November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and across the nation there are candle lighting ceremonies and activities to increase the public’s knowledge of Alzheimer’s and its devastating effects. November is also the beginning of the holiday season where we celebrate Thanksgiving. As part of our celebration here at the office we enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with the clients at Charlie’s Place, our respite center. What a joy it was to spend time with the group and see their faces light up with excitement over the feast before them. As we took time to slow our office routine down a bit to share this holiday meal with them it made me long for my own large family’s dinner table. Unfortunately, living 1200 miles from my childhood home has prevented me from being there for Thanksgiving for 34 years. So each year I call and speak to family members as the phone is passed around the table; I get a few words with my mom, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and now great nieces and nephews.
This year I called my mom back later in the evening to spend more time with her as it gets more precious with each passing day. I fear the day she won’t know who I am when I call. It was a joy to hear she had cooked a turkey to bring to the family gathering yet I fear the day she forgets to turn the oven off. She recounted what she could remember of the celebration and could tell me the names of some of those in attendance, my brother and his family, two sisters but she couldn’t remember if their children were there, three great grandchildren, and some in-laws that she had no idea who they were. There was a pang of loss in my heart as she once prided herself in rattling off the names of all in attendance. I once listened to all 68 names of the family members at the annual reunion! She’s been aware that her memory is failing her and mentions it now and then in passing. “My memory is not so good anymore.” She will say. For the first time she mentioned that she doesn’t think so well anymore. She gets confused often. Her birthday is this week; she will turn 87 years old. She is in very good health with the exception of her Alzheimer’s. Our journey could be a long one and I will continue to savor the moments of her clear mind and accept humor and empathy in those moments of less clarity.
The holidays often allow us to see the changes in a loved one as we spend more time together during them. It is often the only time some families see each other and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are recognized for the first time. This is another blessing we receive from the holidays as it gives us the opportunity to act on seeing those symptoms. Don’t discount them but rather ask when the last time a doctor’s visit was made, are they taking their medications regularly if they have been prescribed, perhaps it’s time to get their vision, hearing, and teeth checked. Make sure your loved one has a will and their wishes are known for their care. These are not the easiest conversations to have but are so important and will make the journey easier. With care, there may be many holiday seasons to enjoy yet!
Barbara W. Auten, Executive Director
Monday, November 29, 2010
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Monday, November 15, 2010
Stop and Think About Thanksgiving
One of the local radio stations has already begun playing Christmas music.
The retail stores are already adorned with Christmas trees and holiday décor.
Internet postings are advertising pre-“Black Friday” sales.
Where ARE you THANKSGIVING?
For me, personally, overriding Thanksgiving seem irreverent and disrespectful of a holiday where we are supposed to stop and truly reflect on our blessings and thankfulness this past year. It seems distracting to do this when Christmas rears its head so early on.
In 1620, a group of people, calling themselves Pilgrims, set sail for the New World [America], seeking religious freedom and a better life for their children. Of the 110 Pilgrims and crew who left England, less than 50 survived that first devastating winter in Plymouth. Then, an Abnaki Indian, named Squanto, wandered into their camp and “Welcomed” them. He was a godsend to them, teaching them how to tap the maple trees for sap, showing them which plants were poisonous and which had medicinal powers, and moreover, teaching them how to plant Indian corn and other crops. The results were gained in an abundant harvest for the Pilgrims, with enough food to put away for the winter and they found themselves very thankful for not only the food, but also their wilderness homes and the peace with their Indian neighbors. They wanted to stop and celebrate and offer thanks for their bounty. This “first” Thanksgiving included the Pilgrims and their Indian friend, Squanto, who brought 90 members of his tribe. The celebration lasted three days.
So, why the History lesson? Reading about the long and arduous journey of the Pilgrims brings to mind the long and arduous journey of the Alzheimer’s caregiver. And, Alzheimer’s Services is a little like “Squanto,” assisting families in need, offering an “abundant crop” of educational events and resources for the caregiver and their loved one to have a “bountiful harvest” of hope and blessings to put away whenever they need them.
For the caregiver, however, who might be questioning, “What do I have to be thankful for?”….there’s no easy answer. There can be simple observations of thankfulness, however. Perhaps, like us, the caregiver can overlook the stress of caregiving and focus on what a privilege it is to “serve” their loved one, that special someone in need. There is also that blessing of being present with their loved one, that connection of a favorite memory, a smile, a joyful moment in an otherwise harried day. Plus, hosts of support groups, of which we offer many, are a source of comfort and camaraderie among new-found friends, allowing the caregiver to unload their emotions and frustrations. And, finally, there’s a growing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, unlike a just a decade ago, which affords us all more information and research and more ways to legitimize a voice in our government for benefits and resources. That’s a pretty good bounty!
Let’s not shirk Thanksgiving. Our organization is so thankful and might I say, privileged, to serve our ten-parish area….individuals who come to us after that first diagnosis, those who are at a loss of how to manage the care of their loved one, and those who need to learn more about the disease and its process. We are blessed with wonderful families, many of whom have become our extended families and these relationships are meaningful and so very important to us. The lives and the stories that have passed through our doors are and have been extraordinary and definitely should be on a Hallmark card, “Things I am Thankful for!” The Pilgrims had a three-day Thanksgiving celebration, but we celebrate and honor You, the Caregiver, and You, the individual with Alzheimer’s disease, all-year long. That’s what makes us so blessed to serve each and every one of you.
Christmas is a beautiful and magical season. But, Thanksgiving deserves our attention, too. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving, and years later it was designated as the fourth Thursday of each November. Let’s put Christmas aside for just a little while as that Fourth Thursday is upon us. The music and the shopping and the decorating can wait. Our gratitude is always forefront; the abundance and bounty of who we serve, what we do, and the relationships that sustain us are well worth recognizing this Holiday first.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dana Territo, Director of Services
The retail stores are already adorned with Christmas trees and holiday décor.
Internet postings are advertising pre-“Black Friday” sales.
Where ARE you THANKSGIVING?
For me, personally, overriding Thanksgiving seem irreverent and disrespectful of a holiday where we are supposed to stop and truly reflect on our blessings and thankfulness this past year. It seems distracting to do this when Christmas rears its head so early on.
In 1620, a group of people, calling themselves Pilgrims, set sail for the New World [America], seeking religious freedom and a better life for their children. Of the 110 Pilgrims and crew who left England, less than 50 survived that first devastating winter in Plymouth. Then, an Abnaki Indian, named Squanto, wandered into their camp and “Welcomed” them. He was a godsend to them, teaching them how to tap the maple trees for sap, showing them which plants were poisonous and which had medicinal powers, and moreover, teaching them how to plant Indian corn and other crops. The results were gained in an abundant harvest for the Pilgrims, with enough food to put away for the winter and they found themselves very thankful for not only the food, but also their wilderness homes and the peace with their Indian neighbors. They wanted to stop and celebrate and offer thanks for their bounty. This “first” Thanksgiving included the Pilgrims and their Indian friend, Squanto, who brought 90 members of his tribe. The celebration lasted three days.
So, why the History lesson? Reading about the long and arduous journey of the Pilgrims brings to mind the long and arduous journey of the Alzheimer’s caregiver. And, Alzheimer’s Services is a little like “Squanto,” assisting families in need, offering an “abundant crop” of educational events and resources for the caregiver and their loved one to have a “bountiful harvest” of hope and blessings to put away whenever they need them.
For the caregiver, however, who might be questioning, “What do I have to be thankful for?”….there’s no easy answer. There can be simple observations of thankfulness, however. Perhaps, like us, the caregiver can overlook the stress of caregiving and focus on what a privilege it is to “serve” their loved one, that special someone in need. There is also that blessing of being present with their loved one, that connection of a favorite memory, a smile, a joyful moment in an otherwise harried day. Plus, hosts of support groups, of which we offer many, are a source of comfort and camaraderie among new-found friends, allowing the caregiver to unload their emotions and frustrations. And, finally, there’s a growing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, unlike a just a decade ago, which affords us all more information and research and more ways to legitimize a voice in our government for benefits and resources. That’s a pretty good bounty!
Let’s not shirk Thanksgiving. Our organization is so thankful and might I say, privileged, to serve our ten-parish area….individuals who come to us after that first diagnosis, those who are at a loss of how to manage the care of their loved one, and those who need to learn more about the disease and its process. We are blessed with wonderful families, many of whom have become our extended families and these relationships are meaningful and so very important to us. The lives and the stories that have passed through our doors are and have been extraordinary and definitely should be on a Hallmark card, “Things I am Thankful for!” The Pilgrims had a three-day Thanksgiving celebration, but we celebrate and honor You, the Caregiver, and You, the individual with Alzheimer’s disease, all-year long. That’s what makes us so blessed to serve each and every one of you.
Christmas is a beautiful and magical season. But, Thanksgiving deserves our attention, too. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving, and years later it was designated as the fourth Thursday of each November. Let’s put Christmas aside for just a little while as that Fourth Thursday is upon us. The music and the shopping and the decorating can wait. Our gratitude is always forefront; the abundance and bounty of who we serve, what we do, and the relationships that sustain us are well worth recognizing this Holiday first.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dana Territo, Director of Services
Monday, November 8, 2010
Reflection
As I approach my 2nd year anniversary of joining the staff at Alzheimer’s Services I am proud to be able to say that I work for an organization that provides so many wonderful programs and services for caregivers and their loved ones who not only suffer from Alzheimer’s disease but any memory related dementia. Each day, I see the smiles of caregivers who drop their loved ones off at Charlie’s Place knowing they will receive a 5 hour break from caring for their loved one affected by Alzheimer’s disease and that their loved ones are being left in loving, caring, compassionate hands. Sometimes I can hear the laughter and joy from support group members who meet monthly to share their personal stories. I can’t hear the soft cries, or the frustration, but I know it’s being shared because they are not alone as they go through their journey at Alzheimer’s Services.
6 years ago, I needed help in coping and caring for my parent. I was a caregiver for my Father, a prominent, dedicated, strong, man, who gave 45 years of his life as a public servant to our community. A policeman for all of his adult life, he became Police Chief of Baton Rouge and finally retired in 1977. Dad suffered from late stage dementia and Parkinson’s disease until his death in 2005 at age 82. His wife of 60 years, my Mom, preceeded him in death and I became his full time caregiver until he passed away. The strong, dedicated, public servant - my parent, became my child. The roles had reversed. It was my turn to be strong, dedicated, and compassionate …a caregiver. It’s an all too common story, one told many times by caregivers who come to Alzheimer’s Services for services and programs, education about Alzheimer’s disease or who just come to open their hearts to a friendly face who knows what they are going through.
My experience as a fulltime caregiver has given me compassion for the caregivers who give so much, patience with those suffering from this disease and passion for this organization. I know first-hand what it feels like to be worried and exhausted from caring for a parent with dementia, sandwiched with parenting duties of children, combined with the duties of working a full time job. Fatigue from the 36 hour day…seems like it will never end. Sadly, eventually it does.
Now, I look back and think that I would have been a much better a caregiver if I would have been able to take advantage of all the resources, services, support groups that I see so many families who come to Alzheimer’s Services receive. I didn’t know Alzheimer’s Services existed.
It is my personal mission to create awareness and funds for an organization that strives to give so much to so many in need. It is my personal mission to invite everyone who has ever been a caregiver of a loved one with a memory related disorder or know of someone who is coping with Alzheimer’s disease to become an Ambassador for Alzheimer’ Services. I, WE, THEY need YOU!
Won’t you join us in fulfilling the mission of Alzheimer’s Services …to make a significant difference in the lives of those coping with Alzheimer’s disease. Please spread the word… Be an Ambassador… there is hope and Alzheimer’s Services can help you cope with this debilitating and exhausting disease. For more information please call 334-7494 or email Debbie at alzdev@alzbr.org.
Debbie Little, Development Director
6 years ago, I needed help in coping and caring for my parent. I was a caregiver for my Father, a prominent, dedicated, strong, man, who gave 45 years of his life as a public servant to our community. A policeman for all of his adult life, he became Police Chief of Baton Rouge and finally retired in 1977. Dad suffered from late stage dementia and Parkinson’s disease until his death in 2005 at age 82. His wife of 60 years, my Mom, preceeded him in death and I became his full time caregiver until he passed away. The strong, dedicated, public servant - my parent, became my child. The roles had reversed. It was my turn to be strong, dedicated, and compassionate …a caregiver. It’s an all too common story, one told many times by caregivers who come to Alzheimer’s Services for services and programs, education about Alzheimer’s disease or who just come to open their hearts to a friendly face who knows what they are going through.
My experience as a fulltime caregiver has given me compassion for the caregivers who give so much, patience with those suffering from this disease and passion for this organization. I know first-hand what it feels like to be worried and exhausted from caring for a parent with dementia, sandwiched with parenting duties of children, combined with the duties of working a full time job. Fatigue from the 36 hour day…seems like it will never end. Sadly, eventually it does.
Now, I look back and think that I would have been a much better a caregiver if I would have been able to take advantage of all the resources, services, support groups that I see so many families who come to Alzheimer’s Services receive. I didn’t know Alzheimer’s Services existed.
It is my personal mission to create awareness and funds for an organization that strives to give so much to so many in need. It is my personal mission to invite everyone who has ever been a caregiver of a loved one with a memory related disorder or know of someone who is coping with Alzheimer’s disease to become an Ambassador for Alzheimer’ Services. I, WE, THEY need YOU!
Won’t you join us in fulfilling the mission of Alzheimer’s Services …to make a significant difference in the lives of those coping with Alzheimer’s disease. Please spread the word… Be an Ambassador… there is hope and Alzheimer’s Services can help you cope with this debilitating and exhausting disease. For more information please call 334-7494 or email Debbie at alzdev@alzbr.org.
Debbie Little, Development Director
Monday, November 1, 2010
Memory Boxes
Memory Boxes are a great way to reminisce with your love one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The boxes are very easy to make. Here is what you will need.
Supplies:
*small cardboard box
*decorations (box and stickers)
*strips of paper
Directions:
*Place a small picture or sticker on each strip of paper and jot down a sentence about that sticker or picture.
Example: Place a sticker of a dog on one of the strips of paper and jot down a sentence. Such as: Remember our pet dog “Rover” and how cute he was?
*Continue same sequence, adding more memories to each strip of paper.
*Place other unique memories, such as a favorite piece of candy.
Other Examples:
*sticker of a “Hershey kiss candy”—Remember how much you love chocolate?
*sticker of a “fishing pole”—Remember the big fish you caught when we went fishing at Toledo Bend?
*sticker of a “baseball”—Remember when you played baseball for the Baton Rouge Sluggers?
*sticker of a “flag”—Remember when you were in the Navy?
*Finally, place all of the strips in the box and take the box out whenever you want to reminisce.
You can make one of these at our Annual Maximize Your Memory Day to be held on Friday, November 19th, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Pennington Biomedical Center.
Ed Picard, Q.D.C.P.
Charlie's Place Respite Center Coordinator
Supplies:
*small cardboard box
*decorations (box and stickers)
*strips of paper
Directions:
*Place a small picture or sticker on each strip of paper and jot down a sentence about that sticker or picture.
Example: Place a sticker of a dog on one of the strips of paper and jot down a sentence. Such as: Remember our pet dog “Rover” and how cute he was?
*Continue same sequence, adding more memories to each strip of paper.
*Place other unique memories, such as a favorite piece of candy.
Other Examples:
*sticker of a “Hershey kiss candy”—Remember how much you love chocolate?
*sticker of a “fishing pole”—Remember the big fish you caught when we went fishing at Toledo Bend?
*sticker of a “baseball”—Remember when you played baseball for the Baton Rouge Sluggers?
*sticker of a “flag”—Remember when you were in the Navy?
*Finally, place all of the strips in the box and take the box out whenever you want to reminisce.
You can make one of these at our Annual Maximize Your Memory Day to be held on Friday, November 19th, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Pennington Biomedical Center.
Ed Picard, Q.D.C.P.
Charlie's Place Respite Center Coordinator
Monday, October 25, 2010
Helping family with Alzheimer's
When I first started working at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area I was really unsure of how I felt about the disease and dementia because I had only known one person ever affected by it. It was through working with support groups and helpline that I started to really think about the things that have affected my family in the past and unfortunately still affects many other families in our area. My grandmother passed away several years ago from the disease, but at the time I did not realize how it affected me because I did not live close to her. It was soon after starting to work here that I came to terms with the things my family had to deal with. I knew that my grandmother was not well, but had I known the things I do now about support groups, and Charlie’s place, and all the resources that Alzheimer’s Services offers I wonder if things would have been different. In the support groups like Sharing the Journey I have learned the hardships each caregiver struggles with in dealing with this disease and it hit me how much just being involved has helped me to deal with the passing of my grandmother. At the time I did not realize how her death affected me, but looking at where I am now I can say that if there is a time and place where I needed to be, then this is it. I feel as though through meeting with caregivers and family members affected by the disease, and hearing of their great efforts to cope has given me strength to feel as though I am making a difference in their lives. Although I have only worked at Alzheimer’s Services for a few short months, it is through my work here with the support groups and events, and sharing with my family the progress I have made that I have really been able to come to terms with my grandmother’s death. Although I did not fully understand it then, I now feel as though just being able to give information and be a resource to those in need is making a profound difference in both of our lives.
Julie Fandal
Alzheimer's Services Intern
Julie Fandal
Alzheimer's Services Intern
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chariots of Fire – my Running Desire!
By Keith John Paul Horcasitas
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rated "G" by the Author.
A Short Story about participating and volunteering at the Annual Alzheimer's Walk/Run to Remember, Forming a Work Team for the Walk/Run, Winning in the Age Category, Benefits from Getting Older, Annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival
Last weekend, w
e had fun at the annual Alzheimer's Walk/Run to Remember. The weather was beautiful and so many people from around the community, from all walks of life, came together for a great cause. I was blessed to be able to organize a team at work, and our motto was: "Catholic Charities Gives Back – Taking Steps to Fight Alzheimer's Disease.”
While I have never had any direct family member that I am aware of who has been touched with that specific disease, my own father was diagnosed with vascular dementia in his latter years after he had some mini-strokes. And we were able to take advantage of the “Respite Program” to help mom and dad before they died in 2006 per the Alzheimer's Services that helped us to manage some of the sitter and other costs that were not covered by insurance.
Earlier in my professional career, when I used to help facilitate Alzheimer's Support Groups, I was able to write a Forward to Ponchatoula native Kim Howes Zabbia's poignant book, Painted Diaries: A Mother and Daughter's Experience Through Alzheimer's Disease: "Who but a caregiver can understand how Alzheimer's is truly a family disease? Who but an artist can plunge into the mysteries of the mind? Who but a journalist can articulate Alzheimer's losses so vividly? Who but a courageous, witty person could take less than a full deck of life's cards and play the game so passionately?"
I've been participating in the annual Memory 5K Run for about 12 years and have been able to volunteer for about 5 years with the 6 AM crew that gets the grounds on LSU campus ready for the 9 AM activities. I can always depend upon Carolyn, one of the Alzheimer's Services Volunteer Coordinators, to make sure my calendar is marked early enough in the year to make it to this great event. It is always great to see the many friends in the aging network whom I know who work at the booths in the “Memory Market” which I help set up with many other volunteers.
It used to happen that the Alzheimer's Memory Walk/Run would fall on the same day as the Downtown Kiwanis Club's Annual Pancake Festival, which benefits many other great social service organizations in town. I used to be a member of that Kiwanis Club and would usually do the Memory Run first and then head to the LSU PMAC where the Pancake Festival is always held. So after jogging off some weight and having a beer with jambalya from the Alzheimer's Run, I would head over to help make Pancakes with my fellow Kiwanians. Nowadays, it seems that the events are on different days, so it is not so hectic when I still go to help at the PMAC. I plan to be there for this year's gathering on Saturday, October 23, 2010!
My goal for a running time in this year's Alzheimer's 5K was 25 minutes. In my 20's and 30's, I used to do these races in about 20 – 21 minutes. In New Orleans, when I first started competition running in the late 1970's, I mostly ran 10Ks. Some of my fondest runs were the Crescent City Classic, as I ran in the first one and did it in around 38 minutes – that was when I was really serious about running. But as I have joined the AARP geezer age group, my running has mainly been for maintenance fitness and not for reducing times. So I approached this Memory Run with realistic ideas of just having fun with my co-workers and seeing other professional contacts and friends.
So after another busy morning of putting up tents, tables, chairs and all kinds of supplies with other volunteers – with a doughnut or two and Community Coffee to boot, I looked forward to meeting with my Catholic Charities co-workers and encouraging one another for either the walk or the run that was to be coming up. And, of course, I had to get in a little bantering and teasing with Brendan and other workers who I would maybe “leave in the dust!”
I started the race towards the front of the group, so as to not get stuck behind some “slow pokes” who can sometimes cause falls as people are trying to weave through others. After we passed the first mile, Matthew caught up with me and eventually passed me up. Brendan got the last laugh as he also flew past me at around the 1 ½ mile part of the 3.2 mile race. Since I sometimes get stomach cramps from drinking water at the mile points, I just took quick swigs and poured the rest on my head as a great cooling down treat. As I closed in to the end, I thought that I would be close to 25 minutes but was bummed out when I found out that my finished time was 26 minutes even. So after turning in my race finish tag with my time, I joined Matthew and Brendan in cheering our other team members as they crossed the finish line. It was fun! So we headed over to get some food and drinks and then to the Memory Market booths for goodies. As we were getting close to the Main Stage and the Top 3 Winners were being announced, I told Dana that I may just get in 3rd Place for the 50 – 54 age guys.
As Alecia proceeded to announce the Top 3 Winners from the younger age categories on up, I was hopeful, as I had been able to come in 3rd a few years earlier in the same race. After she announced another person's name for 3rd Place in my age category, I just figured that some of those other gray haired/bearded guys that had passed me up must have done better than me. Next thing you know, as I'm talking with Dana, Alecia announced that “Keith Horcasitas is the 1st Place Winner in the 50 -54 age group!” I high tailed it up to the stage and proudly wore my medal the rest of the day and on Monday when we all returned to work.
It happened that as I had been cheering on our other co-workers at the finish line, I met someone with the Senior Olympics, who was recognizing some members also in the race. While the running activities for the Senior Olympics have already occurred this month, I did get an application for other events to be held this month. Now that I'm 50 +, there are some benefits that seem to accrue with getting older – especially as more folks drop out of competition running and I have more of a chance to win! Watch out Senior Olympics – here I come!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rated "G" by the Author.
A Short Story about participating and volunteering at the Annual Alzheimer's Walk/Run to Remember, Forming a Work Team for the Walk/Run, Winning in the Age Category, Benefits from Getting Older, Annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival
Last weekend, w
e had fun at the annual Alzheimer's Walk/Run to Remember. The weather was beautiful and so many people from around the community, from all walks of life, came together for a great cause. I was blessed to be able to organize a team at work, and our motto was: "Catholic Charities Gives Back – Taking Steps to Fight Alzheimer's Disease.” While I have never had any direct family member that I am aware of who has been touched with that specific disease, my own father was diagnosed with vascular dementia in his latter years after he had some mini-strokes. And we were able to take advantage of the “Respite Program” to help mom and dad before they died in 2006 per the Alzheimer's Services that helped us to manage some of the sitter and other costs that were not covered by insurance.
Earlier in my professional career, when I used to help facilitate Alzheimer's Support Groups, I was able to write a Forward to Ponchatoula native Kim Howes Zabbia's poignant book, Painted Diaries: A Mother and Daughter's Experience Through Alzheimer's Disease: "Who but a caregiver can understand how Alzheimer's is truly a family disease? Who but an artist can plunge into the mysteries of the mind? Who but a journalist can articulate Alzheimer's losses so vividly? Who but a courageous, witty person could take less than a full deck of life's cards and play the game so passionately?"
I've been participating in the annual Memory 5K Run for about 12 years and have been able to volunteer for about 5 years with the 6 AM crew that gets the grounds on LSU campus ready for the 9 AM activities. I can always depend upon Carolyn, one of the Alzheimer's Services Volunteer Coordinators, to make sure my calendar is marked early enough in the year to make it to this great event. It is always great to see the many friends in the aging network whom I know who work at the booths in the “Memory Market” which I help set up with many other volunteers.
It used to happen that the Alzheimer's Memory Walk/Run would fall on the same day as the Downtown Kiwanis Club's Annual Pancake Festival, which benefits many other great social service organizations in town. I used to be a member of that Kiwanis Club and would usually do the Memory Run first and then head to the LSU PMAC where the Pancake Festival is always held. So after jogging off some weight and having a beer with jambalya from the Alzheimer's Run, I would head over to help make Pancakes with my fellow Kiwanians. Nowadays, it seems that the events are on different days, so it is not so hectic when I still go to help at the PMAC. I plan to be there for this year's gathering on Saturday, October 23, 2010!
My goal for a running time in this year's Alzheimer's 5K was 25 minutes. In my 20's and 30's, I used to do these races in about 20 – 21 minutes. In New Orleans, when I first started competition running in the late 1970's, I mostly ran 10Ks. Some of my fondest runs were the Crescent City Classic, as I ran in the first one and did it in around 38 minutes – that was when I was really serious about running. But as I have joined the AARP geezer age group, my running has mainly been for maintenance fitness and not for reducing times. So I approached this Memory Run with realistic ideas of just having fun with my co-workers and seeing other professional contacts and friends.
So after another busy morning of putting up tents, tables, chairs and all kinds of supplies with other volunteers – with a doughnut or two and Community Coffee to boot, I looked forward to meeting with my Catholic Charities co-workers and encouraging one another for either the walk or the run that was to be coming up. And, of course, I had to get in a little bantering and teasing with Brendan and other workers who I would maybe “leave in the dust!”
I started the race towards the front of the group, so as to not get stuck behind some “slow pokes” who can sometimes cause falls as people are trying to weave through others. After we passed the first mile, Matthew caught up with me and eventually passed me up. Brendan got the last laugh as he also flew past me at around the 1 ½ mile part of the 3.2 mile race. Since I sometimes get stomach cramps from drinking water at the mile points, I just took quick swigs and poured the rest on my head as a great cooling down treat. As I closed in to the end, I thought that I would be close to 25 minutes but was bummed out when I found out that my finished time was 26 minutes even. So after turning in my race finish tag with my time, I joined Matthew and Brendan in cheering our other team members as they crossed the finish line. It was fun! So we headed over to get some food and drinks and then to the Memory Market booths for goodies. As we were getting close to the Main Stage and the Top 3 Winners were being announced, I told Dana that I may just get in 3rd Place for the 50 – 54 age guys.
As Alecia proceeded to announce the Top 3 Winners from the younger age categories on up, I was hopeful, as I had been able to come in 3rd a few years earlier in the same race. After she announced another person's name for 3rd Place in my age category, I just figured that some of those other gray haired/bearded guys that had passed me up must have done better than me. Next thing you know, as I'm talking with Dana, Alecia announced that “Keith Horcasitas is the 1st Place Winner in the 50 -54 age group!” I high tailed it up to the stage and proudly wore my medal the rest of the day and on Monday when we all returned to work.
It happened that as I had been cheering on our other co-workers at the finish line, I met someone with the Senior Olympics, who was recognizing some members also in the race. While the running activities for the Senior Olympics have already occurred this month, I did get an application for other events to be held this month. Now that I'm 50 +, there are some benefits that seem to accrue with getting older – especially as more folks drop out of competition running and I have more of a chance to win! Watch out Senior Olympics – here I come!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
On Long Distance Care of a Loved One
There are 1100 miles between my front door and my mother’s home. The home I grew up in and she has known for nearly 60 years. She raised 8 children in that house and wants to live there until she dies. At age 86, she may get her wish. I hope she gets her wish and does not need institutional care as her Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more evident each time I speak to her. Being so far away and not being able to help in her daily needs is frustrating for me. I have four siblings living near her, one a developmentally challenged brother who actually does still live with her. Unfortunately his challenges make it difficult for him to assist in her care. He does his best. My siblings do what they can but not nearly everything that is necessary. Last Sunday my mom walked a mile to church and a mile home. For the first time she said that the walk was getting a little long. Somehow I can’t understand why she has to walk at all with so many relatives that drive nearby.
I call each morning to remind mom to take her medication. The daily pill box has long since stopped being a reminder; regardless that it is placed where she eats every meal. Buying a pill dispenser with an alarm is my next purchase. My brother tries to intercept the mail to discard the many daily pleas for donations that she receives. She will send each one a check for $5 or $10 but doesn’t pay her utility bill. She asks me to send her a list of the siblings, spouses and grandchildren’s names. She has spent the day with my oldest sister and her husband but can’t remember a thing they said to share with me. She still tries to do all the laundry which requires going down stairs to the basement and carrying a basket of laundry up. The only bathroom is located on the second floor so she climbs those stairs 6 or 7 times a day. I have managed to have grab bars and additional railings placed on all the stairwells for extra support. I have tried to coordinate a care program for her with all 8 siblings working together where we plan trips to visit to relieve some responsibility of those near her, pay bills with online banking, and finalize her legal issues and estate plans. The effort is exhausting as things move so slowly or someone drops the ball and doesn’t follow through … and my mom has 8 children with 6 spouses and 12 grandchildren. I can’t imagine what an only child or smaller families do to cope with the demands of caregiving. My generation didn’t have large families and the average is 2.3 children per family. For the first time in our nation’s history the birth rate did not exceed the death rate this year. Families are more mobile. For us in Louisiana, many families experienced relocations due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and no longer live near each other. As we see the expected rise in those affected by Alzheimer’s disease we will also see more long distance care situations and many frustrated caregivers. I’m grateful for the knowledge I have as an employee of Alzheimer’s Services and yet I have great challenges. I have great empathy for those we serve and hope we can help with those challenges.
Barbara Auten
Executive Director
Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area
I call each morning to remind mom to take her medication. The daily pill box has long since stopped being a reminder; regardless that it is placed where she eats every meal. Buying a pill dispenser with an alarm is my next purchase. My brother tries to intercept the mail to discard the many daily pleas for donations that she receives. She will send each one a check for $5 or $10 but doesn’t pay her utility bill. She asks me to send her a list of the siblings, spouses and grandchildren’s names. She has spent the day with my oldest sister and her husband but can’t remember a thing they said to share with me. She still tries to do all the laundry which requires going down stairs to the basement and carrying a basket of laundry up. The only bathroom is located on the second floor so she climbs those stairs 6 or 7 times a day. I have managed to have grab bars and additional railings placed on all the stairwells for extra support. I have tried to coordinate a care program for her with all 8 siblings working together where we plan trips to visit to relieve some responsibility of those near her, pay bills with online banking, and finalize her legal issues and estate plans. The effort is exhausting as things move so slowly or someone drops the ball and doesn’t follow through … and my mom has 8 children with 6 spouses and 12 grandchildren. I can’t imagine what an only child or smaller families do to cope with the demands of caregiving. My generation didn’t have large families and the average is 2.3 children per family. For the first time in our nation’s history the birth rate did not exceed the death rate this year. Families are more mobile. For us in Louisiana, many families experienced relocations due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and no longer live near each other. As we see the expected rise in those affected by Alzheimer’s disease we will also see more long distance care situations and many frustrated caregivers. I’m grateful for the knowledge I have as an employee of Alzheimer’s Services and yet I have great challenges. I have great empathy for those we serve and hope we can help with those challenges.
Barbara Auten
Executive Director
Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)