15 Minutes of Fame on AlzAuthors

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 100 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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Alzheimer’s Authors Unite

Dear Friends,

I’ve been invited to share about my work and book along with a team of authors in June, which is designated as Brain Awareness Month.

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. “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. 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 love). 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, for 15 minutes or more. I learned as a full-time professional caregiver to 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.

“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 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”
Tryn Rose (1)Badge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 for Anyone

Music is part of everyone’s lives. When I did regular school tours at the Musical Instrument Museum, I’d ask “Who plays a musical instrument?” Many hands went up; violin, guitar, piano, my dad plays drums!…” And then I’d 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.

My tips for engaging with music:

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 bathroom, the garden, or your car for your own musical haven for a while. You deserve it.

I post Music videos and other curios, #musicmonday on my Facebook Page, facebook.com/caregiverheart every week.

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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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Music To Our Ears: Interview with Lori La Bey

“Tuesday, a—-fternoon…” This is the song that comes to mind as we have our conversation on Tuesday, April 12th at 2pm EST, 1pm Central, 11am Mountain/Arizona. Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio is internationally known for its online presence as a fantastic resource for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers. This photo is from Mindful Art class, the expressive arts class we do here in AZ.

Click on the purple link to join the conversation, or listen in after this date.

All That Jazz

All That Jazz

https://alzheimersspeaks.wordpress.com/2016/04/11/music-to-our-ears-dementia-care/

 

 

 

 

 

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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Deborah Shouse’s Book: Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together – a Chapter from Tryn Rose Seley

http://wp.me/pZp4Q-Eq

One Simple Secret that Lights Up Lives

IMG_8536.JPGClick on the link above to get a sneak peek at my chapter in Deborah Shouse’s new book. Thank you Deborah for the honor of sharing Alzheimer’s caregiving strategies with your readers. Her book, Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together, is full of ideas and practices that lead you and the one you care for to feel fulfilled and delighted on your journey of life together. Look for it on Amazon.com

What if someone listened to you carefully enough to remember some of your favorite accomplishments? What if someone reminded you of those treasured moments as a way of celebrating you?

“When people can’t tell their own stories, their care partners can tell the stories for them,” says Tryn Rose Seley, expressive arts facilitator and author of 15 Minutes of Fame.  “You can support significant events with affirmation cards, stating the achievement and thanking them.”   index cards

For example, for a client who is a retired teacher, Tryn prints on index cards,  “You love children so much. You have taught many kindergarteners, and made a wonderful difference in their lives. Thank you.”

She puts these cards in prominent locations, so they can talk about them during the day.

When I interviewed Tryn for my upcoming book, I fell in love with this simple yet profound idea. I thought of my mother and the kinds of cards I could have created for her: “You served your country as a nurse in WWII. Thank you so much for that act of bravery.”   “You painted wonderful pictures that you shared with family and friends. Thank you.”

I thought of friends who are living with dementia and the affirmations they would enjoy. I also thought of myself and my beloved partner Ron and the kinds of stories and affirmations that would make us glow.

Tryn reminded me how important meaningful activities, loving support, and affirmations are for people who are living with dementia, for their care partners, and for all of us.

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Tryn Rose Seley is a musician, photographer, author, and expressive arts facilitator. She loves to interact with people of every age and does so on a regular basis. She leads musical experiences, shares her caregiver book, and writes every day, sometimes on the back of grocery receipts, other times on the world-wide-web. www.caregiverheart.com

One Simple Secret that Lights Up Lives

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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Finding the Right Assisted Living Situation For A Family Member

I’m honored to share some advice from my experience with you, and with Seniorly’s readers. Click on the purple link below and read on.

Tryn Rose Seley, Author, “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground” www.caregiverheart.com

https://www.seniorly.com/blog/2016/alzheimer-s-and-memory-care-i-remember-you

Seniorly.com is a free service for families seeking senior housing communities for their loved ones in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and beyond. Seniorly’s mission is to connect families and local housing providers by delivering services that keep seniors engaged and happy. Their Resource Center is stocked with articles on topics related to aging, and the Seniorly Living Blog features guest writing from industry experts.

We all need community. Seniorly can help you find yours!

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 Book Preview from Amazon Kindle Version

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Click on the link below to read a bit of this book. May it inspire you to take it home and make your caregiving path easier today.

 

 

 

 

 

https://read.amazon.com/kp/embedasin=B00AZGEL40

&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_EdaJwb1E675E4

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

Posted in This is the Beginning | Leave a comment

A Creative Life Puts Alzheimer’s Behind Us

As the new year unfolds, and continually, I am committed to promoting music, storytelling, and art-creating as “the cure” for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It’s the path I have chosen to walk. This path bears fruit for the ones I care for, the care-partner spouses, brothers or sisters, nieces or nephews, best friends, and the others who care: neighbors, Hospice angels, grandchildren, professional home-caregivers or care community companions. Scientific research and physical treatments have their place, and not in conflict with listening to music that lifts the spirit, remembering the best stories of life with a smile and a heart-swelling effect, and writing one’s own name on the back of an art card lovingly created. May the new year be filled with experiences that raise the energy of each person touched by Alzheimer’s, and may we see this disease fade as we walk the paths we feel led to pursue in the name of wellness for all.

Create art, leave Alzheimer's at the door

Create art, leave Alzheimer’s at the door

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Music Music

IMG_8050Music is something we all can ‘resonate with.’ When I’ve done Musical Instrument Museum tours, I always ask for a show of hands: “Who plays a musical instrument?” and “Who likes to listen to music?” All hands go up. This applies to all of us. It’s the latest buzz in the culture that music improves the lives of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and it’s true. I’ve seen it time and time again.

The photo here shows a music book my longtime friend had left on the organ at a church in Tucson. I found out years later she had developed serious dementia. Her daughter-in-law, who had brought her home to the east coast, found an electronic keyboard. When my friend sat down and saw another songbook of hers, she played it cover to cover. If the keyboard hadn’t been provided, she may have never played again. But she had the chance to show her true colors, and they were beautiful to hear.

I knew another woman at a care community who couldn’t speak comfortably anymore, but when I started playing live music one evening a week right after supper, she sat in the front row and sang every – single – word – of – every – song. Wow, I said to myself, this is powerful. We made sure she was at each music evening, so she could access herself again so beautifully, and so others could see her come to life again, and regain respect for her as a connected human being.

We humans still need proof that someone is ‘in there’ and when we can see a transformation like this, it’s good for all of us.

So make music, or provide it for yourself and the one you care for. Keep song lists on the table or piano, and see if the one you love remembers. I’ve seen them remember often; make it easy, and start the music yourself. It will put a spring in your step too. Win-win.

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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Returning to Solid Ground – Personalizing Care – An Interview with Tryn Rose Seley

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In 2012, Tryn Rose Seley published a beautiful book titled “15 Minutes of Fame.” This little gem takes a look at personalizing dementia care and improving life’s experience for those who have trouble remembering. Creating moments of joy each day should be the focus of Alzheimer’s care, Seley says, and her book introduces readers to practical ideas for doing this.

Seley’s philosophy is designed for those who need help each day getting back in touch with people and places in their lives. Her idea of “bringing people back to ground,” or centering them with a touch, a song, a favorite photo, or a familiar story is comforting. For Seley, it doesn’t matter whether these songs or stories will be remembered; it’s all about feelings or memories in the moment. Music is an important part of awakening memories and reminding those with memory loss of familiar things and places.

Early in her career, Seley used music to open doors of communication while teaching preschool-age and children with special needs. Later, as a professional caregiver, she discovered that music and art could spark memories for older people unable to communicate. Seley’s work with the Alzheimer’s Association program, “Memories in the Making,” enriched her experience with stimulating long-forgotten memories. “We can raise energy with music and storytelling,” Seley says. “People (with memory loss) go back to one or two things that have meaning for them. We aren’t teaching art, but drawing it out of them.” Her tools of trade are her voice, a guitar, and a mountain dulcimer.

Seley’s “15 Minutes of Fame” weaves together memorable quotes, photos, and an inspirational message to those who may be frustrated or having difficulty caring for someone with memory loss. “Returning to solid ground,” the underlying theme of Seley’s writing, explores the idea of using these resources to familiarize caregivers with their charges and provide them with tools for defusing difficult moments. Reintroducing the familiar evokes thoughts and memories of things that are comfortable—a personal approach that builds an atmosphere of mutual trust and positive interaction. This approach lightens moments for weary caregivers too, and reminds them of the importance of tending to emotional needs.

Seley suggests setting aside 15 minutes a day to learn something about someone or to talk with him or her about things that have special meaning. Sharing one photo, one song, or one story about a person’s life every day is the backbone of her philosophy for nurturing the spirit. Seley acknowledges that setting aside 15 minutes may seem difficult first, but she encourages people to start small and build up.

It seems that care facilities would benefit from integrating Seley’s approach into their daily routines. When prospective residents move to care communities, for example, staff usually requests written information about their personal preferences, hobbies, and talents. Why not ask families for favorite photos, songs, and descriptions of memorable events as well? This information could be assembled into notebooks, placed in residents’ private living spaces, and used as conversation starters for caregivers and visitors. Care communities could also divide responsibility among caregivers for learning about more about residents and sharing this information with staff and families.

This beautifully written book is recommended for any caregiver or family of someone with memory loss. “15 Minutes of Fame” is available on Seley’s website at www.caregiverheart.com as a digital download, as a Nook copy at barnesandnoble.com, or as a Kindle download on amazon.com. Contact her directly at trynrose@gmail.com for a hardcopy version of the book.

AUTHOR TRYN ROSE SELEY is a professional caregiver, musician, and photographer. She grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, and lived in Pennsylvania and Colorado before moving to her current home in Scottsdale, AZ. Seley has a degree in elementary education and has studied music, which she has woven into her personal and professional life.

Written By: Patricia Woodell
www.dementiastrategies.com
November 1, 2014

– See more at: http://www.dementiastrategies.com/returning-to-solid-ground-personalizing-alzheimers-care-an-interview-with-tryn-rose-seley/#sthash.knDDDruE.YTvSj1CD.dpuf

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

Posted in This is the Beginning | Leave a comment