I would like to suggest a second set of 3R’s for this season of our lives: Remember, Record and Reconnect.
Category: Friendship
Seasons
He didn’t suddenly change winter to spring, He simply made something beautiful blossom in the middle of it. He didn’t change Mama’s winter season of life, but He brought Amy to blossom in the middle of it.
Who are you?
Another person in the class said that they had heard it put that, “We are who we are, and as we age, we become more so.”
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Staying connected and taking part in activities helps a person with dementia feel less isolated.
What a doll – Wait, is it Real?
I couldn’t believe my eyes. While I was at the care-home where my Mama lives, I noticed one of the residents in the hallway holding a tiny baby. What were they thinking? I quickly looked around for the baby’s mother. No one seemed to be paying any attention to her. Taking a closer look at…
Tips for help remembering nouns
The significant difference between normal lapses – such as forgetting an occasional noun such as someone’s name and worrisome memory loss is determined by the impact it has on your ability to function—your ability to do the things you want to do.
Only the Lonely
Perhaps what is needed is a bit of coaching ahead of time to help folks know all that’s really needed is a smile, a touch, and a kind voice.
Mama’s Visitor, the Welcome Stranger
I recognize the sound of her footsteps in the hallway. Is she going to visit me? She’s here! I have to try to open my eyes or she’ll think I’m asleep. “Hi Mama”, she says with a bright smile. I wish I could respond to her greeting. She’s placing her hand under my chin, and turning…
Listen Up, Communication is More than Speech
Listening is essential. Your loved one may be trying to tell you something. It is important to listen.
The initial awareness of dementia brings to mind several concerns and fears both spoken and unspoken. Some are deep-seated and unconscious and others are at the surface. Not everyone is comfortable voicing their worries. Body language speaks volumes. As soon as you become aware of an issue, listen purposefully for both the verbal and non-verbal messages.
All for the Want of a Word
While feeding Mama her thickened juice today, I suddenly wanted to hear her voice. I wanted her to say something—anything. It has been several months since she has uttered a single word. I even tried to ask her some easy ‘yes’ questions to try to see if she would give me one of those automatic…