Thursday Watercolor Memories - Artists' Collaborative

I am delighted to share that the Alzheimer's Association is pairing up local artists with Memories in the Making artists to exhibit artwork together.  I've been invited to be one of the local artists!  So looking forward to this fundraising project - a wonderful privilege for sure! 

The last 2 months have been a whirlwind of moving mom, setting up her new home, and being her caregivers.  Our lives have changed drastically but we are really glad to have her close by.   Wishing you all the best, deborah

An Update to My Edlercare post - May 2012

Eldercare has continued to be prominent in our lives as my mother-in-law's Alzheimer's dementia has progressed.   As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been inspired to pursue volunteer opportunities in our area --  but I hit road blocks.  In 2013 a friend referred me to the Memories in the Making program with training through the Alzheimer's Association.  I took the training last year but scheduling service times didn't work out.  I retook the training this year along with a few additional classes and I am happy to tell you I have landed at a facility where I am needed and feel useful.  It's wonderful working with elderly folks with dementias making art!

My role with Tim's family is one of an ambassador providing encouragement and helps from the compassionate and professional information the Alzheimer's Association provides; plus preparing to be caregivers as our turn is coming up.   In case you would like to look into the Memories in the Making program or to check out the Association's tips and helps I have provided a couple of links: http://www.alz.org/oc/in_my_community_10849.asp 
http://www.alz.org/oc/index.asp

This is the quilt I made to depict Mom's treasured memory of her Coming of Age time of life. She is floating to depict her floating memories.

May 3rd, 2012
There are wonderful opportunities for random acts of kindness in eldercare.  As we have been working through aspects of care for our mothers this has come more to my awareness.  My mother recently passed away and my husband's mother is afflicted with dementia. 

During a trip last month my husband had the privilege of escorting Mom to the Senior Day Care Center.  She would not go if she knew it was a day care facility, so covert operations were required.  The staff was wonderful to simply call it the "Senior Center", eliminating "Day Care" whenever Mom was around.  It was well worth it!  My husband witnessed Mom "lighting up the place" as soon as she arrived in the designated multipurpose room.  It did not matter to her who could understand her and who could not.  She had a cheery greeting for each one.  Smiles & attentiveness spread throughout!  The aides told my husband "it's always like this with your Mom".   Her acts of kindness to cheer everyone there is very endearing!

I am inspired to pursue volunteering at the Senior Center near my home - craft ideas and playing games are on the top of my list!