Authors Offer 3-Part Book Series to Help Children Understand Alzheimer's
May 17, 2023 4:16 am
Hello ,
After twenty-five days and over 5,000 miles, our camping adventure has come full circle. We’ve returned home, and even though there were a few unexpected “bumps in the road,” I’m feeling grateful for all we were able to see and do on our journey through west Texas, northern New Mexico and Arizona.
When we ventured out mid-April, we left behind tulips and daffodils barely poking above the ground in our garden, their annual appearance slower than normal. Maybe these harbingers of spring were wondering whether it was now “safe” to bloom, with the possibility of more snow and freezing temperatures still a real possibility.
Life is uncertain at best, isn’t it?
As caregivers, we are well-acquainted with uncertainty, knowing it is nearly impossible to predict what will happen day-to-day, let alone for the next month. All we can count on is change, happy or sad, good or not-so-good. Though we sometimes feel powerless, we do have the ability to choose our attitude. We can move forward with gratitude or move backward in fear. Today, I choose gratitude, thankful for the opportunity to enjoy life (and my still-blooming tulips!).
As a caregiver, have you found ways to experience gratitude? What are they?
Vicki
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Welcome this week's authors:
Lori Aden and Sheila Parsley
After writing a memoir about caring for their mother with Alzheimer’s, friends encouraged sisters Lori Aden and Sheila Parsley to write a children’s book. They soon realized there was too much information for only one book, so they wrote a series of three books describing behaviors for Early, Middle and Late-Stages of Alzheimer’s disease. They chose to use a “whimsical dragon family” to make the subject less scary and to avoid alienating anyone by using a character that didn’t look like them.
Lori and Sheila share: We wanted to show the love between a grandchild and grandparent as well as the truly emotional feelings that can result from odd behavior happening during this disease. We didn’t shy away from showing sadness or anger, or embarrassing topics.
Finally, we wrote two versions so that families could choose between a “Grandma is Acting Funny” or a “Grandpa is Acting Funny” series. They both are the same, with some minor differences in wording.
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New booklet of resources!
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On the Podcast: Catch the replay of our poetry event
Poetry for the Dementia Journey turned out to be an almost two-hour voyage into the world of dementia living and caregiving through a variety of poetry styles and stories. We shared tears and laughter, the highs and lows of loving someone with dementia, of living with dementia, our pain, sorrow, joy and humor. Grab the tissues and hit play!
In this episode, you will be able to:
· Appreciate the emotional depth and clarity poetry brings to communicating Alzheimer's experiences and emotions
· Learn from others' unique dementia care journeys as they find solace in creative writing
· Foster greater awareness and reduce negative stereotypes associated with Alzheimer's disease
· Acknowledge the importance of caregiver tenacity, personal growth, and self-nurturing in dementia care
· Connect with fellow Alzheimer's caregivers and patients by exchanging personal narratives inspiring hope and understanding
Please share this event across all of your caregiving networks: support groups (live and online), memory cafes, websites, newsletters, social media, etc.
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Something New From AlzAuthors Creations!
Stay organized with an AlzAuthors portfolio. Comes in a variety of colors and can also be customized with your name or book title. (Pen not included)
Visit AlzAuthors Creations for more unique, custom items!
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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
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Check Out This Curated List of Alzheimer's Podcasts Featuring our Authors
Discover our authors in this podcast series on Alzheimer's
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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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