The Most Powerful Dementia Communication of Them All, The Smile
The smile can have a cumulative positive effect if you give of it generously and often.
How many times, How often?
How many times each day do your hold their hand, or make contact and smile? Just smile, no words.
Are you actively aware of the importance of the smile in Alzheimer's communication?
Alzheimer's Caregiving Mind over Matter Leads to Happiness
"Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself." -- Cicero
I am sitting here thinking about my initial feelings and mind set as I was learning for the first time that my mother, Dorothy, was suffering from dementia.
The First Day of the Next Stage of My Life
I learned a great deal during my tenure as an Alzheimer's caregiver. Much of what I learned relates to life. Living life.
A bit eerie right now for sure. I can do anything I want to do, any time.
I went and had my hair cut. Went to the store and did some grocery shopping. I went over to the pool and stayed 15 minutes. There was nobody there but me. I did get my daily Vitamin D injection. I need some Vitamin D for sure.
Did Dotty Survive Alzheimer's?
When I saw the image of the objectionable Alzheimer's ad, newly adorned with Dotty's familiar picture, I felt hopeful and inspired and energized.
 |
| Pamela R. Kelley |
Oh yes, indeed. Dotty certainly did.
She lived a life so completely contrary to the common expectations conjured by the word "Alzheimer's". She survived the diagnosis, the dreadful word, and continued to live, to imagine, to love, to sing and enjoy her good fortune.
She managed all that, and lived a good, long life despite being saddled with the complications imposed by disease in her later years.
Though she had a disease, she wasn't only her disease. She was wonderfully, beautifully, authentically human until she drew her final breath.
62P8VV994TD6
May 30
No comments:
Post a Comment