One Year

Hi, Everyone. Tomorrow it will be one year since Mom passed. It has been a busy year. New friends ,  New Job and New Adventure's. Some good some not so good. I still pray for her in my prayers. Than I realize she is ok now . I guess I forget she is gone. Than I say an extra prayer for me.
 One of my Fav. Blogger friends lost the love of her life recently to Alzheimer's . Dolores is a wonderful blogger friend and David was so lucky to have had her in his life to  love and care for him  . Prayers to her and your family. 
I am posting  10 more of the  101 ways to spend time with a person with Alzheimer's. I can't say I did many of these with mom. Maybe a few in the early  stages. It was a such a long illness and she was in the last stage forever it seemed. I just can't believe it has been a year. Time passed a lot faster now that she is gone than it did when she was laying in bed suffering. I do hate Alzheimer's. And all the  caregivers  know what I mean. Love to you all. Take care and Pray. Always Pray. You are never alone.
11. Bake Cookies
12.Take photos of the person and you and create a collage.
13.Brush or comb one another's hair
14.Participate in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's www.alz.org/walk
15.Plant seeds indoors and outdoors
16.Look at family photographs
17.Wipe off the kitchen table after meals
18.Weed the flowerbed or tend to the garden
19.Fold laundry
20.Have a friend visit with a well-behaved pet.

2012 End Alzheimer's Walk

Hi  All My Blogger Friends. It has been awhile since my last post. Just got back from this years Alzheimer's Walk. Another great one. Thank you all for donations and walking.
I got a list of 101 ways to spend time with a person with Alzheimer's today at the walk so thought I would post a few every now and than. They are great ideas.
First I want to tell you all who are still caring for your love one to keep the faith people you will get through this. Keep Praying. Never go a day without it. Trust me without the Lord mom and I would not of made it down this long rocky rode. Next is family and friends. I thank the Lord everyday for my friends and family.
1. Listen to music
2.Toss a ball
3.Color pictures
4. Make homemade lemonade
5. Count trading cards
6. Clip coupons
7. Sort poker chips
8. Read out loud chapters from your favorite book or stories
9. Rake leaves
10. String beads.
Here is a few more to come later.

Alzheimer's In Arkansas

In 2008 over 800 people died of Alzheimer's in Arkansas. In 2009 there were 33,723 people in nursing homes with some kind of Cognitive Impairment  in Arkansas. And this is not just a sign of old age this is a disease. Here are the Quick facts around the Nation.

• 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease.
• One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's disease.
• Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
• More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care valued at $210 billion for persons with Alzheimer's and other dementia's.
• Payments for care are estimated to be $200 billion in the United States in 2012

I don't have the figures for 2011-2012 in Arkansas but they are rising not falling. It is not getting better. We need to find a cure . We need to find a medicine that will slow it down . Stop it . Wipe it out completely . To get these things we need money. Our local walk is getting close . Sept is just around the corner now. Please donate. Remember you don't have to donate a lot . $1 to  $5  Any amount. It all adds up to lots of money.   Thanks everyone who have already donated. Love you all.
Just click on the picture of Team Hudson on the left and go to my walker page. Thanks again. Karen

10 Signs Of Alzheimer's

Well it is almost Fathers Day. Dad was killed in a farming accident 22 years ago so lots of Fathers days have passed without him . But he is missed everyday. It has been 8 months since mom's passing and I have not got used to that yet . I am still trying .  And only 3 months till our Alzheimer's Walk.   Thought I would stop bugging you  for donations right? NOT!! I reached my goal of $100 . Thank you so much. Now  I am going for more. $5 goes a long ways guys. Keep it coming. And Thank you again for all your help. __Just click on the Team Hudson picture to your left and go to my walker page.
If dad was here we would be going fishing. Fishing was our thing. Before I got married anyway. Seems like when you get married and work there is no time for fishing. Let me tell you  if your mom and dad are still with you always make time to go fishing. Nothing better than a day at the lake fishing with your Dad or Mom are if you are real lucky both. I started taking my son fishing when he was little because I wanted him to have the memories of fishing with me I have of dad.  Have a great Day all . And since this is an Alzheimer's blog read these signs of Alzheimer's. If  anyone  of your love ones are showing these signs take them to the doc. the earlier the better.
__1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. What’s typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____4. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection. What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a "hand clock"). What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ If you have questions about any of these warning signs, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a physician. Early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning. For more information, go to alz.org/10signs or call 800.272.3900.

This is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association but may be distributed by unaffiliated organizations or individuals.

http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/OK-OklahomaandArkansas?px=6221126&pg=personal&fr_id=1573
Happy Mothers Day ! This is the first mom's day without mom. I was ok till today. Yesterday I was busy with my son . He took me to a Razorback Baseball Game for Mom's Day. One of my Favorite things to do is go to a game with him. This picture is of all of us.  Looks like I was a hand full even back than. Yes I am the baby of the family. Can't you tell? Spoiled rotten. 
At my new job I get to take my clients or friends really where ever they need to go and one of my ladies likes to visit a friend in an assisted living facility. This Friday the facility had a new lady and all the time we were there she was getting up from the dining room table and trying to leave . She said she was looking for her family. Than she needed to find a restroom. In 15 mins. she went to the restroom 2 times and tried to go outside to find her family 3 times. The staff was on there toes. They were trying to get supper served and comfort her. I almost cried. That is the way mom was in her early stages of Alzheimer's. I can't tell you how many times she went to the restroom. Every 5 mins some days.And mom wondered off a few times before we decided she needed full time care.  The sad thing is for this lady was her family was not coming back most likely. But the staff had to tell her over and over they would be there later . Of course maybe the family would come see her that evening. I am sure they will be there today to see her. She will be looking for them all day I bet. This disease robs the heart and soul from families. She was walking all over the place . She could live a long fruitful life if she did not have this awful disease. Her family has lost the mom they had and now she is someone who needs constant care because she will wonder off and get lost or hurt. Please Pray that we find  a cure for Alzheimer's soon. I Miss my Mom today. My real mom not the one that Alzheimer's made her the last years of her life. Rest In Peace Earlene Ruth Hudson.

Sign The Petition

Sign our petition for a strong National Alzheimer's Plan! We are less than 50,000 signatures away from our goal & need your help to reach it by next week when a record number of advocates will go to D.C. to deliver the message that Alzheimer's can't wait!

Alzheimer's Association | Petition to the President

alz.org

We, the undersigned, call on the President to issue a strong National Alzheimer's Plan to help the millions of Americans now affected by Alzheimer's disease, and the many millions more at risk.

• 992 people like this.
• 

  Write a comment...

Hardwood Floors!!!

Over the weekend I pulled up my mom's old  green shag  carpet. I knew there were hardwood floors underneath but did not know the shape they were in. To my delight they looked great. I think so anyway. For years I have been wanting to rip the carpet up but mom said no and none of the man in the family wanted to help. Finally I just did it . The easy part was pulling up the carpet the hard part was pulling out the nails and staples. Took me two days to do that. Less than 30 mins to pull the carpet. But worth it.
Thanks all who have donated I have $80 already. That is great. Keep it coming. Thanks again. The Alzhiemer's walk is not till Sept. but we are starting early this year trying to reach our Team Goal of $1000. My starting goal is $100. With the help from our wonderful family and friends last year we raised over $400 . Thank you all again. If you can't donate find a walk near you. It is fun and lots of stuff to do. Food, Door Prizes. Music and more. Can't beat that. http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/OK-OklahomaandArkansas?px=6221126&pg=personal&fr_id=1573

Alzheimer's Walk

The Alzhiemer's walk is not till Sept. but we are starting early this year trying to reach our Team Goal of $1000. My starting goal is $100. With the help from my wonderful family and friends last year I raised over $300 . Thank you all again. If you can't donate find a walk near you. It is fun and lots of  stuff to do. Food, Door Prizes. Music and more. Can't beat that. http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/OK-OklahomaandArkansas?px=6221126&pg=personal&fr_id=1573

I'm Back!!!

Hello everyone . I finally have my internet back. It has been a busy few months. Got a job, quit it , got a new job , broke up with my boyfriend, and now we are dating again. We went to fast the first time so taking it slow this time. Dating is fun. And I do love him.
After years of caring for mom I tried to go back to driving a transit bus but that did not work out. So now I work for a company that cares for people with special needs. I have two wonderful ladies I work with. One has a full time job in which she as been at  for over 10 yrs. and one stays home . I just have to take the one lady places, help her keep here home clean and watch TV and old movies with her. She loves old TV shows. The other one I have to sit with while her mom is at work. She  needs someone with here 24 /7. This job fits. Pay is not great but I enjoy it .
The weather has been so warm this winter I spend lots of time at the graveyard walking. It is good exercise and I get to visit mom and dad. It is lonely here without them. Of course dad had been gone for years . And still getting used to mom being gone.
 My son moved out to be closer to school and it is just me now. It was kind of weird at first because if I heard a noise I would think "Oh! Mom wants me" than in an instant I would remember she is gone . Guess it sounded like her talking to me from her bedroom.
On a happy note my son ask his girlfriend to marry him Feb 13th not Valentines Day because he said she would be expecting something and he wanted it to be a complete surprise. It was . She is so happy. Me too. We all love her and he is a great son. I am so proud of him and love him very much.
Well time for bed. Have a great weekend.