Create some fabulous memories today. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Make time to listen to the memories. Dementia and Alzheimer’s rob the memories and today may be the last time you hear the story. Drag out the photo albums or memory books. Take time to identify people in the photos. Record stories – record them singing or just talking. There will come a day when you’ll want to hear their voice again….

Help someone see their heart’s worth today.

Tell someone “thank you,” today.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He’s excited about the prospects of a large vegetable garden and is looking forward to watching things grow and harvesting fresh veggies and some fruits throughout the summer and maybe into the fall months. He’s antsy and wants to go get things going now — but the snow is still covering the ground and the area we’ve picked out to expand the garden needs to thaw another foot down and have lots of TLC before anything can go into the ground. It was fun to see his enthusiasm for a project he has lots of say in. The list for seeds and starts is long! Hoping there will be room for everything he wants to plant! There are plans to pick up some additional seeds this coming weekend — and made plans to pick up the starts from the garden center later this month or early next month. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates and the ground thaws and we can get the prep work done – for a successful growing season that will keep him busy and happy!

Be a bright spot in the world today!

SEE. BE. DO!  (image credit:  Brian Crane)

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Independent decisions. Making choices and following through on his decisions has been a significant support to his well-being. Whether it’s choices for meals, what to wear, when to take a bath or shower or go to bed, etc. Even making a change to what might have been a part of his regular routine may be in his best interest and safety. All done this past week with blessings from all of us as he decided to re-structure a couple of areas in his routine. He’s generally open to suggestions, however, the final decision is his as long as his safety isn’t jeopardized.

Create some JOY in your day!

CAREGIVER NOTE:

DREAMS! Listen and listen some more. The early morning dreams have been the most vivid and disturbing to him.

Choose your best work to do today.

Make it a great day! Look for the best in the day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The computer was a draw yesterday. He actually played his Train game on the computer for a while, and made progress in the game. There wasn’t much frustration during his screen time and he was thrilled that “it all came back” as he continued to play and then save the game for the next session which I imagine might be as early as today.