The Rhythm the Beat of another Day

A poem by: Jacqueline Gales

As the Sun gently serenade over the eastern sky and soft droplets of dew cover blades of grass near the lake, and as the brush of the morning breeze passes by the daylilies, it begins the rhythm the beat of another day.

As blackbirds with their beautiful iridescent feathers launch their attempt to locate their cuisine, it begins the rhythm the beat of another day.

As doves coo they wobble back and forth on a stony path in search of a nibble or morsel left by the blackbirds, it begins the rhythm the beat of another day.

As humming birds flutter around the golden honeysuckles awaiting the enjoyment of its delicious nectar, it begins the rhythm the beat of another day.

As squirrels hustle up and down the Pecan tree burrowing on the ground in hopes of a hidden stash, it begins the rhythm the beat of another day.

As I watch in awe as the morning unfolds before me in its breathtaking splendor.

As I am unable to express the marvelous beauty of what I see, I reach for words that will describe this captivating rhythm. Yet the harder I try the more difficult and complicated the search becomes.

As to what makes the search so demanding? It's this dilemma they call Alzheimer's. Nevertheless all of what I see unfolds the beauty, which begins the rhythm the beat of another day.

The Voice of a Caregiver

I read a story recently about an elderly man who paced the floor of a doctor's office early one morning waiting for an appointment. A nurse finally observed his anxiousness and asked him if something was wrong. He told her that if he didn't get to see the doctor soon, he would be late to have breakfast with his wife. The nurse assured him it would only be a few minutes more, yet the worried man shook his head and told her he would have to go, that he ate breakfast with his wife every morning at the nursing home. " My wife has Alzheimer's," he told the nurse. The nurse, rather taken aback, then asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He looked at the nurse, smiling and patting her on the back. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

Three months ago I lost a dear friend to Alzheimer's. She was 102 years old and I had been visiting her in the nursing home for over 22 years. When I happened on the aforementioned story, it made me think of her, because in those many years, she never knew who I was. She didn't speak my name. She never asked about my family. In the later years, she never spoke. However, my time with her grew more precious each visit, for I knew who SHE was. She was vibrant and full of life in her heyday. She loved people and pets and most of all, music that made her kick up her heels. Her eyes danced when we would sing old songs together, and holding her hand cemented a mutual connection of our unique bond. Our journey each day brought me closer to knowing who she was than caring that she ever knew me. It was a grace for me to know and love the person that was her.
Alzheimer's robs the brain of the ability to recognize others, but the elderly man in the story recognized and honored the person in his wife. I endeavored each day to honor my special friend at the nursing home, even more so now after her death.

What a gift it would be to all those suffering from Alzheimer's that their caregivers find a way, through the struggles and heartache of this arduous journey, to stop just for a few minutes a day and recognize the person behind the disease, to say to themselves, "She doesn't recognize me, but I still know who she is." After all, isn't that the wish of every human being. . .to be acknowledged for who we are?

Alzheimer's disease doesn't change that. It just changes the way others look at it.

Dana Territo, Director of Services

How can a Caregiver reduce stress in their lives?

Finding ways to reduce caregivers stress will help lessen the long-term emotional and physical toll. Tips for managing stress include:

1. Keep a positive attitude. Believe in yourself.
2. Accept that there are events you cannot control.
3. Be assertive instead of aggressive. "Assert" your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, combative, or passive.
4. Learn to relax.
5. Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
6. Stop smoking.
7. Limit yourself to moderate alcohol and caffeine intake.
8. Set realistic and expectations.
9. Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
10. Don't relay on alcohol and drugs to reduce stress.
11. Learn to use stress management techniques and coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing or guided imagery.

Our staff at Alzheimer's Services are here to help, please feel free to call us at 225-334-7494.

Wishing you a Happy New Year from the staff of Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area in Baton Rouge!

After holidays we see a rise in our helpline calls. This is due in part to the fact that families and friends are spending more time with loved ones or friends that they may not have seen in quite a while and notice changes in personality and behavior that they may not have noticed before. Stress caused by the holiday season is often very confusing for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Routines are turned upside down, schedules are disrupted. Caregivers have the additional burden of the holiday preparations and shopping as well as the ongoing challenge of caring for their loved one throughout it all. If you feel you need information or need resources, please know that Alzheirner’s Services of the Capital Area is here to help. We have celebrated many awards and successes this past year and promise to continue to provide the same quality of services that we have been recognized for. Our staff will be here to help all of you with support and programs that will help you cope and provide you with hope throughout the year.

Walk to Remember

Wow the 2009 Walk/Run was huge! We had record numbers of walk teams, participants and funds raised. The jambalaya was fantastic; we planned for extra and still ran out. Noted; we'll have more for the 2010 Walk/Run as well as more water stations. We were so pleased the weather held out with "no rain" untill after the walk.
I am working on details for the 2010 Walk/Run to Remember and looking forward to meeting all of our 112 team captains before the 2010Walk/Run.

SAVE THE DATE: October 9th, 2010 LSU "Old Front Nine"

Events Coordinator
Alecia Kleinpeter
Alzheimers Services of the Capital Area

Have Yourself a Stress-Free Little Christmas

"The holidays!" = excitement, anticipation and joy. But also = added stress, too many extra activities crowded into an already busy schedule, not enough time or money. We're so busy taking care of others and meeting their needs that we often fail to take care of ourselves. Usually, we're the last item on the personal "to-do" list! Here are special gifts you can give yourself - gifts that are totally unrelated to shopping, spending money, and fancy wrappings.

Gift 1: Tear up your "holiday script."
Gift 2: Don't get caught in "the family time warp."
Gift 3: Cut yourself some slack.
Gift 4: Know your limitations and take care of yourself in mind, body and spirit.
Gift 5: Remember that some of the best gifts you can give have nothing to do with money.
Gift 6: Evaluate traditions and "habits" and make some changes that are no longer overdue.
Gift 7: When you're feeling angry, depressed, sad, or lonely, reach out and ask for help.
Gift 8: Be willing to replace old ways of thinking with new thoughts and new ideas.
Gift 9: Stop feeling guilty about what you haven't done, and enjoy your accomplishments.
Gift 10: Make time for joy.

We can all use lessons to stress-proof our hurried, harries and hectic lives - not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

This presentation is based on two chapters from Jean's book, "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This: Stories and Strategies for a Less Stressed Life." Pick up a copy for yourself, or someone special on your holiday shopping list or order online at www.jeangatz.com. Your can also order autographed copies by calling Jean's office, 225-769-6800 or emailing jean@jeangatz.com.

My Grandparents Story¬– A Special Scrapbooking Day

Grandparents Story – A Special Scrapbooking Day sponsored by Children’s Coalition of Greater Baton Rouge. To create lasting memories for grandchildren and great-grandchildren of their grandparents or great-grandparents affected by Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia.

Hosted by Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area on 3772 North Blvd.in Baton Rouge, LA.

The event is Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. For children 8 to 18 years of age, any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. There is no experience needed. Please bring as many family photos as you would like to put in your scrapbook. All other supplies will be available. Light lunch will be served. Pre-registration required: Seating is limited and available to first 35 registrants. Call for pre-registration 225-334-7494.