The City That Didn't Forget Alzheimer's

As my mother's Alzheimer's progressed, I learned that it's often the little things that make a big difference. I remember a cashier at a chain store being patient with my Mom while she proudly purchased some festive socks versus a few rather rude shoppers who nearly toppled the tiny lady who shuffled slowly down the aisle. On many days, I felt lonely and isolated as Alzheimer's tightened its grip on my mother's life -- and mine. I recently heard about a dementia-friendly resolution passed by the city of Azusa, California in partnership with Silverado Sierra Vista Memory Care Community. I wanted to know if my community could follow this practical, innovative blueprint since many of my friends are Alzheimer's caregivers. Among them is Pat who cares for her husband Bob. Her greatest challenge today is helping him negotiate the outside world: When Bob was still driving, he was shopping in the Brewster Bookstore and suddenly forgot how to pay. He told the clerk he was having difficulty remembering what to do next, and he handed her his wallet. She took the credit card out and helped him purchase a book for me. This small act of kindness and understanding did a world of good. The basic human impulse to offer a helping hand is the message behind Azusa's dementia friendly resolution. Ed Blomendahl, Senior Community Ambassador at Silverado, assembled a community task force whose mission includes educating the community and encouraging respect for people living with memory impairm...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news