Film Offers Solutions for Dementia's Communication Challenges
Apr 25, 2023 11:46 pm
Hello ,
When we first launched the idea of AlzAuthors our focus was solely on books. As educators and readers, the founding members always went to books when they had questions needing answers, and we thought most others did too. We soon realized that was not the case. And we also realized that books, while offering a wealth of knowledge, require use of your hands and demand your total attention. Busy caregivers do not always have the luxury to turn to books. And so we moved on to adding blogs to our collection, shorter reads that could also inspire and educate. Then came the podcast, an audio version of our mission caregivers could take anywhere and listen to at anytime.
Not too long ago we added film to our collection because documentaries and docudramas are also helpful in providing guidance and support for the dementia journey. This week we're adding our third film to our collection of resources.
Our goal is to meet caregivers where they are, sharing personal stories of dementia care and experience in as many ways as we can. What is your favorite medium for learning? If it's something we have not yet included, please let us know.
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Introducing Our Newest Author
The film "The World Turned Upside Down," created by the IDEAL programme (the largest study of living well with dementia in Great Britain), started out as a play, and then went to video to enable more people around the world to see it. It explores the potential for using drama to improve communication skills in dementia care. Audience input is an important factor. What they've achieved is a truthful representation of real issues concerning people with dementia and their carers, and a film that captures this and its impact on the audience. Claire Pentecost, PhD tells us the story.
Claire writes:
My partner's father had mixed dementia: Alzheimer's and vascular. We would take him out for a drive or a walk and sometimes to the beach. It gave us all great pleasure. Even though words were sometimes not accessible, we found ways of communicating our emotions. It's easy to read a genuine smile! But there may be other times when saying what you want to say, or understanding the other person, is not easy. Things are either not said, or perhaps misunderstood, and this is one of the things we wanted to explore in the play.
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Podcast News!
AlzAuthors has reached a milestone! We're proud to announce that our podcast has reached 80,000 downloads! “Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia, an AlzAuthors podcast” is one more way we support those on a dementia journey. It is produced, edited and hosted by Marianne Sciucco, co-founder, manager and director of AlzAuthors. To date, there are 87 episodes. New episodes begin May 10. If you haven’t heard it yet, start listening!
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Love Audiobooks?
Audiobooks are hands-free and a great way for busy caregivers to absorb content while doing something else. This is not news. Audiobooks are very popular: According to Statista, in 2020, audiobook sales revenue in the United States reached 1.3 billion U.S. dollars, continuing the upward trend which began in 2018.
Readers: We will be doing special promos for audiobooks starting in June, Audiobook Month.
Authors: If your book is available in audio make sure it's included. Join our audiobook directory.
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Irene Olson Shares her Caregiver Story
Irene Olson, author of "Requiem for the Status Quo," and a former member of our Management Team, was the long-distance caregiver to her father, Don, who had Alzheimer's. In this podcast, she discusses the challenges she faced caring for him across hundreds of miles, and what her experience taught her that might benefit other caregivers.
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AlzAuthors on Dr. Paul's Family Talk Radio Show on April 26th
Co-founder Marianne Sciucco will be on "Dr. Paul's Family Talk" Radio Show on Wednesday, April 26 at 11:00 am ET.
Here's the link to the LIVE radio station feed
LISTEN 24/7 NOW
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Customize a collection of AlzAuthors books and create your own Custom Caregiver Collection to support senior communities, memory cafes, caregiver support groups and more. Ready to touch some hearts?
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For our AlzAuthors: Ready to write your next novel or memoir? Let this beautiful pen and matching case set inspire you! Both pen and case can be customized with your name or book title. Fun colors to choose from! Visit AlzAuthors Creations for more ways to feature your book and honor your journey!
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An Invitation to a Film Screening from our Friends at Happy Healthy Caregiver
The filmmakers of the documentary Wine, Women, & Dementia are providing the Happy Healthy Caregiver community with a 30 minute sneak peek of the full length film. It’s a watch party! After viewing the preview, we’ll get to meet and chat with two of the filmmakers – Director, Kitty Norton, and Producer, Beth Rigazio. It’s a roadtrip connecting the disconnected – because until there’s a cure, there’s community. Grab your beverage of choice and favorite movie snack and join us for this special event. We’ll also be awarding a few prizes – Wine, Women, & Dementia swag.
A special thank you to our Virtual Café Sponsor – Wine, Women, & Dementia!
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 12-1pm ET
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Let's keep connected ...
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Please 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:
Follow our podcast and leave a review
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Volunteer your time and talents
Submit Your Book, Blog, or other Resource
Buy a book (or books!) in the AlzAuthors Bookstore
Share this newsletter with others on a dementia journey
Visit us on The Whole Care Network
Check us out on the Health Podcast Network
Vote us up on the NYC Podcast Network
Check Out This Curated List of Alzheimer's Podcasts Featuring our Authors
Discover our authors in this podcast series on Alzheimer's
Purchase a Custom Caregiver Collection
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Thank you for supporting our mission to connect caregivers with resources.
Your Management Team
L to R: Marianne Sciucco, Jean Lee, Vicki Tapia, Kathryn Harrison,
Ann Campanella and Susan Landeis.
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This helps caregivers find us on the crowded internet.
Submit your review here.
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