I Feel So Unnecessary

( Today's guest post is from Hallmark Care Homes discussing the early signs of dementia)                                                          Identifying Early Signs of Dementia We hear an awful lot about Dementia these days, mainly because far more people are now living well into old age. What is somewhat alarming is the estimate that, on top of the cases we already know about, there may be as many as 400,000 sufferers who haven’t even been diagnosed. One of your nearest and dearest may be one of them. So how do you spot the early signs of Dementia ? Unfortunately, the disease creeps up slowly and steadily so that, if you are seeing someone regularly, you might not even be aware of any deterioration....

 Kindle Edition 167 KB 33 pages Quaystrokes (August 31, 2011) More Hope for Helpers: Restoring Wholeness to Alzheimer's & Dementia Related Disorder Caregivers by Michael Byrd My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book has more helpful hints for caregivers of family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementias. It is written in easy to understand language and gives tips on how to deal during the holidays and how to help family members cope with grief. A very useful tool for caregivers. View all my reviews Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a review. Buy it at-

This documentary is about caregivers of persons with different types of dementia. It describes the different types of dementia in an easy to understand way and has the caregivers' personal stories. The caregivers offer advice to other caregivers on utilizing community services to help ease the burden. I thought it was an interesting and informative film. I recommend all caregivers to see it. Two thumbs up.

As I was getting ready to leave with my grandmother for her doctor visit my grandfather asked if I was going to take him to the store when I got back. I told him yes and my grandmother retorted back with- "Well, I ain't gonna rush myself." Everything was fine, her doctor was new and Cille seemed to like her- she did take her off some of her medicine and told us that sometimes older people are put on too many pills. This pleased my grandmother and Mom. I could be mistaken but I tend to think people are overmedicated.  After the appointment I told Cille this- Me: The doctor asked how we're related. She said me, you, and Mom looked similar. Cille: Did you tell her how we're connected? Me: Yes. Cille: Well, I thought I was the best looking.

Hope For Helpers: Restoring Wholeness To Alzheimer's & Dementia Related Disorder Caregivers (e-book) By: Michael Byrd,  M. Div. Michael Byrd has served as a chaplain for over fifteen years to the elderly and their caregivers. He has also been a facilitator to an Alzheimer's caregivers support group. Byrd has taken the knowledge he's obtained and wrote this short, easy to read book as a guide for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Mr. Byrd's book kept my attention and was worded in a way laypersons can understand. His tips are useful and practical. The book is a handy tool for those of us who are caregivers. The only problem I had with it was I kept thinking- these are things I need to do to make my caregiving experience less stressful. It reminded me I need to take care of myself more. I recommend this book for caregivers. Rating: Four out of five stars Disclosure: The book was given to me by the author's wife.