THE CONNECTION
Bruce Peninsula Seniors Connect Inc. Newsletter
Issue 5 - October 2005
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When a Friend Shows Signs of
Alzheimer Disease
Tom Black and Adam Dunn (not their real names) have belonged to their local service club for over twenty years. They and their wives often socialize together. Adam recently started missing meetings and when he does attend he becomes argumentative. This is not like Adam. His wife Betty is also concerned because his forgetfulness is getting worse.
Tom recently read an article on Alzheimer Disease and recognizes that Adam has some early warning signs of forgetfulness, mood swings and word finding difficulty. Not understanding the disease or how to help his friend, Tom called the Alzheimer Society for advice.
Staying involved allows Tom and his wife Julie to encourage Adam and Betty to seek early diagnosis and treatment and the support of the Alzheimer Society. In Grey Bruce approximately 2500 to 3000 individuals are diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease or a related dementia. In Canada it is estimated that 65% of individuals with Alzheimer Disease are undiagnosed and therefore remain untreated.
Having Alzheimer Disease or a related dementia has been compared to journeying by train to an unknown destination. As the journey progresses the scenery becomes strange and unfamiliar. It’s unnerving and the person wants to get back to the comfort of familiar surroundings but can’t.
Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer Disease have told researchers what is helpful to them. They need to be viewed in an optimistic not a fatalistic light; to be listened to with understanding not sympathy; and to have their remaining abilities recognized. They appreciate others speaking about them in respectful terms avoiding labels such as “victim”, or “demented”.
The important thing for friends like Tom and Julie and spouses like Betty to understand is that Adam’s outlook will be largely influenced by how they relate to him. He needs to be nurtured by their positive attitude and uplifted by their sense of humor and their hope. They can learn about Alzheimer Disease and how to accommodate Adam’s memory loss. They can also use the communication strategies they’ve learned from the Alzheimer Society and not take it personally when Adam becomes moody or argumentative. As the disease progresses they can find out more about how to cope with changes in behaviour that often accompany Alzheimer Disease and ways to modify the environment to help Adam remain as independent as possible.
Tom and Julie also recognize that it’s not easy for Betty as a caregiver. She too will need their loving friendship to see the journey through to its end. The Blacks continue to visit and socialize with Adam and Betty, modifying activities but still enjoying each others company as much as possible.
Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease represents a life changing challenge for the person and their family. However, most will admit that it’s not the end of the world as long as they have the loving support of family and friends.
This Fall local information and support sessions are starting up in Owen Sound, Hanover and Kincardine. Times and locations for these sessions are available through the Alzheimer of Grey-Bruce at 1-519-376-7230 or 1-800-265-9013.
The Alzheimer Society now has Community Liaison Volunteers in several communities to provide a direct link to support services and educational information. In Lion’s Head, call Pat Horner at 793-3625; in Mar, call Valerie Martin at 534-4315; and in Wiarton, call Peggy Beghetto at 534-4146. The Alzheimer Society is looking for individuals to serve as Community Liaison Volunteers in other communities throughout Grey-Bruce. Anyone interested in participating in this worthwhile work can call the Alzheimer Society office in Owen Sound.
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Home & Community Support Services of Grey Bruce
is pleased to announce the expansion of their
Adult Day Away Program
If you enjoy a day out for socialization or if you are a caregiver looking after a loved one and need a “day off” – we have the answer for you! We will be running every Wednesday starting October 19, 2005 out of the Anglican Church in Lion’s Head from 9:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Transportation, lunch (provided by Marydale’s restaurant) and entertainment is provided. A half day is also optional. We serve seniors and adults who may have had a stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s etc.
For more information please call 534-1728 and ask for Andrea or Carol.
Volunteers are also needed – including musicians.
To learn more about what Home & Community Support Services of Grey Bruce has to offer, visit their web site at HCSS.GB.
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Story Corner
An Afternoon in the Park
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.
She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?”
He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home.
Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, “Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?”
She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her son responded, she added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”
Written by Julie A Manhan
Submitted by Pat Horner
I have come to the conclusion that God isn’t a distant deity
whose face we can never see.
I believe He is within our daily lives and
looks on us from many faces we meet.
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Seniors Connect Events
On September 14th, the coffee group went out to lunch at Summerhouse. It was a beautiful day and we had a lovely lunch. After lunch we stopped at the candle shop.
The Happy Harbour Club will be hosting a Fall’s Prevention play at their pot luck supper on October 18th.
The rug hookers will be meeting on the 1st & 3rd Monday of the month at the Seniors Connect office in Lion’s Head.
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November is Diabetes Month
Go to www.diabetes.ca for more information or to donate.
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