Many families will come together this holiday season to experience a loved one’s dementia has worsened or symptoms have increased to warrant getting a diagnosis. Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes inspirational books on many topics. Due to the rise of Alzheimer’s disease, there is now a book called Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias – 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping and Compassion. The book is written with short chapters authored by individuals who offer support and coping strategies for spouses, children, grandchildren and friends of a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. All royalties will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
An article that must be shared is called The Spirit in Alzheimer’s, by Megan Carnarius, RN, Executive Director of Balfour Cherrywood Village. It is apparent after reading the article that Megan has a deep knowledge and genuine compassion for anyone living with Alzheimer’s. She even provides free educational sessions to the public throughout the year. If there were more Megan’s managing the operations of memory care communities, residents would be happier, safer, and treated with the respect they so deserve. If you are fortunate to meet Megan, you will probably hear her say a phrase that she often recites and instills within her staff, “We are much more than the matter of our brains.”
http://www.naturaltransitions.org/2013/07/19/the-spirit-in-alzheimers/