Read the Uplifting Poetry of Patrick McTaggart

Jan 25, 2023 1:31 am

Hello ,

Those of us who are or were family caregivers know that life can change in an instant. Just days after Christmas, my life changed when my mother-in-law decided to come live with my husband and me after two falls in the same day. We had been after her to do just that for years, but she was (is) stubbornly independent and wanted to stay in her own home - alone - as long as she could. Well, she reached “as long as she could,” and now I have another mother to care for. We’re grateful she’s in good health and of sound mind and doesn't require much care. My biggest challenge is trying to spend enough time with her to keep her occupied. In the past, I’ve been on the caregiver journey juggling home care, hospice, long term care, dementia, end of life, and more, so I know the drill. It’s the suddenness of becoming the “unexpected caregiver” that astounds me. We certainly never know what’s going to happen next.

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Welcome Our Newest Author

Patrick McTaggart cares for his parents in Scotland. To express his feelings regarding his father’s mixed dementia (Alzheimer's and vascular) and his family's journey, he has written a series of poems, published in his first volume of poetry, Our Dementia Journey. He writes:

Over time as I wrote more poems, usually early in the morning, I started to think that perhaps some of the things I learned from our dementia journey may be of some help to others on the same journey or who are about to start it. Poetry seemed to me to be a good way to provide it with fairly short poems often with a simple message. Much of the advice I have picked up over the years I wish I had received much earlier in the journey.

A retired IT professional, Patrick is donating all proceeds from the sale of his book to Alzheimer's Research UK. He invites readers to benefit from the power of poetry and contribute a poem for publication in a further collection of poems to be published in aid of dementia charities. Check out his website for more details.

Patrick was so enthusiastic about his inclusion in AlzAuthors he sent out a news release to his local media. We were tickled to see AlzAuthors featured in the Alloa Advertiser and the Dunfermline Press. Thanks Patrick!

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Our Most Recent Podcast

Tom and Karen Brenner have a passion for helping those with dementia and their families connect on a meaningful level. They have worked together for the past twenty years researching and implementing the application of the Montessori Method to dementia care. In this episode, we discuss the beauty of being in the moment, how to change the conversation around dementia, and practical methods to reach people who may seem unreachable. Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen as soon as they're released, and leave a review or rating, which helps other caregivers discover us. Thank you!

Start ListenIng!

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Take 20! (Percent Off)

Bundle up this winter with something soft, warm, colorful, and snuggly from our shop. 20% off now through January 29! This promo is automatically applied at checkout - no codes required! All proceeds support our mission to provide quality resources for caregivers.

Start Shopping (and Saving)!

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The AmazonSmile Program is Ending

We were disappointed to learn that Amazon is discontinuing its Smile program which helps nonprofits raise money. We're grateful to our friends and followers who have participated in this worthy program, giving us much needed funds to support our mission to provide quality resources to caregivers. The AmazonSmile program will wind down by February 20th, but purchases made until then will continue to deliver funds to AlzAuthors. After that, you may continue to support our mission by signing up to make monthly donations (even $5 a month helps) or a lump sum donation. Thank you for your support.

Donate Here!

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AlzAuthors was Featured on Two Podcasts Hosted by Nurses

Marianne spoke to Carmen Davailus, photographer, podcaster and author of Just See Me: Sacred Stories from the Other Side of Dementia on her show Doggies for Dementia. Listen here. Doggies for Dementia Foundation is a non-profit whose primary focus is to drive awareness towards dementia. They uniquely do this by capturing candid photos of those affected by dementia surrounded by their loved ones and, of course, their family pet.

Marianne also visited with Jenny Lytle, RN, host of Becoming YOUR Best. They talked about dealing with dementia, AlzAuthors, and more. Listen here. Jenny is a stress-relieving self-care coach helping imperfect women of faith working in healthcare prioritize their own needs to find peace and take control of their lives. She's also a writer, speaker, and podcast host.

Podcasts are a great way to not only learn but to spread your message. Please explore Carmen and Jenny's podcasts and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.

Podcasters: Interested in interviewing one of our authors? Email alzauthors@gmail.com.

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The Health Podcast Network has just dropped its latest episode in their Alzheimer's Disease series. Here we explore some pharmaceutical options, as well as therapy to improve motor, speech, and language skills. You may recall that several of the AlzAuthors have appeared in this podcast series. We are proud to help bring our authors' expertise to this meaningful programming.

Start Listening!

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A Caregiver Writing Workshop for 2023

Last call to sign up for this writing workshop for caregivers. Annette J. Wick, author of I'll Have Some of Yours, and Pauletta Hansel, author of Palindrome, are offering a FREE writing workshop for caregivers. Participants will write to reflect on their own journey, and to share as much or as little writing as they wish in a supportive and safe circle of other caregivers. No previous writing experience is necessary.

Four sessions:

February 16: 1 pm - 3 pm EST

May 16: 1 pm - 3 pm EST

August 1: 1 pm - 3 pm EST

November 8: 10 am - 12 pm EST

Coming February 1st: Annette and Pauletta

will visit the podcast to discuss this workshop.

Get More Info

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Nominate Your Favorite Caregiver for HFC's Scotty Award

The Scotty is not a recognition of the best caregiver, nor is it a recognition of the hardest working caregiver, nor the bravest. The Scotty is a symbol, and HFC's way of recognizing ALL family caregivers who work, strive, love, and yes, sometimes struggle, while caring for someone living with the serious effects of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

Nominations end February 1.

Winner announced February 17.

Submit your nomination here

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Tell Us Your Story!

Yes! We are STILL looking for stories. We have dozens but need hundreds. Don't be shy! Tell us your six words and please share this project with family, friends, and followers on a dementia journey.

Here’s how to share your six words on what I wish I knew about Alzheimer's or dementia that I didn't find out until later:

1. Go to this link https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/

where you’ll be prompted to login with a name/password/email.

2. Then go to Join Topics and use this code: b9xeuc4g

or visit https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/topic/b9xeuc4g

3. Share one or as many six-word stories as you like!

You can also use these links to read all the stories submitted thus far.

We want your stories!

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Let's keep connected ...

Stay up-to-date with us between newsletters

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How to Support our Mission

Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:

Become an AlzAuthors Donor

Subscribe to our weekly blog

Follow our podcast and leave a review

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Volunteer your time and talents

Submit Your Book, Blog, or other Resource

Designate AlzAuthors as your Amazon Smile charity

Buy a book (or books!) in the AlzAuthors Bookstore

Join our Amazon book club

Leave a review on Google

Share this newsletter with others on a dementia journey

Host a Facebook Fundraiser