"When mom moved in I was able to stop being a caregiver and get back to being a daughter,” said Marilyn whose mother currently resides in The Toby Weinman Alzheimer’s Care Village. The Bresler Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Program provides a compassionate, supportive and safe environment for our residents while placing a strong emphasis on creating a care plan that focuses on the needs and routines of each individual. Our up-to-date approaches to dementia care help your loved one to enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Continued from Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
WHAT'S MY NEW ROLE?
Mom is acclimating to her new environment well enough. What am I to do? Well, some of my roles include mom’s advocate, her caregiver, her daughter and her laundress and personal shopper.
In my role as advocate, I keep abreast of what is going on with Alzheimer’s research, testing and locally through the Alzheimer’s Association and any local training available. I read profusely and I belong to two Alzheimer’s groups on Linked In and one support group at Menorah Manor. Gwen Kaldenberg, director of the Bresler Alzheimer’s program, hosts Menorah Manor’s support group that is held the first Thursday of each month. We are a small group – but we are mighty. Sometimes one of us is “in need” and the group listens with care and compassion. Sometimes a relative has had “an event” and again we embrace the caregiver in a hug. Usually, we share articles that we have read or presentations we have attended or just go around the table to “catch up” on what is happening right now for each caregiver and their loved one.
Save the Date: February 15, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Menorah Manor and The Alzheimer's Association will be hosting another lecture in the series, Practical Approaches to Caregiving.
Linda Burhans will speak on A Positive Journey through
Caregiving and her book, Good Night and God Bless.
We at Menorah Manor hope that you have had a wonderful Chanukah filled with friends, family and lots of food! Here are the last two Gourmet Latke Toppings that we picked up from the St. Pete Times:
Happy Chanukah!
Menorah Manor staff and volunteers will be lighting candles with our residents each night of Chanukah this year between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. See below for the nightly schedule beginning on December 20 and ending on December 27.
Yom Kippur Meditation
Caring for others