October 10, 2011

tion

Issue No. 23

bringing awareness

The Memory People Page

Memory People Resources group is a sister site of Memory People, and we have had many wonderful links, videos, books, and blogs shared there since it began a short couple of months ago. If youre not a member of MP Resources, you will want to be, we have very helpful information for patients and caregivers, all organized by topic such as health, legal, books, etc.

one person at a time

For this issue of the newsletter, I want to highlight some of the great links and information we have in Resources. These have been helpful to come back to again and again as we find ourselves faced with many issues in this journey and strive to keep our loved ones happy, safe, and pain-free. We have had many ask lately about their loved ones who are struggling with delusions and hallucinations. This can be very unsettling and can leave the caregiver at a loss for how to respond and help. Here are a couple of articles that address this in very helpful and loving ways so our loved one feels understood and we dont come to a roadblock. In this article by Dennis Thompson Jr, he explains delusions and hallucinations and how we can help our loved one when this begins to be an issue: http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/alzheimers-hallucinations-anddelusions.aspx

And Jacqueline Marcell, in her article Hallucinations and Delusions: How to Help Loved Ones Cope, explains through firsthand experience how we can help our loved ones in this frustrating and traumatic event: http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/43/196 5/loved-cope

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October 10, 2011

Issue No. 23

One of the best resources we have available is the Alzheimers Association 24/7 helpline for patients, caregivers, and their families. This toll free number will put you in touch with their well-trained staff to help with questions and concerns regarding dementia, medications, skills to provide quality care, decision-making support and crisis assistance, among other things. They will answer questions and provide support no matter what the memory impairment is, or when diagnosis was made: 1-800-272-3900 Weve also seen many on Memory People share about their loved ones expressing that they want to go home. In this helpful article, Andrew Rosenzweig, MD, explains that this can mean so much more than wanting to return to a childhood home: http://alzheimers.about.com/od/communication/f/My-Mother-Is-Constantly-SayingShe-Wants-To-Go-Home-What-Should-I-Do.htm There is also a wonderful resource for those who have their loves ones in a care facility. The National Ombudsman Long Term Care Resource Center provides information about the services that an Ombudsman provides in addressing issues regarding our loved ones or concerns with the facility. An Ombudsman acts as an advocate for the patient and their family. You can use this link to find out more: http://www.ltcombudsman.org/ You will find these and many more great articles and helpful resources in Memory People Resources. If youre not a member there, just message an Administrator and we will get you added. As always, its all of us, together, that makes Memory People the great place for support that it is.

Memory People Administrators:

Rick Phelps Leeanne Chames Cheryl Stevenson Kearney Kathy Bostwick Marcus Bennett Jill Jaime Kulch Newman Donnamarie Baker D Victor Pellegrino Pauline Baker Charlotte Bamsch Terri Newton Karam Kathy Turner Montgomery Phyllis June Phelps Tia Matthews Bookless

October 10, 2011

Issue No. 23

While I Still Can

The construction continues on Ricks new website, While I Still Can, which will be the home for marketing his video series to Alzheimers Units and Nursing Homes. These videos will bring Ricks insight as a patient directly to the staff, those who work with Alzheimers patients, and their family members. This will be an indispensable resource for anyone in a caregiving role to meet the needs of their patients with better understanding of this disease, and in turn will greatly enhance the level of care and quality for all those in long term care facilities due to dementia. While I Still Can will also be the home for Ricks new book of the same title, due to be out early Spring of 2012. Rick is working with Gary LeBlanc, author of Staying Afloat in a Sea of Forgetfulness, an excellent and insightful book about commonsense caregiving written from Garys experience as the primary caregiver for his Dad, who was stricken with Alzheimers Disease. Rick will bring the reality of this disease from a perspective seldom heard from.. the patients. Readers will gain an understanding of what those with this disease live with on a daily basis as they see how it affects every part of the patients life, and the lives of their family and friends. Great things are coming!

October 10, 2011

Issue No. 23

Chicken Soup
What Does a Caregiver Do?
by Harry Urban

1. Holds my hand when Im scared. 2. Talks to me about things that are important to me. 3. Listens to me when I talk about this horrible disease. 4. Looks me in the eyes and lets me know Im not alone. 5. Holds me when I wake up, alone and lost. 6. Sits with me when Im in a fog. 7. Tells me of our unconditional love. 8. Makes sure that I dont get lost in a crowd. 9. Makes me enjoy life. 10. And my favorite , lets me know Im still her man.

We want to welcome all our new members to Memory People! You have found a very special family that will be here for you through thick and thin. In Ricks words, we fight this fight together, not asking for a handout, but just a hand up. Welcome!

Games Night
If you havent yet, youll want to join Memory People II, another spin-off site of Memory People, where we have a good time and get away from this disease for a bit! We host Games Night every Saturday night on MPII, at 5pm EST. Its girls against guys and we have a great time! This past Games Night the girls went up against Harry Urban, who reportedly took the win singlehandedly.. we are still investigating this claim, but currently have no leads to go on but this front page story.. Join us in MPII.. youll be glad you did!!

The Memory People Page is a publication of Memory People, an Alzheimers and Memory Impairment Support and Awareness group on Facebook. If you would like to start receiving this weekly newsletter, please email Leeanne Chames at leeannechames@gmail.com and we will be happy to include you on our email list. If you or a loved one has been touched by a Memory Impairment, if you are an advocate, or if you just want to know more about these diseases, please join us at Memory People. Just type Memory People in your Facebook search bar and click on Join Group. bringing Awareness, one person at a time