Wandering…

22 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in ALZ Assn - National, Alzheimers.net, Behaviors, Blogging, Elopement, Helpful Resources, Products, Safety, Wandering

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Wandering Woes If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and haven’t faced wandering issues yet, count yourself fortunate. The reality is, the day is probably coming – whether at home or in a facility, things don’t always go as planned. However, there are a few excellent services available through the Alzheimer’s Association that can serve as a safety net in the event that your loved one does wander off. You can read more about these safeguards in How to Combat Wandering Worries on Alzheimers.net.

The Power of Love

28 Sunday Apr 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advocacy and Awareness, Behaviors, Caregivers, Communication, Expectations, Helpful Resources, Inspiration, Music and Art, Ruminations, Smiles, Tips

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One of the misconceptions that disturbs me more than any other is the idea that Alzheimer’s patients are “gone” or are nothing more than a shell. Absolutely not true, which is what makes it so heartbreaking to see so many of these sweet human beings left alone to wither away…

The person before you may not be the the same as the one you knew BA (before Alzheimer’s), but there are very strong parts of that person present. They may be buried a little deeper, and you might have to work at reaching them, but the payoff is grand. Those who choose to walk away because it’s “difficult” or “unpleasant” are the ones who are missing out on some of the most poignant beautiful moments in life.

The power of this video cannot be described in words, you must experience it for yourself. Everyone with a connection to this disease should watch it, take it to heart, and remember it forever. They need us. They need love and human connection just like everyone else on this planet…maybe more.

Dementia Care: Dos and Don’ts – An Interview

09 Saturday Feb 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in A Place for Mom, Behaviors, Blogging, Caregivers, Helpful Resources, Mom, Ruminations, Signs and Symptoms, The Early Years

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Earlier this week, Sarah Stevenson from A Place For Mom interviewed me for this piece providing some tips on how to deal with difficult behaviors, Dementia Care Dos & Don’ts: Dealing with Dementia Behavior Problems.

It was an interesting experience for me, as I looked back on years old blog posts for some reminders on how things evolved over time. I suppose with everything changing so quickly, you tend to live your life in reactionary mode most of the time. You deal with the issues at hand and then tuck them away just in time to address whatever comes next. You really do forget the details…

In an odd way, I’m really glad I chronicled so much of it through blogging. Some people may think that’s strange – why would you want to go back and relive it? I can’t quite find the words to explain, but somehow there is a unique comfort in having the experiences – good, bad, and ugly – documented…