Mother's Day and Caregivers

It's Mother's Day this Sunday.  I'll be visiting my mom, but I'm not sure whether she will understand it's Mother's Day.  I feel fortunate that she continues to recognize me, and seemingly enjoys when I visit and spend time with her.  My mom has Alzheimer's Disease, a disease that erodes the brain.  There are a number of different types of diseases of the brain (dementia), and it is among the fastest growing health epidemics of our time. My mom worked as an RN for decades.  A proud and intelligent woman, she took care of herself, along with my father, and engaged in no unhealthy behaviors to bring this upon herself.

It's Mother's Day this Sunday also for my sister, who is my mother's family caregiver.  It is a critically important and thankless job.  She makes sure my mom doesn't get lost, tries to make sure she eats right, helps her find things she misplaces, gently but firmly intervenes in unsafe situations, drives her places because mom can't drive even though she thinks she can, listens to the same anecdotes and stories dozens of times in a day, tries to understand and tolerate my mom's mood swings, and repeatedly answers questions including the whereabouts of my father who passed away last year.

God bless all the moms, and especially god bless all the moms who are doing double-duty being a mom for their children, and a caregiver for one or both of her parents.

If you are a family caregiver and are interested in what support is available to you, call The Information Center at (734) 282-7171, and ask about the area Caregiver Support groups that are available at no charge to you.

Family Caregiver's Event on March 29th - Free

If you are a family member who is caring for another person in your family consider attending this free inspiring event specially designed for you, next Thursday. "Family Caregiving: Exploring the Senses through Therapeutic Arts" will feature Michael Krieger a Music Specialist and Karen Barsy a Dance Therapist.

This free interactive event for family caregivers will teach you to connect with the senses, giving you techniques that provide different types of stimulation that may help to improve the quality of life for the person you are caring for. They may or may not have Alzheimer's Disease, or other dementia or disability. What you learn will be helpful in any case. You will take home experience and knowledge about how dance, music and pets might help you engage your loved one.

This workshop is free and will take place on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., at the Dearborn Senior Center - Ford Community and Performing Arts Center 15801 Michigan Avenue, Studio A in Dearborn. Refreshments will be served. This special program is presented by Wayne Metro CAA, The Information Center and Adult Well-Being Services. For more information call Erica Hartman at The Information Center (734) 282-7171.

Help for People Caring for Others

Do you know someone with an elder parent or spouse suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? Taking care of a mom or dad, husband or wife, as they become increasingly forgetful, have erroneous memories, experience mood swings and require increasing amounts of attention for their own protection can be draining and stressful. The person(s) who assumes responsibility for providing companionship and safety of the person suffering from dementia is called a “caregiver.” Attend a free support group with other caregivers. Call The Information Center (734) 282-7171. www.theinfocenter.info