Comments on: Being There http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2011/11/23/being-there-2/ Development site for Bronx Banter Blog's upcoming look and feel Wed, 22 May 2013 02:03:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: knuckles http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2011/11/23/being-there-2/#comment-269216 knuckles Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:42:03 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=75856#comment-269216 I watched my grandmother battle ALZ for years and also have been working in and around the senior housing industry for roughly the same amount of time, so I feelive seen enough of this type of suffering to last many lifetimes. The key to managing the decline from a family or caregivers standpoint is to accept there will be good days and bad days (tho the balance between the two willeventually tip in the wrong direction ) and do whatever you can to lessen the anxiety of the afflicted as much as possible. If it means not correcting them when they call their grandson by their son's name, so be it. And even if an assisted living environment with a memory care wing is not an option, whether due to finances or choice or otherwise, I'd urge anyone to go and tour a few of the ones with better reputations in your area. You might learn a bit, and can get hooked into various support groups and services your doctor may it have been aware of. I watched my grandmother battle ALZ for years and also have been working in and around the senior housing industry for roughly the same amount of time, so I feelive seen enough of this type of suffering to last many lifetimes.

The key to managing the decline from a family or caregivers standpoint is to accept there will be good days and bad days (tho the balance between the two willeventually tip in the wrong direction ) and do whatever you can to lessen the anxiety of the afflicted as much as possible. If it means not correcting them when they call their grandson by their son’s name, so be it. And even if an assisted living environment with a memory care wing is not an option, whether due to finances or choice or otherwise, I’d urge anyone to go and tour a few of the ones with better reputations in your area. You might learn a bit, and can get hooked into various support groups and services your doctor may it have been aware of.

]]> By: Alex Belth http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2011/11/23/being-there-2/#comment-269178 Alex Belth Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:18:24 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=75856#comment-269178 Yeah, and things aren't supposed to be perfect and reasonable and smooth all the time. Even if our anxiety pushes us to believe that should be the case. But have some faith in yourself, to roll with whatever comes up--that's the real lesson you can give your boys. Yeah, and things aren’t supposed to be perfect and reasonable and smooth all the time. Even if our anxiety pushes us to believe that should be the case. But have some faith in yourself, to roll with whatever comes up–that’s the real lesson you can give your boys.

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2011/11/23/being-there-2/#comment-269176 Jon DeRosa Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:03:18 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=75856#comment-269176 [2] Thanks man. I will cut myself some slack tomorrow. And the kids too, can't have unreasonable expectations for them when I know it will be hard for me. [2] Thanks man. I will cut myself some slack tomorrow. And the kids too, can’t have unreasonable expectations for them when I know it will be hard for me.

]]> By: Alex Belth http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2011/11/23/being-there-2/#comment-269175 Alex Belth Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:37:42 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=75856#comment-269175 2) Hey man, you can only be yourself. If you feel uncomfortable that's no excuse to criticize yourself. I know you want to present a smooth facade for your kids, but it's okay if you don't too, you know? Your boys will be fine no matter what. I'll loan you Charlie's book, you might find it valuable. 2) Hey man, you can only be yourself. If you feel uncomfortable that’s no excuse to criticize yourself. I know you want to present a smooth facade for your kids, but it’s okay if you don’t too, you know? Your boys will be fine no matter what. I’ll loan you Charlie’s book, you might find it valuable.

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2011/11/23/being-there-2/#comment-269174 Jon DeRosa Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:35:28 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=75856#comment-269174 My grandmother is in a similar state, with her capacity ravaged by a number of strokes. She was aware when my kids were born a few years ago and was delighted. They were the last in and the first out of her memories. I will see her tomorrow and my kids will get to see her. We'll hold hands and gather around her chair. I want to appear totally comfortable around her like my older brother will, but I'm scared I won't pull it off and my kids will take their cues from me and will be frightened. My grandmother is in a similar state, with her capacity ravaged by a number of strokes. She was aware when my kids were born a few years ago and was delighted. They were the last in and the first out of her memories.

I will see her tomorrow and my kids will get to see her. We’ll hold hands and gather around her chair. I want to appear totally comfortable around her like my older brother will, but I’m scared I won’t pull it off and my kids will take their cues from me and will be frightened.

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