Tips For Reducing Fall Risk

30 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by in Caregivers, Caregivers.com, Falls, Helpful Resources, Safety, Tips

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fall-riskOne of the greatest concerns for dementia patients, and the elderly in general, is risk of falling. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 1.6 million older Americans visit the ER each year due to fall-related injuries.

Having recently read a fantastic article by Gary LeBlanc, I thought it was a great time to revisit this important topic. Here are links to several articles offering tips to reduce fall risk. As Gary mentions, no matter what we do, accidents will happen; however, we can do everything in our power to make sure the odds are on our side!

LeBlanc: Risk of falling increases with dementia (12/26/13 – Hernandotoday.com)

What Steps Can You Take to Reduce Fall Risk? (6/12/13 – Caregivers.com)

Stepping On: Fall Prevention for Seniors (7/1/13 – Caregivers.com)

These articles have also been added to the Long and Winding Road Helpful Resources page for future reference.

 

 

 

Thank you, Alzheimers.net!

28 Saturday Dec 2013

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, Alzheimers.net, Blogging, Helpful Resources, Ruminations

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best-alzheimers-blogs-2013What a pleasant surprise to learn that Alzheimers.net has included The Long and Winding Road among its five Best Alzheimer’s Blogs of 2013.

I’m honored to be included in the company of:

  • Bob DeMarco of the highly regarded Alzheimer’s Reading Room, a leading source of Alzheimer’s news with a knowledge base containing over 4,000 articles.
  • Lori LaBey of Alzheimer’s Speaks, recognized by Dr. Oz as the #1 online influencer for Alzheimer’s. Lori is also a sought after speaker and host of Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio.
  • The incomparable Norman McNamara, who is spearheading the movement for dementia-friendly communities worldwide and has had several face-to-face meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron who recently hosted the G8 Dementia Summit in London.
  • Rick Phelps and the fantastic folks at Memory People, offering the latest information as well as compassion, understanding, and real-time support for its nearly 5,000 members.

Thanks to these tireless advocates for their hard work and great example, and to Alzheimers.net for including The Long and Winding Road in their 2013 top 5!

Christmas in Heaven

25 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by in Grieving, Holidays, Inspiration, Mom

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Purple Angel

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I’m spending Christmas,
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can’t compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear the angels sing.

I can’t tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?

I’ll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another,
As I lift you eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I’m Spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I’m walking with the King.

~© Wanda Bencke ~