…and have hope.

I am nearby, getting another cup of tea, or available for chatting in between passages. When you go to your own home, take my book with you, and know that I always welcome another visit, any time.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: If It’s Not Alzheimer’s, What is it?

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Tryn Rose

As a full-time caregiver, I didn’t always know what caused dementia for the people I cared for. I just cared for them. Creativity with photos, music, and storytelling, which support the social and emotional/heart aspects of ourselves always makes life better, no matter the cause of dementia. Dementia symptoms of confusion, disorientation, and the inability to function in daily routines of living and working can be caused by many things. When I worked for a service agency, I learned it really is essential to know the cause of these symptoms. Why? Because if it’s not “Alzheimer’s-related dementia” then it could be something treatable.

Several kinds of dementia, like vascular or frontal temporal (FTD), or seemingly non-related health issues like heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, thyroid problems, urinary tract infections, the flu, dehydration-these are all potential causes of dementia symptoms that may be improved by treatments, herbs, homeopathy, chiropractors, medical procedures or medications. If it’s not Alzheimer’s, you want to be able to take steps towards healing, which is a good idea anyway. See alzheimersprevention.org for some more specific tips on maintaining one’s health.

These days, we are learning much about our health conditions, and actually healing what ails us. This is a wider and potentially more successful approach for wellness.

If you or someone you love is having memory and function problems, be the advocate for yourself or for him or her, and ask a doctor you trust to give a full medical exam. Tell the doctor to check *all* your physical systems, even if he or she seems driven to diagnose you with Alzheimer’s, and make sure you are honest about your health history. We can damage our bodies over the years, and we can heal them too, with proper care. If you are otherwise healthy, but have dementia symptoms, then it’s called “Alzheimer’s-related dementia.” But this is the last thing on the list, so let the doctor check everything, and perhaps turn the tide back to wellness for you. Help a doctor help you and your loved one as specifically as possible.

And show a photo of a grand day together, or sing a song that soothes the heart or brings a memory of a special life event, or write down a significant life story and keep it on an index card next to the morning cup of coffee, and energize the heart space for both of you. It will bring a smile or a happy tear, and often brings a calmer sphere to the day’s events to ‘remember the good stuff.’

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Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Tony Bennett: Music Saves His Life Every Day

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Tryn Rose

Piano to go wtih post

“Linus and Lucy” piano piece always brings a smile!

I watched an interview about Tony Bennett coming back to life as he weathers the storm of Alzheimer’s. It’s on YouTube, look for it. The conversation with his wife, and Anderson Cooper, says it all! As soon as his accompanist starts playing intro music on the piano, Tony stands up from his quiet period, walks briskly to the keyboard, and belts out his iconic songs like all is well with the world! He has passed now but will live on in his music and strong spirit in the face of challenges.

I’ve seen and created environments that bring out the best in every person experiencing deep dementia. In my book, “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders,” I tell the story of a man who has the very same experience; he came back to life when he stopped by the piano on his way to his room, and played his favorite tunes with no problems at all. And he was a lawyer by day, a person just like your parent, your brother or sister, your spouse… this kind of miracle can happen for any of us. Famous people inspire a wider circle, but you too can bring light to your home and daily life to remember musical experiences. We *are* what we love, so bring him to the piano, bring her to the guitar or violin or dulcimer (or quilt or other creative pursuits), or play Bach, Beethoven, The Beatles, or the Beach Boys on public radio or whatever streaming service you use these days, and watch what can happen! It creates joy for you, and joy for them. I encourage you to spend your time this way more often! And look up my book for ideas on how to do this every day at home to bring you all a positive and energized experience, which helps you do the regular tasks with a lift in your step and a smile on your lips.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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I Get It About Caregiving

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Tryn Rose

When one is a full time caregiver in an acute situation…like I have been recently with my husband, who uses a wheelchair, who has gone through shoulder surgery this past fall. We are still recovering. It’s intense. He is very disciplined but exhausted from staying at home, staying in bed, thanking morning caregivers but just wanting a day to sleep in…wanting to drive out on his own… “Soon,” I say. “And I’m proud of you for healing so well, dear.” We catch a rest when we can. But we need to be easy on ourselves about the usual household tasks…

It’s not important if the forks are all in the right drawer slot. Some spoons spill over.

It’s not critical to recycle or use everything efficiently. If there’s one more scoop of rice protein in the jar, I’m throwing it away right now just to get it off my counter.

I could have gotten one more wear out of that shirt, but I’m just adding it to the laundry and washing it today, so it’s out of the way. I could have washed those dishes by hand, but I used the dishwasher and I’m not ashamed to use a little more water today, to take a little longer hot shower today.

It’s not the priority to get everything handled.

The priority is to be present, to mourn, to cry, to tell the truth, to breathe, to ask “why?” and let it go unanswered for now, to acknowledge that this path of caregiving is hard. It’s challenging. It’s heart-breaking.

And that this too shall pass.

The bad day will pass. The grief will pass, and joy will come in the morning. The condition of “no answers” will evolve into some kind of answers.

I have a caregiver book that can make the load lighter while you’re in the thick of it with your family member, partner, or friend with dementia, with the tears and confusion and sadness alongside the rays of sunshine that peek through. May it be true for you, fellow caregiver. 

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Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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AlzAuthors Team Gives Gifts to Caregivers!

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Tryn Rose

AlzAuthors at the Alzheimer's Association Conference

Click on the colored link above to see one of our great giveaway adventures! The AlzAuthors team (alzauthors.com) is happiest when we can put our books straight into caregivers’ hands. That’s exactly what we did in North Carolina, and continue to create events coast to coast. Thank you to Ann Campanella and Jean Lee for hosting this generous giving event! I wrote a book based on my years of full-time caregiving, and chapters for 2 other books, and was invited to join this collective of authors. Now, I’m happiest when I lead musical, storytelling, and art-creating sessions, and train young people to do the same, and see the spark returning for people, both caregivers and the one they care for.

How can you benefit too? Please look us up at alzauthors.com for a caregiving story that resonates with you. When I joined, we were only twenty authors; now we have more than 300! titles; one or more are sure to catch your eye. It’s especially touching to see the books written by people living with dementia themselves; they are sharing from their experiences. And, you are not alone. May we help light the path of hope for you and the one you love on the journey with Alzheimer’s.

My book among many wonderful raffle giveaways at the conference! Found at caregiverheart.com

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Free preview of 1st book: 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Tryn Rose

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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3rd Book Contribution: Dementia-Friendly Worship: A Multifaith Handbook

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Tryn Rose

I’m honored to share a chapter in this book! Published in 2019, It’s for anyone who has family members at home, or living in care communities who love worship settings. From Native American to Christian to Buddhist to Jewish faiths and more, this collection of inspirational stories and specific worship strategies will give you ideas and encouragement to provide worship for you and your family or care community. Whether you’re a family caregiver or a professional caregiver, you’ll find inspiring answers in this book about how to lift your spirit and the spirit of the ones you care for. Find it on Amazon.com or email me at trynrose@gmail.com

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s and How to Get the Support You Both Need

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Tryn Rose

Every month, and every day, I am glad to share my support and strategies with caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. As you may know, dementia is like saying there are “flowers” in a garden, the general umbrella term for serious cognitive and perception difficulties, and “Alzheimer’s” could be referred to as a “rose,” a particular flower, while vascular dementia would be a daisy, and dementia caused by strokes are considered a carnation. “Alzheimer’s-related dementia” is still the specific way to refer to this type of dementia. I learned many years ago to say “a person with dementia” or “a person with Alzheimer’s” to focus on the person first. My best medical advice is to go to a doctor you trust, and advocate for finding out *all* possible causes of cognitive difficulties: heart or blood pressure issues, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, everything, a complete tune-up for all body systems. Why? Because you want to treat the right problem; handle the heart issue, the thyroid, the vitamin supplement that matches your body’s need. If I have the flu, it’s flu-induced dementia; it will be over in 10 days, and I’ll feel like myself again. Wouldn’t you rather have the flu then Alzheimer’s? It can be treated, nearly always successfully. If all body systems are otherwise healthy, and you still don’t know what your keys are for, or you don’t remember your son’s birthday or your daughter’s new hometown, it’s called “Alzheimer’s-related dementia.”

It’s so important to know what to do and say when you are giving care to the one you love (sometimes one you feel challenged to deliver a loving response). My book, “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground” gives you ideas of what to do and say, every day. I learned as a full-time professional caregiver to show photographs, sing songs, and/or tell a person’s best stories of life, which builds an authentic and warm relationship, and leads to trust and ease when accomplishing daily tasks. I know the joy of creating a book that I can share with readers like you who want some ideas about caregiving that help you fill your own cup at the same time. Those who aren’t providing daily acute care at home often encourage taking a break; I know it’s easier to support you both at the same time, to generate life-giving activity that creates solid ground underneath both of you.

“15 Minutes of Fame” is available on Amazon.com for Kindle, BarnesAndNoble.com for Nook, on my website www.caregiverheart.com as a pdf file, which is downloadable and viewable on any computer or device (thank you eBookit for creating the book online!), and I distribute printed copies as well.

I’m delighted to join this group of authors (alzauthors.org 300+ strong and counting!) who are sharing our books with the world. We want to support you, the caregiver: family, professional, music or occupational therapist, or Hospice presence.

Please come visit me on Facebook.com/caregiverheart or email me at trynrose@gmail.com

Long after the month of June, we will be here, and we will listen to you, and encourage you along the way.

Tryn Rose Seley, Author, “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground”
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Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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My first book, “15 Minutes of Fame” on the AlzAuthors site: 300+ strong and counting!

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Tryn Rose

https://alzauthors.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/solid-ground/

Thank you Vicki Tapia for sharing my book. Click above to see all authors on this team, more than 300 strong now! June is Brain Awareness Month. September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. November is Family Caregiver Month. But every day, AlzAuthors are here for you. Tryn Rose (1) Tryn Rose Seley, Author, “15 Minutes of Fame: Empowering Caregivers of Those with Alzheimer’s”

 

 

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Music Makes the World Go ‘Round at Home or Wherever You Are

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Tryn Rose

Music is part of everyone’s lives. When leading school tours at the Musical Instrument Museum, I ask “Who plays a musical instrument?” Many hands went up; violin, guitar, piano, my dad plays drums!…” And then I ask “Who likes to listen to music?” All the rest of the hands went up. Music touches all of us, enhances our lives, cheers us up, relaxes us, puts us to sleep or wakes us up. It’s wonderful.

During weekly programs with those living with dementia and their care partners, we always start with music. Music gets the blood going, the memories flowing, and the smiles generating on all our faces!

My tips for engaging with music at home or in care communities:

Overall: look at a person’s body language, the eyes, the countenance, the response; they’ll show you and tell you if the music that’s playing is working well for them.

And when you find some enjoyable selections, share this list with professional caregivers on your team so they too can bring joy and fun to a person’s day.

1) Try some music.

Try any style. Sure, if you know the exact music your loved one enjoys, go for that, but try anything to start: play CDs, YouTube links, strum the guitar, play Pandora or other streaming stations where you can pick a style he or she likes, connect on Skype with faraway family members who play piano, ukulele, squeaky violins or saxophones from the grandchildren…anything that makes a person smile, become energized, or relaxed.

2) Try music at different times of day.

Does playing energetic or tranquil music first thing in the morning help a person get dressed and ready for the day more easily? Does it work better to play music during or after a meal? Is he eating, or singing? Does playing peaceful music in the evening (4pm on) help relax a person’s mood towards bedtime; and/or does playing live music or energetic music help a person expend energy towards evening, again leading towards restful times? Even at 3 in the morning if needed, choose music that either keeps a person connected, or leads one to drift off to sleep.

3) Try *your* favorite music styles.

It’s a place to start if you’re not sure what he or she likes, so it may serve both of you. It fills your own cup while caregiving. Escape to the restroom, the garden, or your car for your own musical haven for a while. You deserve it.

I post Music videos and other curios on my Facebook Page, facebook.com/caregiverheart every week. Come visit there anytime, share your story or a comment. I’ll be glad to see you there.

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Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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2nd Book Contribution: Deborah Shouse’s Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Tryn Rose

“The experts I interviewed offer many ways to stay connected and creative. Across the globe, writers, painters, musicians, gardeners, dancers, expressive therapists, and other innovators are using the arts, creativity and imagination as connecting points, tapping into the spirit that thrives in those living with dementia.” Deborah Shouse

My chapter is called “Honor Personal History” and I’m honored to be included in this beautiful book.

Published by Central Recovery Press, available on Amazon.com or email me at trynrose@gmail.com

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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