Today I completed the Alzheimer’s Walk for Memories. I did it to remember my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. I visited her once and although she didn’t recognize me she still had her wonderful, dry sense of humour. She made the best caramel-coated chocolate candy. Marvelously decadent. And she had such a great sense of style. I’ve been told I resemble her.
CAB
Yesterday as we soaked in the warm afternoon light pouring through the window, a group of caregivers explored the notion of hope. We reflected on the people in our lives whose personal qualities inspire us, and on specific moments we have felt vibrantly alive.
It was meaningful and refreshing to hear these expressions of appreciation and wonder, as I marveled at the laughter, thoughtfulness and poignancy with which stories were shared.
As each person wrote their word on a rock they had chosen, they conveyed a glimpse of something that had captured their awareness… an encouragement or reminder they wanted to bring with them into the everyday.
How are you experiencing hope on your pathway?
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: You don’t give up. -Anne Lamott
Complete is the operative word in Joy Loverdale’s updated edition of The Complete Eldercare Planner (Three Rivers Press, 2009). Though written with the American health system in mind, the book imparts a huge amount of practical information for anyone caring for a friend or family member. Loverdale includes chapters on evaluating whether you’re the best person to take on the care giving role, communication, housing, transportation, and more. The book provides numerous worksheets that can help caregivers consider questions they may not have thought about. Loverdale’s style is warm, and makes readers feel as though she is speaking to them as a reassuring friend. Available in the NSCR library and in some North Shore Libraries.
Posted by Josie
Sorry the first link doesn’t work. This one will.
Alzheimer’s Walk for Memories 2014
This year I am participating in the Alzheimer’s Society’s annual Walk for Memories, to be held January 26 at Stanley Park,Vancouver BC. It is a great opportunity to support those afflicted and their families. If you would like to find out more, just click on the link.
CAB
I just wanted to share a website I visited lately with you called Action for Animals
On this link, you can find out information about the Cats for Seniors Program, which is a program that provides cats to seniors and supports them by funding such expenses as cat food and litter and veterinary care.
So if you know a senior who would like a cat but for whatever reason can’t afford one, this program can help.
There’s no question having an animals improves seniors’ quality of life.
CAB
Just a quick note to wish you a New Year filled with simple pleasures. We hope you will take time to care for yourself in the coming year – a daily walk, some quiet time with your favourite music or a get-together with a friend.
Take a look at the scheduled caregiver sessions in the January/February 2014 issue of Family Caregiver Grapevine now online. We hope you can join us!
North Van Caregivers 