Caregiver Notebook for Alzheimer's

Today I received in the mail a free caregiver notebook for Alzheimers. My mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers and so I surfed the net and came to the Alzheimer's Association site. This is a really organized notebook and will be very helpful in many ways. I called my sister and she had also requested the book (each not knowing the other did) and she is just as impressed. Go to http://www.alz.org/ or call their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 and hopefully if you or someone you know is caring for an Alzheimer's patient they might still have some. Keep your spirits up, and yes, sing.

Don't Forget the Other Special People

We can sometimes get so caught up in the care for our special bedridden child/parent/friend that unintentionally not give the needed attention to our other special people. I was reminded of this important element this evening when my youngest son (12 yrs old) looked so sad and lost as he sat trying to do his homework. As I placed my hand on his shoulder and asked if I could help, he brightened up and commented that he thought I forgot him. We spent an hour on his homework and had some good laughs. Tomorrow I have a date with my 12 yr old son and 14 yr old daughter playing cards or board games, their choice. Also try and remember other special people in your life, by sending some flowers or a card with a letter inside, just let them know that you care. Keep your spirits flying and yes don't forget to sing.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Here it was very windy but warm, around 73. Steve has trouble with mucus build up on windy days due to all the particles distributed through the air. When this happens, turning to lay on one of his sides (with the use of pillows behind him) for about 2 to 3 hrs, an then repeat to the other side seems to control the problem. I don't know how many of you use an air mattress to help with bed sores, but it is still important to turn the bed ridden now and then from one side to the other to help with the lungs. (at least this was how explained to me from the Dr.) Each case of course is different so check with your doctor. Besides, he seems to enjoy the rocking back and forth by giving me the thumbs up and a sigh of content. Keep the spirit.

That Old Cell Phone May Come in Handy

Oh what a day. How many of you have decided to get the newest cell phone on the market and still able to keep the old one? It might be a good idea to keep it and here is why.
I had just replaced my youngest's cell phone (insurance claim) due to water damage, and wouldn't you know it, he calls from the school office to tell me the new one was stolen. So I make a call,have it disconnected and then find out my daughter's cell phone is damaged, can't charge battery. Yuk(2)$50.00 replacements and I'm not too happy.
These phones are suppose to be for emergencies (my peace of mind), so I decided to check if I could activate the one stolen on old faithful(1st phone) and sure enough, it was activated for free, saved $50.00, and it was time to sing.

Music and Surveys, and Peace of Mind

My reasoning for this blog is in hopes to accomplish helping others that share the stay-at-home environment for whatever their reasons, pass on opportunities/deals I stumble on, and to make friends. There are times when we can feel left out on certain social functions, but let's keep our sense of humor and passion for what we need to do.
On my first post I had mentioned the wonderful singing voice I have (ha-ha). Well my two younger children (14 and 12), since Christmas, no longer run to save their ear drums. Now it is time to give you a good laugh. The 12 yr old wanted an MP3 player the 14 year old wanted an IPod, I had no idea what they were talking about so I went on line and looked at them and thought great, small radios and so that was their big presents. Shock, not radios, devices that required downloads and who knows what else (still learning). Well I did find some great sites, for the MP3 downloads. Click Here! and for the IPod (wow - things this little item can do) found ITunes site and presto. What a difference for all, now they are happy, I am happy, and Steve still gives the rat face, plus able to stay in budget.
Also, to pass the time away, I decided to try on-line surveys, no I am not making a lot of money, but having fun in wondering if my opinions might help in some way. So I thought maybe some of you might like to try and make some extra spending money, voice your opinions, and stay on top of the ever changing world out there. It is fun and some people do make money, I am just not one of them (yet) maybe you might want to try, that is up to you Click Here!
Remember to keep your sense of humor, let the emotions roll, and now and then sing out loud your favorite tunes.

Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way

Life can throw many curves and being able to adjust quickly is a necessity. Have you ever gotten tired of people saying "I don't know how you do it!" I am so sick of that phrase. Taking care of my children is a joy and taking care of Steve is a treasure.

Now you ask, who is Steve? He is my 23 year old step-son who was in a car accident 3-1/2 years ago, leaving him in a semi-comatose, semi-vegetative state and we care for him at home. There are a lot of you who take care of your love one's at home and can understand the multiple emotions one experiences everyday. Don't run away from these emotions, learn to let them flow and use them for building up new energy, beliefs, strengths.

I have learned a lot of ways to overcome issues of bed sores, feeding tubes, and giving more than just a sponge bath to Steve. Talking, laughing, crying, it is okay to do this with your love one. At least in Steve's case he does give a response to these activities in what I call his Rat Face. He puckers up his lips and looks like he is about to nibble away. Can any of you sing, at least carry a note? I can't but I sing anyway, and here comes that face, maybe that off note will help his brain connect to say "enough already". (My younger children cover their ears and leave the room begging me to turn on the radio.)

No, I wouldn't have it any other way, taking care of Steve isn't a chore or a burden. My younger children also keep me going and ensure life is never dull.