What' in your Treasure Chest?

Imagine for a moment, you had a special box where you stored all your most treasured possessions - a treasure chest filled with all your special memories.  Just as precious as gold or jewels would be the simple things in your life that made you smile.


If I were to gather "treasures" to fill my box, I know I would choose a picture of my daughters when they were little - maybe one of them taken by the lake in their swimsuits - those days at the lake were always  filled with smiles!  I think I would put in a little teddy bear too!  I love teddy bears - especially when they are dressed in sweaters or hats!  I'd be sure to tuck in a wedding picture, the pearl earrings I bought in Spain, and the simple silver cross I brought home from my first mission trip to Honduras.  I would also want Daddy's old black Bible.  People always tell me I am a lot like my Daddy - I loved him so much!   Oh, and a cookbook.  My love for cookbooks and recipes I got from Mom.  And I couldn't forget a picture of me and my sister in matching dresses.  We weren't twins, but Grandma always liked to dress us that way.


What a gift a treasure box like this would be for someone with Alzheimer's.  It wouldn't have to be anything fancy, a shoebox would do just fine.  But, something you filled with memories of the days they can no longer remember - a special picture, a nameplate from an office they used to work at, a piece of jewelry, a tool from their workshop.   It would certainly give you something to talk about together .... and something to help them remember when......

                  

I hope they remember....

Working with Dementia patients everyday, I find myself wondering ..."will this be me someday?"  I sometimes joke that I think Dementia is contagious when I have my own senior moments.  But, since the numbers now show that 1 out of 8 Americans over 65 are diagnosed with Dementia - the truth is - it could easily be me someday.   

My husband and I celebrated Valentine's Day last night by going to see the movie "The Vow".  The basic storyline was based on a true story of a husband and wife that were involved in an accident that left the wife unable to remember her husband or any memories of the times that they had shared.  Over the following emotional months, the husband decided to see it as an opportunity for them to fall in love all over again.  So, he began taking her on dates - doing the things she used to liked to do.   The end of the movie left us hopeful that she would eventually remember him, and they would live happily ever after.  But, according to the true story, she never remembered being married to him, but she did fall in love with him all over again, and they now have a family and two beautiful sons. The movie brought thoughts of what it must be like for couples affected by Alzheimer's to my mind.  They must feel like strangers at times even though they have shared years of memories.

Should it someday be my destiny to have Alzheimer's, I hope my husband and children remember how much I love music, and animals, books, and cooking when I can no longer remember for myself - and that they try to find ways for me to continuing experiencing these things.  For these are the things that make me ..... me.  And they are the things they loved about me . . . once upon a time.   

What is Alzheimer's?

WINTER arrived overnight and just like it does every year brought with it some changes.  The ground is no longer green but covered in a blanket of white, and a chilly wind is blowing.  But, we've come to expect these changes, and are prepared to deal with them.  Just like the changes that come with the different seasons, Alzheimer's brings changes.  Some are subtle like flowers as they slowly start to peek through the ground in the Spring.  Others are more apparent and seem to catch us off guard - like a winter storm.  Perhaps if we could think about the disease more like a season, we could better accept the changes.  There will be changes that come with Alzheimer's.  We can count on that.  Just like the weather, every day will be different.  But, just as you look at the weather forecast, learning about the changes to expect, you will be better prepared to handle them.  So, join a Alzheimer's support group, contact the Alzheimer's Association, or talk to someone at a memory care facility, and learn as much as you can - so you can be prepared.     

Here we are on the eve of a new year.  I'm sure there have been many changes and challenges for you in 2011.  But you have made it!  Take a moment and just let yourself feel some satisfaction in that accomplishment.  I'm sure it has not been easy.

Now, let's change focus a moment and look forward to 2012.  I'm sure you are familiar with the little saying.

"Yesterday is History ... Tomorrow a Mystery ...   

 Today is a Gift - that's why it is call the Present". 

That's so true for all of us, whether we have a terminal disease or not.  We only have the assurance of having "today" - the "present".  Yesterday is gone forever, and we never know what tomorrow has in store for us.  But, we have been the gift of today!

So, in spite of all the challenges and struggles, let's make a New Year's Resolution to think of each day is a gift from our Creator.  He has given us one more day to be on this earth for a reason.  Maybe we are here to be a blessing or help to someone else today, maybe he has a special little moment of pleasure or happiness to give us, or maybe we are just to enjoy the "ordinary" day has planned for us.  We may have to look hard some days to recognize the "present' - but it's there!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

If you are visiting your loved one during the holidays, keep an eye on out for things that might be a sign that they need extra help.  It's a great time to take stock and see how things are.

1. Peek in the refrigerator, freezer and cupboards.  Is food spoiled or out of date?  Are the right kinds of foods there - easy to prepare, healthy?
2. Have they lost weight?  How about their appearance - are they dressed appropriately?  Is there hair clean and combed?
3. Does the house look clean and tidy?  Is it dusty or dirty?  Perhaps it's getting to hard to clean, or maybe they don't see that it's necessary anymore.
4. Are they still active, or just sitting in front of the television set?
5. Are there piles of unpaid bills and unopened mail?

Holiday Time

Just some quick tips to help you get through the holidays!

Adjust your expectations

• Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage
• Entertain in small groups
• Ask for help with holiday meal preparations

Involve your loved one in the festivities

• Wrap gifts together
• Bake holiday favorites
• Set the table
• Send holiday cards
• Attend a religious service

Decorating tips

• Keep decorations simple
• Try not to make a lot of changes to room arrangements
• Avoid blinking lights or decorations that look edible
• Maintain as normal a routine as possible

Company is coming!

• Name tags for guests are helpful
• Avoid over-stimulation and over-tiring
• Have young children play in a separate room to keep noise levels down
• Morning or afternoon get togethers work best