Glen Campbell Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

I heard on the radio today that country musician Glen Campbell has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

For those of us who may remember him from the 1960's and '70's, it is hard to believe that Campbell is now 75 years old.  He was diagnosed 6 months ago and is undertaking his farewell tour this summer.  His wife, Kim wanted people to know of his diagnosis lest they think he had lost his long time addiction battle with alcohol.

His final album, Ghost on the Canvas, is due out on August 30th.

Glen Campbell Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

I heard on the radio today that country musician Glen Campbell has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

For those of us who may remember him from the 1960's and '70's, it is hard to believe that Campbell is now 75 years old.  He was diagnosed 6 months ago and is undertaking his farewell tour this summer.  His wife, Kim wanted people to know of his diagnosis lest they think he had lost his long time addiction battle with alcohol.

His final album, Ghost on the Canvas, is due out on August 30th.

Unlocking the Silent Prison

I wanted to share an excellent article called Unlocking the Silent Prison about alternate methods of communicating with dementia patients.

Ohio State University's Michelle Bourgeois suggests that, in addition to communicating verbally, we try writing down important messages so the confused dementia patient can read them (instead of the caregiver having to repeat things over and over.)

She also suggests making a photo album of important family members ("then and now") and labeling them.  This helps the dementia patient understand that the "stranger" they see really is their little baby girl.

I think I'm going to try this with my mom, as she is having a difficult time understanding why she needs to be repeatedly cleaned up by her caregivers.

Alternate ways of communicating with challenging family members, for example, teaching pre-verbal children sign language, can be a breakthrough and a great help to caregivers.

Unlocking the Silent Prison

I wanted to share an excellent article called Unlocking the Silent Prison about alternate methods of communicating with dementia patients.

Ohio State University's Michelle Bourgeois suggests that, in addition to communicating verbally, we try writing down important messages so the confused dementia patient can read them (instead of the caregiver having to repeat things over and over.)

She also suggests making a photo album of important family members ("then and now") and labeling them.  This helps the dementia patient understand that the "stranger" they see really is their little baby girl.

I think I'm going to try this with my mom, as she is having a difficult time understanding why she needs to be repeatedly cleaned up by her caregivers.

Alternate ways of communicating with challenging family members, for example, teaching pre-verbal children sign language, can be a breakthrough and a great help to caregivers.

Easter Nostalgia

Things that used to be part of Easter that I just don't see anymore:

1) Women wearing Easter hats
2) Women getting Easter corsages
3) People buying new clothes for Easter
4) People dressing up for Easter
4) A crowded Easter Vigil Mass

In my circle of experience, none of this occurs anymore and, it makes me a bit sad.

As a child, my mom would get us new Easter dresses, complete with hats, gloves and patten leather shoes, every Easter, to be worn to church for the rest of the year.

Husbands would buy their wives corsages to wear on Easter morning.  The world would explode in a rebirth of color.  Easter was truly something special in the wider culture.

Easter Nostalgia

Things that used to be part of Easter that I just don't see anymore:

1) Women wearing Easter hats
2) Women getting Easter corsages
3) People buying new clothes for Easter
4) People dressing up for Easter
4) A crowded Easter Vigil Mass

In my circle of experience, none of this occurs anymore and, it makes me a bit sad.

As a child, my mom would get us new Easter dresses, complete with hats, gloves and patten leather shoes, every Easter, to be worn to church for the rest of the year.

Husbands would buy their wives corsages to wear on Easter morning.  The world would explode in a rebirth of color.  Easter was truly something special in the wider culture.

A New Generation

I've literally just discovered that I am a member of a fairly new (to me, anyway) generational designation--Generation "Jones". Apparently, those of us born between 1954 and 1965 are neither Baby Boomers nor Gen-X-ers. We are "Jones-ers." The term was coined by cultural historian Jonathon Pontell. Pontell says that the name refers, in part, to the anonymity of the Jones Generation, sandwiched between the Boomers and the X-ers and forgotten by demographers.

"Jonesing," Pontell says, also refers to pining or craving. Our generation has always pined for the idealism and free-spiritedness of the Boomers' formative years. Instead, we watched color footage from the war in Vietnam after dinner every night from our earliest childhood. As we came of age, and began to become politically aware, we watched our president resign on national television. Inflation soared and competition for jobs became fierce. The great promise of the post-war years which in some ways fed the idealism of the 60's, crumbled. We are now the sandwich generation, feeling the brunt of company layoffs and too young to retire.

The good news is that we are now in leadership positions around the globe. I pray that those "Jonesers" who are now governing the free world (eg., Barack Obama, b. 1961 and Felipe Calderon, president of Canada, b. 1962) remember those of us who are struggling and pining here in the trenches.

A New Generation

I've literally just discovered that I am a member of a fairly new (to me, anyway) generational designation--Generation "Jones". Apparently, those of us born between 1954 and 1965 are neither Baby Boomers nor Gen-X-ers. We are "Jones-ers." The term was coined by cultural historian Jonathon Pontell. Pontell says that the name refers, in part, to the anonymity of the Jones Generation, sandwiched between the Boomers and the X-ers and forgotten by demographers.

"Jonesing," Pontell says, also refers to pining or craving. Our generation has always pined for the idealism and free-spiritedness of the Boomers' formative years. Instead, we watched color footage from the war in Vietnam after dinner every night from our earliest childhood. As we came of age, and began to become politically aware, we watched our president resign on national television. Inflation soared and competition for jobs became fierce. The great promise of the post-war years which in some ways fed the idealism of the 60's, crumbled. We are now the sandwich generation, feeling the brunt of company layoffs and too young to retire.

The good news is that we are now in leadership positions around the globe. I pray that those "Jonesers" who are now governing the free world (eg., Barack Obama, b. 1961 and Felipe Calderon, president of Canada, b. 1962) remember those of us who are struggling and pining here in the trenches.

Biblical Caregiving

Last Sunday's first reading was very appropriate for me, as I'm sure it is for so many people right now.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you. ~Sirach 3:12-14

As our priest pointed out, there was no such thing as "Alzheimer's" in biblical times, but people have been dealing with the aging process as long as there have been human beings. The price we pay for a long life, is often increased frailty and dependence on others. Even Christ pointed out that

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go. ~John 21:18

We are all dependent upon one another's kindness to survive in this world. We are called to love each other as Jesus loved us. That is what marriage is all about and that is what being a human being is all about.

Jesus also gave his mother to St. John from the cross. Mary had no other children to take care of her after Jesus would die and ascend into heaven, so the Beloved Disciple was entrusted with her care.

Following his example, the Friends of St. John the Caregiver provides support and inspiration to those caring for a family member.

Click here for an article about how caregiving may actually lengthen life! Hat tip to SK for that one!

Biblical Caregiving

Last Sunday's first reading was very appropriate for me, as I'm sure it is for so many people right now.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you. ~Sirach 3:12-14

As our priest pointed out, there was no such thing as "Alzheimer's" in biblical times, but people have been dealing with the aging process as long as there have been human beings. The price we pay for a long life, is often increased frailty and dependence on others. Even Christ pointed out that

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go. ~John 21:18

We are all dependent upon one another's kindness to survive in this world. We are called to love each other as Jesus loved us. That is what marriage is all about and that is what being a human being is all about.

Jesus also gave his mother to St. John from the cross. Mary had no other children to take care of her after Jesus would die and ascend into heaven, so the Beloved Disciple was entrusted with her care.

Following his example, the Friends of St. John the Caregiver provides support and inspiration to those caring for a family member.

Click here for an article about how caregiving may actually lengthen life! Hat tip to SK for that one!

Today is World Alzheimer's Day

September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day. According to alzinfo.org, "Alzheimer's affects about 10 percent of people ages 65 and up, and the prevalence doubles roughly every 10 years after age 65. Half of the population ages 85 and up may have Alzheimer's." By 2050, it is possible that 16 million Americans will have the disease.

Alzheimer's asks a lot of us as a society. It asks us to care for those who can no longer care for themselves. It asks us to care for those whose lives, many think, no longer meet society's standards for "quality of living". In fact, there are people in today's society who believe that those with dementia have a "duty to die". This blatant selfishness is a prime example of the "culture of death" that the late Pope John Paul II spoke out against. As Catholics and Christians, we have a duty to care for those who need our care and to see Our Lord in their faces.

Alzheimer's is challenging how we think as a people. It is challenging our ability to be forward thinking in developing the necessary caring relationships with our fellow human beings. It is challenging us to love as Jesus called us to love.

For more information about Alzheimer's disease, communication, home safety and caregiving, click here. I also have information in my sidebar about Catholic caregiving resources. I wanted to make a special mention of The Friends of Saint John the Caregiver. Saint John, the Beloved Disciple, took Our Lady into his home at the request of Jesus on the Cross. Thus, Saint John is thought of by some as the patron saint of caregivers. There is a Catholic organization called Friends of Saint John the Caregiver with information about caregiving from a Catholic perspective. They are a blessing and a godsend.

Lastly, pray for those who have dementia and for their caregivers. Here is a prayer from the Friends of St. John site:

Prayer to St. John, Patron of Caregivers

Beloved St. John, from the cross Jesus entrusted to you
the care of His Blessed Mother.
Help me and all those taking care of a loved one
who is sick, elderly, disabled or frail.
Pray for us, that as we go about our many caregiving
duties, we may never lose sight of that truth
which Christ revealed to His disciples:
"Whatever you did for one of these,
you did for Me."

~Amen.

Hat tip to MK.

Today is World Alzheimer's Day

September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day. According to alzinfo.org, "Alzheimer's affects about 10 percent of people ages 65 and up, and the prevalence doubles roughly every 10 years after age 65. Half of the population ages 85 and up may have Alzheimer's." By 2050, it is possible that 16 million Americans will have the disease.

Alzheimer's asks a lot of us as a society. It asks us to care for those who can no longer care for themselves. It asks us to care for those whose lives, many think, no longer meet society's standards for "quality of living". In fact, there are people in today's society who believe that those with dementia have a "duty to die". This blatant selfishness is a prime example of the "culture of death" that the late Pope John Paul II spoke out against. As Catholics and Christians, we have a duty to care for those who need our care and to see Our Lord in their faces.

Alzheimer's is challenging how we think as a people. It is challenging our ability to be forward thinking in developing the necessary caring relationships with our fellow human beings. It is challenging us to love as Jesus called us to love.

For more information about Alzheimer's disease, communication, home safety and caregiving, click here. I also have information in my sidebar about Catholic caregiving resources. I wanted to make a special mention of The Friends of Saint John the Caregiver. Saint John, the Beloved Disciple, took Our Lady into his home at the request of Jesus on the Cross. Thus, Saint John is thought of by some as the patron saint of caregivers. There is a Catholic organization called Friends of Saint John the Caregiver with information about caregiving from a Catholic perspective. They are a blessing and a godsend.

Lastly, pray for those who have dementia and for their caregivers. Here is a prayer from the Friends of St. John site:

Prayer to St. John, Patron of Caregivers

Beloved St. John, from the cross Jesus entrusted to you
the care of His Blessed Mother.
Help me and all those taking care of a loved one
who is sick, elderly, disabled or frail.
Pray for us, that as we go about our many caregiving
duties, we may never lose sight of that truth
which Christ revealed to His disciples:
"Whatever you did for one of these,
you did for Me."

~Amen.

Hat tip to MK.

Celebrate Small Victories

Such is the life of caring for an elderly parent that I am celebrating a small victory today: I managed to get a fork that was stubbornly and forcefully lodged in the dishwasher out of its plastic basket. Of course, that was after I hand washed all the silverware.

Nevertheless, for the "non-handy" person in the family, that was indeed a victory.

Celebrate Small Victories

Such is the life of caring for an elderly parent that I am celebrating a small victory today: I managed to get a fork that was stubbornly and forcefully lodged in the dishwasher out of its plastic basket. Of course, that was after I hand washed all the silverware.

Nevertheless, for the "non-handy" person in the family, that was indeed a victory.

For a very special intention

Please pray for my family as we go through the difficult decisions that come with caring for my 81 year old mom and aunt. There will be pain regardless of how it turns out.

For a very special intention

Please pray for my family as we go through the difficult decisions that come with caring for my 81 year old mom and aunt. There will be pain regardless of how it turns out.

What do you mean, you don't like them?!

I find myself a bit surprised, these days, at my mom's refusal to eat certain veggies. After all, these are the very veggies that she made us eat all those

years ago! ;)

It makes me smile when my mom leaves the lima beans and brussel sprouts!!

[I realize at this stage, the sweet type stuff is all they want, but it makes me laugh remembering how she insisted that I "eat my greens"!]

What do you mean, you don't like them?!

I find myself a bit surprised, these days, at my mom's refusal to eat certain veggies. After all, these are the very veggies that she made us eat all those

years ago! ;)

It makes me smile when my mom leaves the lima beans and brussel sprouts!!

[I realize at this stage, the sweet type stuff is all they want, but it makes me laugh remembering how she insisted that I "eat my greens"!]

The Dignity of Old Age

Today's Old Testament reading from Maccabees describes 90 year old Eleazar as

a man now advanced in age and of noble presence...worthy of his years and the dignity of his old age and the gray hairs which he had reached with distinction.

Those words just stuck out to me today and I wanted to post them. We are being increasingly blessed in this society to have our elderly with us for longer than we have in the past.

The Dignity of Old Age

Today's Old Testament reading from Maccabees describes 90 year old Eleazar as

a man now advanced in age and of noble presence...worthy of his years and the dignity of his old age and the gray hairs which he had reached with distinction.

Those words just stuck out to me today and I wanted to post them. We are being increasingly blessed in this society to have our elderly with us for longer than we have in the past.