It Was a Beautiful Walk

 The Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

October was such an exciting and busy month – a tiring one for me.  I can not thank my friends, family and walk team enough for all their support, friendship and kindness.

Team HOPE CREW rocked and I know we will come back next October stronger and larger.

I met my fund raising goal as did the team – what a wonderful feeling of love and giving.  Fundraising isn’t easy as most of us do not like asking for donations so I am so ever thankful for the response I received.  Out of 56+ teams we will probably end up in 8^th place – can you imagine??  JOY!!!

Our Williamsburg goal has not been met and fundraising continues into December – just saying……………….my team is still accepting donations.

http://act.alz.org/goto/SharronWarren

Thank you all.

 

Speaking – ALL THE TIME!!

 I was asked to speak again at this years walk – what an honor.  I am grateful to my husband and God for keeping me strong, happy and vocal.  Below is a YouTube link to my speech.

https://youtu.be/7m4K7t3qcX4

I want to thank so many people for pulling off this huge event.  Patricia Lewis was this year’s walk chair.  People are asked to chair the walk because of their strength, leadership and determination.  Pat did all that with grace, hard work and humor.  There were so many behind the scene players and so many volunteers – it would be hard to name them all.

I also want to thank Brenda Perkins and Lane Tolj of Brookdale Williamsburg for asking me to speak the Friday before walk day.  I love visiting with the residents.  This visit boosts my energy level to get me going for Saturday’s walk.

 

Caregiver

That time of the year

Art projects (especially holiday ones) can create a sense of accomplishment and purpose.  They can provide a person with dementia — as well as caregivers — an opportunity for self-expression.

Art projects for early stage dementia are wonderful.  They help with self-esteem as well as helping to fill a long and sometimes lonely day.  I forget about my coloring and painting, as many may do, so a gentle reminder helps.  Also out of sight, out of mind is so true.  Keep your crafts where you can see them everyday.

When planning an art activity for someone with middle- to late-stage Alzheimer’s, keep these tips in mind:

Keep the project on an adult level.  Avoid anything that might be demeaning or seem child-like.

Build conversation into the project.  Provide encouragement; discuss what the person is creating or reminiscence.

Help the person begin the activity. If the person is painting, you may need to start the brush movement.  Most other projects should only require basic instruction and assistance.

Use safe materials.  Avoid toxic substances and sharp tools.

Allow plenty of time, keeping in mind that the person doesn’t have to finish the project in one sitting.

You will be amazed how beautiful their art can be.

So Sharron, how are you doing?

I’m tired, but who isn’t these days.  I’m having some anemia problems that I hope will be resolved in December.  This brings me to a small rant about the workings of physician offices these days.  I’ve been a nurse since the 70’s and have worked in Family Practice and was the office manager in a Pediatric practice for many years.  My wonderful primary care physician left us this year in my search for a new physician I chose one that was within walking distance of our home.  One day I will not drive so this is important.  It has been one stupid and unprofessional thing after another.  My offices were never run that way so to add to a present medical problem of someone with dementia you have lazy and incompetent physicians and staff.  I hear how frustrating this is for many.  Now I’m stuck with more decisions.

We had an awesome awning installed on our terrace and we are looking forward to many more days up top.  My lettuce garden is doing great!!

Early in October we had the whole inside of our home painted – FIVE LONG DAYS!!!  This paint will last until I die – no more of that mess.

Tom and I are both looking forward to a quiet November and December.  As many of you know the holidays can wreak havoc in an Alzheimer’s life.

My sister in California is going through breast cancer treatment but I feel her in my heart.  Prayers are always welcomed.

Despite all the unsettling things Tom makes sure that I am happy and content.

Can this be true?

Your dementia risk is really a lifelong thing.  People think about dementia in late life, because that’s when it’s common to see the clinical symptoms.  But everything that is setting you up for cognitive decline is occurring throughout your life.  As I’ve said before – this buildup of plaque and tangles in an Alzheimer’s brain can start 20 years before you show signs of symptoms.  Stay healthy, eat right, exercise and stay social.  A healthy lifestyle is the main ingredient to starving off most dementia’s.

 

Enjoy this beautiful fall season.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

 

**Remember that I am not always responsible for what I write!!