Messages/Notes

 Grandma had hip surgery in 2017, when she fell at her nursing home. When people break their hip and they do not have dementia it is very stressful. However, when someone has Alzheimer's disease, and a broken hip it is very very difficult.

Grandma was in pain and did not understand why her hip hurt her. She was very scared in the ambulance and we needed to have a 1-to-1 aide with grandma all of the time so she does not fall out of her hospital bed while trying to "escape".

Even though I was only 10 at the time, I instinctively knew that writing notes and placing them all over grandma's room would be very help and reduce the confusion.

I remember the morning after her surgery. She did not know why she was in a hospital and wanted to go "home" immediately.

The staff (nurses, doctors, PT, OT, aides) kept reminding grandma about the surgery to "orient her". I told them to write a note and place it on the wall near her bed. 

It was very very helpful!  In addition to having Alzheimer's disease, grandma was very hard of hearing (and did not want to wear a hearing aid). Pointing to the sign reassured her about her purpose at the hospital. I guess the part of the brain, Wernicke's area, (I am learning about it in AP Psychology) that comprehends written language, is preserved for a while (until it disappears), for people with Alzheimer's disease.

Grandma calmed down and relaxed when she understood "why" she was in the hospital. The staff appreciated my suggestion and they said they will use it with other dementia patients. This was NYU Langone Hospital in NYC. It is a fantastic hospital!

Thank You So Much Frances Valentine!

 We are so very grateful to Frances Valentine for their EXTREMELY generous donation of 1000 jigsaw puzzles to our organization!

The puzzle on the left is called Bird Is The Word, and the one on the right is Into The Flowers

Both puzzles are very colorful, cheerful and have lovely themes. They will be donated to facilities with independent seniors who are often isolated and need challenging puzzle activities to possibly prevent Alzheimer's in the first place!

In addition, we are going to use the puzzles for a PUZZLE -A-THON to raise money for the CURE ALZHEIMER'S FUND.

We cannot thank Frances Valentine enough for their kindness and generosity on behalf of the Alzheimer's community!

FRANCES VALENTINE is an extraordinary posh and gorgeous boutique on Madison Avenue in NYC.

Here is their website click here

They sell super fashionable clothes and accessories! 

Special Memory From Woman's Day Magazine in 2018

 Such a special memory! Grandma and I were in the September 2018 issue of Woman's Day magazine. I was overjoyed about getting our story published. It could not have happened without my dear friend Lynda Everman's help! I was happy to share with other families that kids who are caregivers are not alone! There are actually 1.8 million young people who are caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease.

Planning any international trips? Would you like to help people living with Alzheimer's disease in underserved countries?

 We are always looking to expand PUZZLE TIME internationally! Please message me here or at kidcaregivers@gmail.com to become an international Ambassador!

#brazilvolunteers #rileysway #kidcaregivers #puzzlestoremember #dillerteen #diller #befearlessbekind #puzzletime #springbok

Amazing Work From Our Puzzle Ambassador to Brazil, Kevin Aldridge!

 Kevin went on a trip to Brazil and implemented Puzzle Time there. Here are his words:

"Implementing Puzzle Time in Brazil was a success! I worked with two senior living facilities there—Residencial Longévité and Abrigo Mariana Magalhães (AMMA). Both homes were very receptive towards the project and the residents were amazing as well. In addition to implementation, I trained volunteers there and also the staff members at the homes to continue the project. Also, we were able to consolidate all the puzzles into our baggages so there was no extra baggage fee. Attached below is a google drive link to photos and videos of the visits. Thank you so much for all the puzzles, support, and effort for expanding Puzzle Time!"

He took many pictures and videos. Here are are a few highlights. 

If you are visiting another country and would like to start the Puzzle Time there, please email us at Kidcaregivers@gmail.com. 

The smiling faces and hugs are all that we need to see what a success it was!

To view all of his incredible service work in Brazil click the link.Here is a link to the Google Drive

Life of a Kid Caregiver

 Here are some pictures of what my life was like while caring for my dear grandma

I often used a pulse oximeter to make sure grandma's oxygen levels were ok. I learned at an early age how to use one. 

I also took great joy cutting grandma's food for her. I remembered how she cut my food, and it was my time to do it for her.

Many times, grandma did not want to eat. But I was able to convince her and feed her. I was good at it.

My dry erase board came in handy. I learned that grandma could not always express what she wanted, so I wrote questions and she was able to either answer me or point or give a thumbs up or down.

Love was ALWAYS behind the caregiving.