Refusal To Take A Bath Or Shower

Sometimes people with Alzheimer's disease are afraid to take a bath. They think that they will drown, or they do not like to be cold. It could be many different reasons.  I know that grandma can give the staff at her nursing home a hard time when they try to bathe her.  I came up with a few tips that I would like to share!

Tips

1. Play soft music (classical music works well for grandma)
2. Offer a rubber duck as a distraction. Grandma used to give me a rubber duck to play with in the bath when I was little, it worked for me! (I know Ernie agrees!)
3. Give your loved one a washcloth with a pretty pattern.
4. Make sure the room is warm.
5. Have a big warm comfy bathrobe ready. 

Marvel Comic Book Created For Our Executive Director Hailey Richman

     https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x814n6y

It was the best feeling ever to have my work immortalized in a comic and as part of the Marvel Hero Project. I am hopeful that my work can help many people. It is my belief, as my mentor, Dr. Max Wallack said, "if you have the ability to help others, it is your responsibility to do so."

Our Connecticut Ambassador and Mexico Ambassador Jordyn Brown

Jordyn has been coordinating Puzzle Time for the state of Connecticut gathering hundreds of kids who participate in Puzzle Time with Alzheimer's patients! Thank you so much for your service in the Alzheimer's Community! Volunteering for PUZZLE TIME brings just as much joy to the volunteers as it does for the Alzheimer's patients! We are actively recruiting Puzzle Time volunteers nationally and internationally! In addition she has also launched PUZZLE TIME in MEXICO! If you are a middle school/high school student and would like to volunteer and receive community service If anyone in CT or MEXICO and would like to participate please do not forget to contact us at kidcaregivers@gmail.com!

A 2019 Guide To Alzheimer's and Dementia

The publisher of A 2019 Guide to Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Julie Schumer, shared this article with us.  It discusses the possible causes and risk factors.

This article is a great resource.

Staying Healthy In Your Home

Here is a great article about aging in place!Staying Home As You Age

Happy Mother's Day To All!

I had a great day with grandma today!  We played Rummy, and made up our own rules.  It was a lot of fun. I then taught grandma how to play Roblox.  It was totally new experience for Grandma.  I helped her create an Avatar (which is like a representation of someone on a video game). It was a new experience. Grandma had a blast!  Lastly we had sushi for dinner.  I hope everyone was able to spend some time with their loved one. 

Tips

1. Do not worry about the rules when playing a game with a dementia patient. During Rummy, grandma mixed up many of the rules. It did NOT matter. We had fun, and made up our own game.

2. Try to do something different or new with your family member. We played with Roblox. Grandma was mesmerized. She thought is was so cool!  I did not need her to remember anything. I just showed her what the Avatars look like and how to design them. It was an artistic activity, that we both loved.

3. Eat something new. Grandma never grew up eating sushi.  I think if grandma did not have Alzheimer's she probably would not want to eat raw fish. However, with dementia she was more willing to try it!  I guess it is a weird blessing!  I love sushi!  We both enjoyed California rolls and masago, which are fish eggs.