I’m all about Alzheimer’s, and everybody else. The closer these two categories get, the better off we are as human beings, as a country, and as a home where hope can sustain us.
If I were unable to say what I wanted, I would want my family and friends to bring my dulcimer, play Steve Martin and Chevy Chase movies, alternated with nature shows, fasten on my favorite amber necklace and dress me in my red wool sweater and the jeans that aren’t too loose or too tight, but are just right.
Now they know what I want because I wrote it here! I also wrote my ‘Five Wishes’ Document (for your copy, call 1-888-594-7437 or write to PO Box 1661, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1661) so people in my life know what I want, even if I can’t say it.
My eBook is available by clicking on the white text on the black bar that reads “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground.” It’s a PDF file that can be viewed on any computer or device. This guide shares strategies I learned and formed as a home care and live-in community caregiver, Life Enrichment coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association programs director, and professional musician.
I will continue to share stories here, and look forward to hearing yours.
Be well, Tryn Rose Seley / [email protected]
“Dignifying Dementia” is like reading someone’s personal journal. The only difference is that this journal consists of one’s Heart, Mind and Soul and the challenge is trying to decide which one you agree with at the various stages of their journey. This book is the Gold Standard for anyone brave enough to walk down the aisle and utter the words in sickness and in health . This book should be reprinted with the title Compassion for Dummies. And, finally, this book could and should be used as a manual for caregivers of anyone in need of care. If ET set out to Dignify Dementia and her Husband’s Final Years, she achieved that goal and much, much more.
Thank you for this synopsis. This book sounds like a handy source of tips and advice for dealing with the hardship of watching a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s. It sounds more like a friend there to help than a heavy source of information on Alzheimer’s. I will certainly recommend it to anyone who is in this tough situation.
I would rather be blunt and say that this is a major issue, and if your Grannie has dementia or Alzheimer’s she will suffer a progressive decline and it will get worse. Firstly, I would recommend you take a current picture of her in case she does wander off. Next, I would meet with her family physician and see if you can have her referred to a psycho-geriatric resource person so they can assess her memory and mental functioning. It’s always good to document the times when your Granny’s behavior occurs and see if it happens at the same time of day because she could be suffering from a condition that is called sundowning. In the United States and Canada you can place a call to the Alzheimer’s society and see if they can help you. They are probably your best resource. Hope this helps.
Dear Gentleperson:Jean Simmons, who is such a blessing to our falimy, gave me your website info. I was born and raised in Wildwood, FL and returned in 2006 after spending 40 years in NYC and Chicago to help with my mother after I was able to take an early retirement at age 62. It was not until a year ago or so that I realized that something unusual was going on with my mother. At the end of last year, she was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. Still, we are greatly blessed. She has her bad days when she wonders what has happened to her husband, or her sister or her mother, but then there are other days when she brings me so much joy. I am her son and she is my mother. From the beginning, we have had a duty to each other. She has done for me everything that a mother is required to do for her son. I am proud that the Creator has placed in my heart the will to fullfill my duty to her. I am grateful that you have the courage and the character to speak the truth regarding the issues that you face. You are a blessing to your mother and you are a blessing to us.Peace and Love.Sam
Thank you for listing these optnois for care givers. I always stress to all care givers take a break do something fun, surround yourself with positive, and loving support system.
Hi TrynRose, So proud of you. I will have to purchase the book…
Love to you!
Dorothy Marie
I had no idea that memory issues are not necessarily a normal part of aging. Whoa! My parents and my in-laws are, shall we say, pre-elderly (I’m sure they would just love hearing this!) and are capable, independent people. However, because of my work and because I know plenty of people in my age group (old Gen X) who have dealt with a whole range of issues with elderly parents, I tend to do a lot of reading on this topic. I’ve just found your blog and see that it is chock-full of incredibly useful advice. Thanks for this post and for pointing out the resource on Caring.com!