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What the Baby Boomer Generation Should Know About Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss

Diane Carbo — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:17:45 +0000

As the baby boomer generation retires, many are concerned about dementia, Alzheimer’s and memory loss. Modern technology and scientific advancements in health care are helping individuals live longer and healthier lives than any previous generation. The statistics of past generations indicate that 10 percent of individuals over the age of 65 years of age develop memory problems. By the age of 85 years of age, the percentage of memory problems increases to 50 percent.

Baby boomers are a generation that expects to grow old gracefully, physically and mentally. They expect to remain youthful and full of vitality as they age. Boomers do not want to know or experience the ill effects of aging, such as mental decline. This has been a driving force resulting in the research and studies done on the cognitive (thought) processes of the brain.

Although there is still much research to be done, there are some very promising findings being reported. Science now confirms that memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Proper nutrition, physical exercise and challenging the brain frequently are linked to brain fitness.

The causes of memory loss can occur gradually over time. The symptoms are not the average forgetfulness we all experience. As a society that is inundated with audio and visual stimulation everyday forgetfulness is a result of multitasking and stimulation over load.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of early memory loss, as intervention can prevent or delay the process.

Some causes of loss of memory for the aging population can be due to alcohol abuse, use of illicit drugs, smoking and poor nutrition. There are many health related medical conditions and prescription medications that can have a negative effect on the aging brain. Many of these conditions and the effects they have on the memory can be treated with early intervention.

The aging baby boomer generation can be proactive in preventing memory loss from occurring. Studies show that physical activity such as aerobic exercise helps brain fitness. A study, done on a group of individuals over the age of 55 years old, used brain imaging on individuals that were active versus a sedentary group of the same age. Over a period of 6 months the physically active group exercised 3 hours a week. Both groups had brain imaging studies done prior to the start of the study.

At the end of 6 months, the results were astonishing. Several areas of the brain showed an increase in the brain volume of the physically active participants.

The increase in brain volume occurred in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and thought process. Scientists are not sure why this increase in brain volume occurred, but it is thought that an increase in blood supply and connections between the neurons of the brain. Research scientists now feel that an active life style can prevent or delay dementias and Alzheimer’s.

Baby boomers are a generation of ground breakers. They have pushed themselves to the limit and have tried new and different things. This is an important trait to continue to possess as they move into their retirement years. The brain can continue to form new connections between the neurons. This improves the ability to communicate, store and retrieve memory.

Being open to experiencing some new and different often is a key to maintaining a good memory and brain fitness. If you do crossword puzzles or Sudoku and become proficient at that task, you are no longer challenging your brain to continue to form new connections. Take a proactive approach and get out of your comfort zone. Your memory and mind will be glad that you did.

Traveling, meeting new people, dancing and even learning to use the computer are ways to keep the brain growing and firing up those neurons! Consider a brain fitness program.

A brain fitness program should test your abilities in a variety of different categories and identify your strengths and weaknesses. A good program will then build an individualized program based on your initial results. It will assist you to build your weak areas and continue to maintain or improve upon your strengths. A brain fitness program should also be able to give you feed back on a regular basis as to where you have improved and what changes your have made. Research shows that developing new connections occur and the brain can be revitalized by participating in a brain fitness program just 20 minutes three times a week.

The baby boomer generation should know that dementia; Alzheimer’s and causes of memory loss can be prevented or delayed by taking a proactive approach to their health. Physical activity, trying something new and challenging can not only be fun but help your brain remember the good times you have!

Care Givers and Eldercare Are You Stressed Out - What Do I Do?

Diane Carbo — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:15:48 +0000

Care givers are stressed out providing eldercare for their family member. There is a cure that is sure to help stress relief, renew your energy and your spirits. This has been a survival technique that has successfully worked for me and I feel that I should share it.
There are several parts of this “care giver stress cure”: alone time, reflection, positive thinking and stress relief techniques. I know what you are thinking, “Who has time for all of that?”
Since discovering the benefits of this simple little method, I have found a way to incorporate this into my everyday life. The first step is to allow yourself to reclaim your alone time. It will give you a sense of freedom and control over your life.
I have become selfish about my alone time. I get up in the early hours of the morning, before everyone else. It is quiet, calm and peaceful. If it is warm outside, I sneak out to the garden to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. When it is cold, I bundle up with blankets and a hot cup of tea and I start my morning just enjoying the silence.
Solitude and silence has taught me to learn to live in the moment. In those stolen precious moments, I have learned that to worry about the future and think about the past is not productive. It was and still is something that I struggle with everyday.
It is difficult for me to depend on others for help. People, even family members, disappoint and frustrate when they do not meet my expectations. Positive thinking has helped me get through these moments of anger and rage. I have learned that I must change my expectations and how I respond. It was a hard and difficult lesson for me.
I have a positive affirmation, a mantra, if you will. “For every problem I encounter, there is a solution and I WILL find it.” All care givers that provide eldercare for the aging senior in their life will have periods of being stressed out. Overcome the stress and feel energized and rejuvenated. Reclaim some alone time everyday and allow yourself to experience the power of positive thinking.
I have come to realize that I have no control over anybody or anything that occurs in my life. The only thing that I have control over is how I respond to the problems and issues that present themselves to me.
Solitude and reflection in those early morning hours has led me to the power of positive thinking. Did you know that positive or negative attitudes are contagious? Well, they are!
It is often said that your thoughts will become your reality, so make them good and positive thoughts.
As a care give, many become resentful that their time is not their own. Everyone has expectations that you will do something for them. Many care givers begin to feel frustrated and angry with everyone around them. I understand that feeling.
So as I sit in the still of the morning, I reclaim my life and those moments as my alone time. I am alone with my thoughts. It has given me a new perspective on how I handle things. I will only allow myself to think positive thoughts. I choose to take time and see how I can turn every situation into a positive. Trust me, when you are dealing with a crisis situation it is a challenge.
With those moments of positive thinking, I find that there is a lot to be grateful for in my life. Just when you think that your situation is terrible and overwhelming, give a thought to those that have it so much worse than you could ever imagine. Yes, I have learned that even in the darkest hours of life, there are things for which we can be grateful.
In those moments of solitude and silence, I have discovered many things about myself. Some of it is positive. I have also found that I am human and have many shortcomings. In spite of myself, I have come to realize that I cannot do it all. I need others to help me get through some of the rough times.

Aging Gracefully Or Not - 8 Mistakes Made by Older Adults and Their Families Due to Fear of Aging

Diane Carbo — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:43:25 +0000

Taking care of aging parents is not an easy task. Many in our aging society are not aging gracefully, and fighting or ignoring their decline in physical and cognitive abilities. No matter how well we eat, how much we exercise, how many supplements we take, there is nothing that stops the aging process. Granted, we all age at different rates, but eventually our bodies wear out, and we can no longer do things as easily as we once did. Taking care of an aging loved one is not for sissies! To assist you as you go the through process of aging with your loved one, here are the top 8 common mistakes made by seniors and their families.
•    Not planning ahead, even for a health care crisis
Common sense tells us that as we age we should expect to require some assistance , or even total care at some point. Yet, many aging adults find aging gracefully difficult. Fear of aging and a need to hold on to their independence causes many seniors not to ask for help. Those in the early stages of dementia may not recognize their need. Family members need to prepare themselves so that if a health care crisis does occur that their aging loved one will have some protection. Preparing for this will take time and energy. It requires learning about Medicare, Medicaid, insurance policies, legal forms and health care options available. Being prepared, can decrease stress and anxiety in a time of crisis, and gives you a sense of confidence as you assist your aging parent in making important decision.
•    Denial
Many adults who have a fear of aging neglect signs of poor heath.. Many overlook health problems for such reasons as worrying about paying their co pay, so they delay going to the doctors until the condition worsens. Such a delay can result in more advanced stages of a condition. Many aging adults feel as if they can fight the process and refuse to wear hearing aides, braces or walking aids. Family members often do not address these behaviors as they are met with strong resistance. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable situation for many family members. Sometimes having a family meeting and having a person that your parent respects and trusts will open the lines of communication.
•    Reluctance
Not aging gracefully causes many adults to be reluctant to discuss that they need assistance, because to admit that fact means they are growing old. To many aging adults, that is a blow to their self esteem and many perceive that they must give up their independence or become a burden to the family. Family members, many times are reluctant to bring up the subject of your aging parent needing care, due to family dynamics. Within the family there may be challenges of overcoming guilt, anxiety or even anger. It is important that you make your aging parent aware that you are there to support them and not to interfere, that their safety and health are your utmost concern.
•    Are not aware of all the options and levels of care available
The healthcare delivery system can be overwhelming. Many families have no idea that where to begin to look for assistance or what services and options are available. There are many county, state and senior services that can provide direct access to specific care providers. Your local agency on aging can direct you to programs and services that are specific to your area. You clergy member may be able to assist you in directing you and your family members to professionals that have successfully supported other church members. You may want to utilize the services of a care manager or eldercare consultant to assist you in maneuvering the health care system. These are individuals that specialize in the care of the aging population and can advocate, make recommendations and assist in overseeing every aspect of the care and services that are needed for your aging parent.
•    Family disagreement
Inaction by family members due to differences of opinion with in a family as to what care is needed, and where and from whom it should come. Nothing can revive conflicts in adult siblings than making decisions about an aging parent. All the old roles, parents favorite, the black sheep, the unresolved battles and family rivalries resurface. Old family dynamics come back, and adult siblings can sabotage wise decisions during those anxiety producing conversations about the aging parent. There are also cultural differences, where the eldest son, no matter what his relationship with his aging parents has been, is expected to be the decision maker in those families. Many of the sisters/daughters in these cultures are not involved in the decision making process, even though they are the ones that have been providing the care. It is important to focus, as a group, on what your parents would want and provide them with the best possible care in a safe and comfortable environment. In these situations, an outside objective third party is recommended. There are eldercare facilitators, care managers and eldercare consultants to assist your family through this process.
•    Misunderstanding of what health insurance, long term care, and supplements provide
It is important for seniors and their family members to investigate and understand what Medicare, Medicare supplements and Medicaid covers. If your aging parent has long term care insurance, it is also important to review waiting periods, cost of living riders and home care coverage. This is the first time many family members hear the term, “spend down”. Spend down is depleting private or family finances to the point where an individual is sufficiently poor to meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid. The spend down process and transition to poverty can involve multiple losses. It is wise to consult an elder care attorney early, before a crisis to assist you in planning to protect your aging parent’s assets.
•    Concern over financial loss and downsizing
Many aging adults have worked their entire life and they want to leave an inheritance. They do not want to give up everything they have worked for. There are emotional and logistical factors of downsizing. It is emotionally traumatizing and overwhelming to the aging parent to give up their possessions. For many, their former life style was their identity. It is can be a difficult transition to fit into this new lifestyle. People want to age in their homes and do not realize there are options available to them to help keep them there. Eighty percent of long term care is provided by families, not institutions. There are more than 20 million Americans that provide care for an aging loved one. This allows the aging parent to continue to age in place in the comfort of familiar surroundings and be close to their loved ones.
•    Inability to discuss end of life issues
Aging gracefully is no longer a part of our culture. Billions of dollars are spent trying to avoid growing old. It is a fact that no one lives forever. We all are going to die. If we don’t die young, we are going to die old. So we should prepare for this time. We should be able to say what we want to do to stay alive. Some choose multiple medical tests, invasive and painful procedures and multiple admissions to the hospital to avoid death at all costs. Others, do not discuss death and do not express their wishes to others, and leave the difficult decisions to family members. This takes a terrible toll on a family during a very difficult time. There is such a thing as dying with dignity. It is the very last thing we can have a say in as we age. Establish advanced directives now. Five Wishes, an advanced directive form, is a very complete and unique among all other living will and health agent forms because it looks to all of a person’s needs: medical, personal, emotional and spiritual. Five Wishes also encourages discussing your wishes with your family and physician. Complete durable power of attorney for finances and durable power attorney for health care. These simple documents allow another person to make financial and health decisions for you should you become incapacitated in the future. You should also discuss developing a will and planning funeral arrangements. This will not only save you money, by preparing for your final arrangements, your family will have comfort in knowing that your final wishes are being honored. It will alleviate stress and allow them to celebrate you and your life.
In an effort to help family members become better informed and more feel empowered about assisting or even just with dealing with the issues of your aging parent, the resources are there. You just need to take the time, have the energy and the commitment to getting the right assistance at the right time. Being proactive and planning ahead makes this process much easier. Realize that your parents are adults and are responsible for their own lives.
You can only do what they will allow you to do. Hang in there and continue to work with your parents and do not take what they are saying personally. It is about them and fear of aging and change, fear of loss of independence and fear of loosing control, over their lives.

Diane Carbo RN- As a geriatric care manager, that has cared for her father and mother in law in their homes, she learned first hand how overwhelming, stressful, and time consuming caring for a loved one can be. Staying in their homes was very important to them. As a result, Diane started http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com to assist others age in familiar surroundings and avoid the emotional and frustrating task of maneuvering the medical delivery system. Check here http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com/home-health-care-planning.html for additional help

Being airlifted from southern CA

Beth Weil — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:22:31 +0000

When I woke up it was not like there was nothingness, like I was asleep and then I awoke. It was just that my awareness started when I was being air-ambulanced from Mission Viejo to Kaiser Redwood City, and I did not think about what came before that. I was lying on a stretcher and it was obvious that I was on an airplane, but the airplane was not going very fast, so I assumed it was a little plane and I was the only person on it. It sounded like the engine noise was coming from within my head, it was so loud and resonant. It lasted for hours and hours, or maybe it just felt that way — I do not know actually how long we were up there. I did not wonder what happened to me, and I was subconsciously afraid to move and see what moved and what did not. I was not in any pain, and I was comfortable so I did not want to try anything that would get me in trouble. I also did not know that I had been in a coma for three weeks - I think I finally asked that question either in Kaiser Vallejo or at home again. I had to know how to ask the question, how to verbalize it, so it could not have been at Kaiser Redwood City.

Kaiser Redwood City

Then my memory skips to the inside of Kaiser Redwood City. I was lying in a bed in a corner and I kept hearing an old man’s voice complaining about how he was ill-used and how they should just leave him to die. I could not see the old man though - whenever I would get up in the future I forgot to look for him. I think one time I heard him say he was 79. I was surprised that he was that old - I thought that he was about 60 from the sound of his voice.

People started visiting me there - I heard they visited me in Southern California, but I do not remember any of it. Only the people in the band could come and visit me, and Tom of course, but I was on restricted visitation, so that was about all. I think my brother also visited me. They say that I was not talking then. I remember having normal conversations with them, but I guess that I was wrong - I had a breathing tube in and you can’t talk with those. When you first wake up out of a coma, your thinking is a little skewed. I guess I remember the movie version. Years later I heard that when I first woke up out of the coma, I didn’t want anybody to visit me, only my family, Laurie, Kathy, Sally, Jeff & Anita, and Robin & Michelle.

Other than when I had visitors, I just lay there in the bed and vegetated. I started having paranoid fantasies about laying there like that forever, so I asked Tom to bring me some tapes and a tape player. Or maybe he just brought them - after all, I couldn’t talk to ask him to bring them. I only remember three tapes: Bill Monroe’s fiddle tunes by Kenny Baker, one by Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, and a Cajun one by Michael Doucet, his solo record. Listening to the three tapes was a surreal experience - I would listen to them over and over and over, but I could never tell you the names of any of the songs, or what order they were played in. I think they are the only tapes I had or I would remember other ones.

So I would lay there and listen to a tape until it ended, and the minute it ended I would start in with paranoid thoughts - what would happen to me, how would it happen, stuff like that. Towards the end of my stay Tom said that I would be going to Kaiser Vallejo, and so I was afraid that he was just saying that, that I was actually going to stay at Kaiser Redwood City forever, that they would keep on forgetting to transfer me to Kaiser Vallejo, that all the other patients would eventually get transferred and leave, that eventually I would be alone, and that in a few weeks or months or years my health would fail and I would get bedsores and die. I guess I was looking forward to going to Kaiser Vallejo - it was the only thing I had to look forward to, and it was my only hope of salvation. And then I would get someone to play another tape, a nurse or a visitor, and those thoughts would instantly evaporate, and the whole phase would start all over again.

National Family Caregivers Assoc. Suzanne Mintz

Beth Weil — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:06:34 +0000

National Family Caregivers Assoc., president Suzanne Mintz is awarded one of the Purpose Prizes from Civic Ventures to celebrate and support outstanding individuals 60 or older who are producing significant social innovation. NFCA offers family caregivers support, information, resources and community. Free membership at www.thefamilycaregiver.org.

Two Armed Hug

Starla Green — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:11:44 +0000

Today started out okay, nothing particularly special. I woke up to having female problems and Brian, my husband, made us coffee. I had my usual two cups and a couple of ibuprofens, then put supper in the crock pot and was given the luxury of climbing back into bed. It was later on in the day when I got up and was on my way to the kitchen and in passing, stopped a moment for a hug from Brian. He asked me what was wrong and nothing was wrong, it was simply one of those days when I just needed hugging. It was then I noticed something different. Both of his arms, left and right, were snugly wrapped around me.

My husband had his stoke before we met. In the beginning, we started chatting online. We talked for weeks, gradually getting to know each other through IM’s and Emails. Both of us were hesitant to meet. I didn’t know about his stroke or his fears about my reaction to it. I was worried over his reaction to me. I’m a big girl and often my weight has been an issue with previous, would-be relationships. Come to find out, he was hesitant as well, only for different reasons.

Our first date, we hit it off famously. It was Christmas Eve and neither one of us had anyone to go home to. We sat at the park and talked for the longest time. Later on, we hugged. Only his left arm was around me. I put the right one around me and it stayed there for quite a while. I didn’t know what he was thinking at that moment…but I felt safe. That was a new beginning for both of us. We married soon after.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention to the difficulties he had with daily living. Even the first date, I didn’t pay much attention to him eating breakfast with his left hand instead of his right or the slowness of his gait. There was a lot I didn’t know and even more that I didn’t understand. I made a lot of mistakes at the start.

It has been almost 2 ½ years to date. Living with a stroke survivor has its moments when it tests both of us. I was not there when he had his stroke or when he was going through the initial rehab PT and OT therapies. He did that completely on his own. Something I can’t begin to imagine having to deal with. He has had moments when he gets frustrated over not being able to do things that he used to take for granted. I know there are moments when he believes himself less of a man because he only has use of one arm and one hand.

There is the sensitivity to noise and I like to talk too loud sometimes. Then there were moments like last month, when I was in a hurry and used a pre-packaged seasoning mix to go in ground beef for supper and his blood pressure shot up. Last year, when the water pump went out on the truck, he helped me fix it. He commented later that he should have been able to do it himself and if he had both hands, he could have changed it out in an hour or so rather than the almost whole day that it took me.

Sometimes, he gets frustrated and he just yells and his language gets colorful. Sometimes, I bite back and other times, I grab my headphones and my MP3 player and go find a quiet place to sit. There are also moments when I turn to my support group. A group of wonderful people that have been gracious enough to let me vent and offered suggestions and insight as to how to better understand Brian’s side of having lived through the battle of what we call the “Stroke Monster”. Afterwards, he always feels bad and I feel bad as well. We apologize to each other and hug.

Today’s two armed hug, though, would seem a small thing to most. To me, it was a giant of a step. I smiled as he hugged me…this two armed hug…I buried my face in his chest and I breathed him in. He is a man. He is my man and I still feel safe…

Aging Baby Boomers Caring for Elderly Parents, Six Tips for Dealing with Guilt and Overcoming Caregiver Stress

Diane Carbo — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:08:37 +0000

Caring for elderly parents as well as their own family many aging baby boomers find they are stressed and dealing with guilt. Overcoming caregiver stress and the guilt feelings that are accompany the role of one person taking care of another is possible.

Guilt is a feeling of perceived failure. This failure may come in the form of expectations we set for ourselves or what we perceive are the expectations that others have set for us.
Our response to these feelings of perceived failure affects our decisions and our actions. Guilt, in any form is detrimental to any relationship.

When caring for another individual, guilt presents itself to us on many different levels. Along with guilty feelings, there are feelings of anger, frustration, resentment and sadness. Many individuals torment themselves with unrealistic expectations and worry trying to anticipate every possible need.

Others find themselves dealing with the disappointment and frustration of uninvolved and
uninterested siblings or extended family members Still others find guilt stemming from sadness and fear of losing someone very close to them. They second guess themselves into believing that if they had paid attention sooner, or did something different their aging senior’s condition would be different. What ever the reasons for guilt, they take away from all the good a care giver does.

Guilt can mentally and emotionally imprison a person into making poor decisions or becoming totally immobilized to make any decision. Some individuals are more inclined to feel guilty than others. Learning to manage guilt is imperative for the physical and emotional well being of the care giver as well as the aging senior that are providing care.

More aging baby boomers caring for elderly parents. Six tips for dealing with guilt and overcoming caregiver stress.

The first step to overcoming guilt is to acknowledge that is a feeling you are experiencing. There are many other feelings that go along with guilt such as sadness, anger, frustration and resentment. If you can acknowledge that you are having these feelings, you can begin to see things from a different perspective.

If you have identified and acknowledged you have these negative feelings, take time to identify what is causing you to have these feelings. Are you angry and resentful that you siblings do not pitch in and offer assistance? Do you feel that your life is not your own?

Are you afraid that you are loosing someone close to you? Maybe you feel guilty because you wish you did not have to care for the aging seniors in your life. Many feel that they cannot do enough to or are the opposite and resentful that they have to do anything at all.

Have you considered your needs and wants? This is a very important step for every care giver to realize. That they have needs that are just as important as the person for which are providing care and support.
Caregivers feel guilty that they have needs. Many feel that their needs are not as important as their aging senior. This thought can be a big culprit and be the root cause of dealing with guilt and caregiver stress.

A care giver must come to realize and accept that unless they take care of themselves and take action to meet their own needs, eventually they become ineffective as a care giver.

Learn to be kind and patient with yourself. You are going to have your good days and your bad days. Allow yourself to feel the negative feelings. Realize that your feelings do not have to control your actions. With practice, over time, the guilt feelings will subside.

Acknowledge you have needs and take action to get those needs met. It is OK to have some “me” time. In fact it is necessary. Give yourself permission to be selfish at times.

Ask for help from others or accept help when it is offered. If you have uninvolved siblings investigate other avenues through the local church, community program or aging and adult services. Explore options to get some free time.

Aging baby boomers caring for elderly parents must realize that guilt is an emotion that comes with the role of caregiver. Dealing with guilt and overcoming caregiver stress
can be accomplished by taking time to meet your own needs. Caregivers need to focus on the good that they achieve everyday and the improved quality of life they bring to the aging senior in their life. With this perspective guilt will never be an issue.

The National MS Society and the Human Element

Lincoln — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:01:45 +0000

Helen Myers and Ed Rightor won The Dow Chemical Companys Human Element Award for their involvement with Walk MS and Bike MS. Meet these leaders and learn how Dow encourages employees to do great work for their communities — and for the MS community nationwide.

The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation: Leeza’s Place

Leeza Gibbons — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:07:21 +0000

Leeza’s Place is a program of The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, which Leeza founded after her mother’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.

I promised my mother I would tell her story and make it count. I began to fulfill that promise by opening what we call Leeza’s Place, our resource centers which serve as an oasis for caregivers and those newly diagnosed with any memory disorder. Leeza’s Place is like a warm embrace, a hug of support and an exhale of hope. Everything that I have done prior to this moment in my career and personal life has led me beautifully here. I’m very involved in the growth and development of Leeza’s Place and very proud to carry on my mother’s legacy of empowerment.

I believe most caregivers are searching for a place to belong. It’s a very lonely and depleting existence and yet it can be very nourishing and rewarding. At Leeza’s Place we always encourage caregivers to “take your oxygen first”. Meaning if the caregivers are not healthy, mentally well-balanced and spiritually sound, then those for whom we care will suffer. We know that up to 70% of the time, caregivers falter and fail before those for whom they care. It is essential that we offer comfort and care for the caregiver.

At Leeza’s Place we offer what we call education, empowerment & energy. Most of our guests arrive at our door in desperate need of education. Nine times out of ten, they don’t know what they don’t know. One of the best resources I have found is our Family Caregivers Guide, which is a complete comprehensive video overview from professional caregivers and family providers about the caregiving experience. Many people watch it and burst into tears at the sheer power of knowing someone understands them. It’s one of the resources available at Leeza’s Place to help families connect the dots within their communities.
Our care advocates are always available to offer assistance whether it’s getting a diagnosis, finding a support group, accessing respite and recreation or just sharing a cup of coffee and an open heart. When we have to let go of anyone it’s a painful process. But watching someone slowly disappear behind the veil of Alzheimer’s disease is unbearably cruel. I find most caregivers fight the feeling of helplessness and battle extreme guilt.

We have many innovative programs at Leeza’s Place. Most families find our scrapbooking program to be very helpful. Preserving memories, of course, can take a number of forms. The idea is simply to celebrate a life, pass on a legacy, cherish traditions and keep memories alive. For caregivers, it’s an activity to do with loved ones who have a memory disorder that respects their dignity and adds value to both parties. Someone whose memory is failing might not be able to remember yesterday, but I bet you can tie that same person to their past glory (a track and field event from high school, an honor from the military, a dance at a wedding) and the smile and tears of joy will come easily. Just the very act of elevating a photo, a memento, a keepsake and committing it to a scrapbook is very soothing. It’s a tangible reminder that our life and our time here matters.

The Nominations For the 2009 Health Web 2.0 Apps Awards

Beth Weil — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:02:28 +0000

Web 2.0 is commonly associated with technologies such as weblogs (blogs), social bookmarking, wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds (and other forms of many-to-many publishing), social software, and web application programming interfaces (APIs) .

Here is a list of the companies nominated:

Health Portals and Content:

LifeMojo Helps you achieve your health and fitness goals, by making you eat right, stay fit, track your progress and stay motivated.

Everyday Health Provides information, useful tools, and supportive communities to manage your health — every day.

MyFamilyHealth Connect with your relatives to record and track an accurate and up-to-date family health history. Find out which health conditions run in your family.

Revolution Health A leading consumer-centric health company founded to transform how people approach their overall health and wellness.

WebMD Premium healthcare information aggregator

HealthWise Consumer health content

Healthcare Communities